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Somerset
and Wessex Eating Disorders Association
"Serving those affected by eating disorders" Strode House, 10 Leigh Road, Street, Somerset, England, UK |
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Golden Jubilee Issue 2002 
Time for another Bulletin and a look at what's new and in the future for SEDA. The Pen-Pal Scheme is finally launched and I hope you enjoy the poems and stories in this edition sent in by our readers. I have also included my write up of representing SEDA at the Queen's Golden Jubilee Reception in Bath. I look forward to hearing your comments and views about this edition and if any of you would like to have your poems or letters printed do send them to me here at SEDA. Thank you to all the willing volunteers and helpers in getting this Special Edition to your door. Our best wishes to you all, be good to yourselves. From Sandra. Tel: 01458 448600 for the helpline
Tel: 01458 448611 for admin calls only (10-3 weekdays) SEDA, Strode House, 10 Leigh Road, Street, BA16 0HA E-mails: seda@seda.ndo.co.uk or seda@ukonline.co.uk
Web site: http://web.ukonline.co.uk/seda/index.htm Community Support News
As you will see from the opposite page the Creative Arts Therapy Group we mentioned at Christmas now has funding for an initial period and will be running from October. We are really looking forward to getting this off the ground. If you are interested or would like to talk to one of us about what’s involved do get in touch. Over the last couple of years there has been a lot of background work and planning, but now SEDA is at a point where new services and options can be developed which is really exciting. We continue to offer One-to-One sessions to sufferers and those involved in supporting sufferers, and there is now a SEDA Leaflet which gives a sense of what those sessions are about, if you would like to know more. We look forward to meeting with you or hearing from you over the summer, Anita and Dinah
There is nothing nobel about being superior to some other people.
The true nobility is in being superior to your previous self. Hindustani Proverb SEDA - new service
Creative Arts Therapy Group Starting Tuesday 1st October. The group will meet weekly on a Tuesday Morning for 10 sessions, and will be run by our Community Support Workers Anita Worcester (Drama Therapist) and Dinah Mason (Art Therapist). You don't need to be 'artistic' or 'creative' just willing to explore some of your feelings and situations. The group will offer support to do this, and to look at fears of change and recovery. This will be a closed group for people
Let SEDA know if you are interested,
we will be able to send out information and application forms during May and June. There will be a chance before the start date to meet with Anita and Dinah to explore your interest further. Call the helpline for your application form on 01458 448600 The Queen's Golden Jubilee Reception.
Held at the Pump Room in Bath on the 2nd May 2002.  by
Sandra Woodward
A letter arrived in April from 'Voluntary First' who are based in Bath, asking if SEDA would like to nominate one person from the organisation to attend a reception to be held at the Pump Room in Bath. And I was honoured to be nominated to represent SEDA on the day. Two weeks later an invitation arrived with my name on from The Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council. The day dawned and after much preparation at home and I had driven to Pauline's house, she drove me in to Bath. I arrived at the Pump Room at 2.15pm with my invitation in my hand, and was led in to the King's Lounge where I was presented with my name badge which was inscribed with 'Queen's Golden Jubilee' and a crown with '2002' on it, my name and Somerset Eating Disorders. I was then escorted to Table 3, and introduced to my companions for the afternoon, the names I remember are: Head of Table - Wendy (she was going to introduce those on our table to the Queen ), Usha, Shirley, Jascinth, Edgar, Rashad and Val, the other two escape me. Each table had 10 people and I counted 12 tables placed around the room, and one in the middle for 4 people and we wondered who would get to sit there? One of the discussions I had was with Val who works for Bath YMCA, She was able to tell me about the the lady who had run the Bath Eating Disorder Group, and that she was still helping those with eating problems through her Counselling work, she also asked me about other places dealing with eating disorders, I was able to give her some of our cards and to others in my party who were interested. We were offered tea or coffee while we waited for all the guests to be seated, by our waitress, a lovely girl who was going to be working till 9pm that evening I found out later. On the small stage a trio played for our entertainment, the music ranged from Classical to tunes from musicals, I especially remember a compilation from South Pacific (I was probably quietly singing along at this point). By now it was about 2.50pm and we were all asked to stand in front of our tables ready for when the Queen arrived. We waited patiently. I wondered what would happen next! Shirley whispered to me "Do we have to curtsey"? I said "I think so, lets