Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association
"serving those affected by eating disorders"

Community

Support Workers

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders - such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Compulsive Overeating - have many causes including stress, painful issues and body image. An eating disorder is a serious emotional and physical problem. While the eating disorder may begin by the person focusing on food and weight, it is usually about much more than food.

A person suffering from an eating disorder often uses food and the control of food to make up for feelings and emotions that are too painful to deal with. By concentrating on the food and overeating or not eating, the sufferer can avoid these painful issues. Eating disorders can be a way of being in control of the body and life in general. They can be a reaction to an event or events that go back many years.

In some cases body image can be the cause, and trying to live up to unrealistic media images. More females than males have an eating disorder, but males are under similar pressures and can also develop eating disorders.

Whether you are suffering from an eating disorder or are caring for someone who does, if you would like to meet with someone on a one-to-one basis to talk about how you feel and to explore what support and options are available to you then Sián and Sarah, SWEDA's Community Support Workers, are here for you.

The Community Support and Development Workers are able to meet with you for a one-to-one appointment to talk about the issues that are important to you and to explain what other support SWEDA can provide for you.

If you would like the opportunity to meet with someone on an individual basis, our Community Support Workers are available to see you and can be contacted via the Helpline or directly via email on:- community@swedauk.org

These sessions can be useful in the following ways :~

• To Gain information
• find out more about the support that's available through SWEDA;
• find out more about eating disorders
• find out about books etc. that may be helpful

To Take Stock

• An opportunity for you to review what's going on for you around food.

To set goals

• Help to identify the next step for you.

You can contact SWEDA for information about eating disorders and the range of services offered (including: one-to-one support, self-help support and the telephone helpline) at :-

SWEDA’s telephone helpline, which is staffed by trained volunteers, many of whom have a personal experience of an eating disorder, can be reached on:-

01458 448600
an answerphone is available when the helpline is closed.


support@swedauk.org
Email support and MSN Messenger contact ID

SWEDA is a registered charity (No.1056441)
and a company limited by guarantee (No.3208772)