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Inspiring Journeys: A Glimpse into Recovery with Beat Lived Experience Ambassador Claire and the Impact of Support Groups at NEEDS(Scotland)

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This month, our NEEDS(Scotland) community was fortunate to welcome Claire, a Beat Lived Experience Ambassador, who generously shared her inspiring journey toward recovery. Claire’s presence was a catalyst for meaningful conversations, sparking introspection and inspiration among both individuals personally challenged by eating disorders and their dedicated caregivers.

Claire, with unwavering honesty, walked us through the twists and turns of her recovery journey, creating a space where everyone felt comfortable asking questions. Her openness was a powerful reminder of the importance of sharing these stories, turning them into beacons of hope for those navigating their own paths to wellness.

We extend our gratitude to Beat for training and supporting such remarkable individuals. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with four Beat Young Ambassadors who, as volunteer facilitators, have become beacons of hope for our group members and carers alike.

At NEEDS(Scotland), we meet on the first Monday of each month at the Macrobin Centre, Royal Cornhill Hospital. As a grassroots charity, we offer face-to-face sessions for adults facing eating disorders and also carers of both adults and young people. Our volunteer facilitators, who share personal experiences as either survivors or caregivers, foster a safe and confidential environment.

We are immensely thankful to Claire for dedicating her time and sharing her journey towards good health. Her presence at our sharing sessions, split between those personally challenged by eating disorders and their caring supporters, was an invaluable bonus.

If you believe you or a loved one could benefit from our sessions, we extend a warm welcome. Reach out to our administrator via our contact form or leave a message at 01224 557672. This is an answer service, but our administrator will return your call.

Your journey matters. You are not alone.

Recovery Is Possible

Self help at its best

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NEEDS(Scotland) is a self help group. It has been around for 22 years now in one form or another supporting those affected by eating disorders and also carers, friends and families. Many group members have come and gone and appreciated the support they have had.

Over the past few months I have witnessed our group working at its very best with volunteer facilitators, members at all stages of these horrible illnesses and carers too, really showing how self help works. I commend everyone involved for their empathy, their compassion and willingness to help those in need.

Living with an eating disorder is a constant struggle. Our group members understand that more than anyone. Recovery IS possible!

Film raises awareness of eating disorders

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With the much appreciated support of our charity partners, the Trustees Savings Bank, Rosehill Branch, we were able to show the film Seen but not Heard to an audience of group members, carers, volunteers and some of the bank staff. Niamh Allen and our own Katie Bedford, who were involved in the making of the film, gave a short introduction and detailed the developments since the film was made. These include funding to show the film in Lothian schools and following the positive feedback, a film for young people is to be made. The team have also developed leaflets on eating disorders for distribution in GP practices.

The film highlighted a variety of eating disorders, with both male and females featured discussing their experiences and recovery. There was some very clever imagery and time for the audience to think about what they had seen.

The film was very well received by our audience who felt it was very informative and sensitively done. It was followed with a very lively discussion afterwards and refreshments.

Many thanks to Niamh and Katie for giving up their free time to show the film.

Lucy’s Recovery – An Inspiration video

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One of our group members recommended this short video from Beat. It can help support motivation towards recovery. It features lots of positive quotes and is very uplifting.