watch what the others do" Then we heard the crowd outside start to roar and cheer and I could see the flags waving, there were even some people leaning out of the windows opposite the Pump Room waving their flags and cheering so we knew she was getting near. My feelings of excitement, sense of occasion and honour were growing and I almost cried when she walked through the door it was such a moving experience, then we all applauded. Looking radiant in a pale mint green dress, coat and hat, black patent shoes and black gloves, she also wore pearl and diamond earrings and a diamond brooch in the shape of a bow, and the most beautiful smile you can imagine. After a few words with the management they then started to move around the room, the Queen to the right, Prince Phillip to the left. They were introduced to each person in turn, having a few words, occasionally nodding and smiling and then moving on. Then it was my turn, she held out her hand and I reached out my hand and curtsied to the best of my ability and she asked me what I did, I told her that I worked for Somerset Eating Disorders and our aim is to serve those who are affected by eating disorders and that we covered the whole of Somerset, she showed surprise at this as she thought it was quite a large area to cover and I agreed. And then she moved on to the next in line, which was Edgar who was from the South West Credit Union and he told her about that. They were then escorted to a table in the corner to sign the visitors book, we all applauded as the Royal Party were led out on to the terrace where I believe she declined tea but was then taken on a tour of the Roman Baths before leaving. We all sat back at our tables and the waitress came with our Afternoon Tea, and Yes we did have Cucumber Sandwiches, but we also had Ham, Egg and Salmon ones as well, all cut to size and no crusts of course. Cups of tea were poured and then a three tiered cake stand full of dainty cakes were served, and she kept them coming and I think I had four of the delicious little cakes but I lost count as the cake stand went round again!! Our waitress was so helpful anticipating our every need food and drink wise and she took our photos with our cameras for us, which we were delighted with. After much talking and laughter we were exchanging names and address's with those who had cameras and those who didn't, so we could all remember who we were with on our day. And the small table I hear you say who sat there? Well it was the musicians and the Pump Man, which surprised us all, and made us laugh again as we were completely wrong in our choice of guest, (I thought it was going to be the Mayor and the Councillor who's name was on our invitation and their partners). When the Queen had left the building we were allowed to leave the table. I said goodbye to most of my fellow companions and went to see if Usha, Jascinth and I could go for a tour around the Roman Baths. As we passed the table that had the visitors book on it, people were admiring the signatures of the Queen and Prince Phillip and I was allowed to take a picture of their signatures in the book. We asked a gentleman we found in the next corridor, he spoke via his walky-talky, and asked for 'David' to come to take us for a tour. He soon appeared and led us down some stairs through an opening in the wall that you would not know was there, and proceeded to give us a conducted tour of the building. As he showed us round he made me feel that we were being treated as special, as everybody else we saw had to listen to commentary on hand sets, while we had our own personal guide. Usha, Jascinth and I had a lovely time and we took many more photos of each other and I promised to send them copies, as they too, like me wanted to be able to look back and remember our special day, meeting the Queen, our Afternoon Tea and the fun we had had going round the Roman Baths together. We said our goodbyes and I went in to the Gift Shop to buy myself a souvenir (a commemorative plate of the Queen's Jubilee) to remind me of my absolutely wonderful day. I then walked down the road to where Pauline was patiently waiting to take me back to her place where we had a cup of tea and I told her all about my afternoon and then we watched the news to see how much they would show of the Queen and Prince Phillip's Visit to Taunton, Wells and Bath. What a truly memorable day,
certainly one I shall always remember. New Volunteers
Lyn and Tricia are currently working with 12 new volunteers in training. Some of these will be involved in the helpline, and we hope to start a drop-in in the Wincanton area soon too. The next volunteer induction training will be in the autumn, but information packs about volunteering are available at any time from Sandra or Lyn.
“OVEREATERS”
Would you be interested in a group for “overeaters”? We would meet for 8-10 sessions looking at how we use food, how we feel about our bodies and what might happen if we changed. There is an interest for a group to run in Wincanton which is fairly easy to get to from most of the Mendip and South Somerset areas. The group would be another Autumn starter, and will be facilitated by Tricia. Let her know if you want more details, via the helpline please. 
