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

Supported

Self-Help Group

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 images seen in the media.

More females than males have an eating disorder, but males are under similar pressures and can also develop eating disorders.

What is Supported Self-Help?

This group will give you the opportunity to work consistently over the course of a year on the issues underlying your eating disorder.

Issues that we will be exploring include:-

The group facilitators will be SWEDA volunteers who have had personal experience of eating disorders and/or counselling and group work skills training.

What is the structure?

We will meet in weekly blocks of 12 sessions at a time, with breaks in between. There will also be some work to do between sessions.

What support is there?

Group members will be encouraged to support one another through this process. In addition, each person will meet on a regular, one-to-one basis with a SWEDA volunteer in the role of 'Supporter'.

Do I need to be referred by my doctor?

You are welcome to contact SWEDA directly about this group. If you are receiving treatment for your eating disorder from your GP or Community Mental Healthcare Team (CMHT) you  will need to discuss the group with them at some point, and it may be appropriate for the group to be written into your care plan if you have one.

However, we will be working within SWEDA's usual boundaries regarding confidentiality which means that any feedback from the group to anyone else, including professionals, would only be given with your agreement and involvement.

It is important for you  to know that the group will not be doing any routine checking of your eating and weight. Whilst we expect that the practical issues relating to food will be addressed at times, this is not the primary concern of the group.

What should I do next?

Potential group members will need to complete an initial application form. You will then be invited to meet with one of the SWEDA team to explore whether this group is right for you at the present time, and for you to ask any questions that you might have.

If you are interested, or would like more information, please contact Lyn Southway at SWEDA.

An application form for the Support Self-Help Group is available here:-

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 :-