Would you like to write to someone in a similar situation to yourself, or with similar interests? Being a Pen-Pal gives you the opportunity to discuss ideas, share thoughts and feelings and give and receive support in your struggle with Eating Disorders If you would like to be involved in SEDA's Pen-Pal Scheme, you will need to register with us. To do this you can write into SEDA, call the helpline or download the form from our web site. Once we have received and accepted your completed form you will be allocated a SEDA box number which you will need to include on the outside of all your Pen-Pal letters. You will receive confirmation of your box number and the information you supplied about yourself will be placed in the SEDA Bulletin and the Pen-Pal updates. Replies will be sent on to you unopened. We would encourage you to reply to any letter received within a fortnight whenever possible. To reply to your Pen-Pal, please put your letter in a blank, sealed and stamped envelope. On this envelope be sure to mark clearly in the middle of the envelope
A Mothers Cry I hear the rustling leaves in the trees outside An everyday day, not for me I cried I looked across the room in the bright sun I could see my daughter her day had begun. I could feel her silent screams from inside I wanted to help oh how hard I tried But I did not know just what to do She said She's fine, "I don't need you". She said she felt forbidden to eat It's made her strong I can't compete, I just wish that she would give in, But I know she feels that would be a sin. She has changed so much this daughter of mine Exercising, exercising all of the time I just want you to smile, laugh and to live In the same way as once you did. I love you so much with all my heart Reach out and accept you need help it's a start I know you will be filled with terror and fear I'll be standing so close to you, ever so near. For a Mum there is so much you can do, First, overcome the guilt that is in you. There are many things that may have brought this about. Blaming yourself is not helping of that there's no doubt. Just love her and tell her that no matter what Your families right here they so love you a lot We want to understand your deep sadness and despair So you'll feel supported and know we all care. By M.C. Joint working with The Somerset Partnership (NHS) Trust
SEDA ~ Potential new servicesLow cost counselling service. ~ We hope to have this available in some locations during the autumn. Those involved are people in the later stages of their counselling skills training, who will receive additional training and supervision from SEDA. Potential clients will be assessed initially by an experienced therapist so we can be sure to match your needs to the best level of service for you. Supported Self Help. ~ This project will eventually offer group and one to one support for up to 2 years. At present we are still putting the programme and supporters training together. We will have full details for the next bulletin. Costs of these services are in part met from grants and SEDA's general funds. however, we will have to make some charge to clients. Counselling will be around £10 to £15 per session; which is more than half the 'going rate'. Therapy group sessions and supported self help are costly to provide and we are actively looking for funding support for these. There will be a sliding scale of payment taking various circumstances into account. I'll have more details soon. 
Sit Upons Seats, chairs, benches and sofas. To you these may be items of supportive or even comforting furniture. To me they can be items of measurement, judgement and worthiness. Everything I have to negotiate sitting down I can find I am too huge (and yet invisible) to be acceptable in society. In cafes, restaurants, pubs not only should I not eat (because I am fat) but I have to squeeze into tiny places. Chairs with arms, benches screwed into position so only a certain size person is acceptable. In the cinema or theatre I cringe and endeavour to make myself smaller, covered in shame for my oozing flesh creeping into my neighbours space if I dare to relax. Public transport - cars, buses, trains, coaches, planes. Oh the guilt for taking up to much room and the filthy looks. Toilets become a place of embarrassing severe torture as cubicles are often so small I can only just wipe myself properly. Changing rooms in stores, the gym or swimming, so tiny I can barely change with any dignity. Even church pews and confessionals can exclude the larger person. At friends homes their 3 seater sofa becomes only for 2 and their 2 seater 1 for me alone. People are so scared of being close to or of touching flab as if it is something catching. Memories through the years of taunt and jeers. Adults, society the media teach us to bully and ostracise people, and children learn by example. Swings, slides and fairground rides cutting into soft flesh. Horse rides refused because of my size. My grief at my ever decreasing lap that children find increasingly hard to perch on for a hug. All these things make it hard to want to be in the world. You may think with all this I would do something about my size. Diet, exercise, pull up my socks, use will power. Don't you think if it was that easy I would have already. This isn't about diets and exercise. Its about love and hate and acceptance. Seats, chairs, benches and sofas items of comfort and support? Or instruments of punishment of social sizest torture. Thank you. Anon.
I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have given me their time as interviewees for my research project. Their taking part required great courage and great trust. Without them this project would not have been possible. It is with thanks to you all that I have successfully completed the MA in professional studies (counselling). If anyone would like to read the dissertation (research project) a copy can be found lodged at SEDA. Thanking you all again,Mary. 
ADVERTISEMENT The Old Rectory, Specialist Provision for people with eating disorders, (Registered by the NCSC) has now opened for business in Chewton Mendip We are a multi-disciplinary team with extensive experience in working therapeutically with people who suffer with eating distress. The Old Rectory provides:
Our wide range of services enables us to provide support to people at all stages of there recovery from their eating disorder. Our day programme means that clients can remain in their own homes whilst also receiving specialist care for all aspects of their physical and emotional needs including:
We are holding an Eating Disorders Special Interest Forum on the 2nd July. This is an opportunity for carers, sufferers and professionals to get together, identify local need, and map local provision in the relaxed environment of The Old Rectory. For more information please contact
Hannah Carter at The Old Rectory, Chewton Hill, Chewton Mendip, Somerset. BA3 4NQ or Telephone 01761 241297  SEDA DROP-IN VENUES 1st Friday & 1st Sunday of the month in Street held at SEDA, Strode House, 10 Leigh Road, Street 10.30am ~ 12.302nd Friday of the month in Taunton held at Taunton library Meeting Room Paul street, Taunton. 10.30am ~ 12.303rd Friday of the month in Frome held at Frome Library Meeting Room, Justice Lane, Frome. 10.30am ~ 12.304th Wednesday of the month Yeovil New venue to be found in Yeovil by September. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
© 2004 ~Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association Date:   
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