First Steps ED, a grassroots charity preventing and addressing sexual exploitation across the UK, is poised to grow. This decision was made as a direct response to a significant increase in referrals for eating disorders. The now-people-powered organization is committed to building its capacity by 2026. They still plan to eventually reach 4,000 people annually, up from the 3,000 they’re currently seeing.
The pace at which cases of eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia, have spiked has been especially staggering. Non-profits such as First Step ED and Beat have done studies which show these frightening numbers. Between 1.25 million and 3.4 million in the UK suffer from eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Finally, greater awareness is allowing everyone to recognize eating disorders in men. Research consistently finds men make up only 20 to 25 percent of all diagnosed cases.
First Steps ED declared a 10% increase across the board of referrals to its NHS and private services for 2024. This increase is further evidence of the growing demand for their critical support. This increase is in line with a 2023 NHS England polling survey. The survey showed the worst growth in eating difficulties with youths post-Covid-19 fallout. Previous surveys in this population, which predate 2020, found significantly lower rates of these issues among this demographic.
Tilly Wiggins, who has dealt with eating challenges their entire life, is an example of the charity’s success. Diagnosed with anorexia nervosa in 2021, Wiggins has lived through both binge and restrictive eating. Now in recovery, they are preparing for what promises to be an exhilarating bungee jump this summer. They need your help to make their dream a reality!
“The hardest part of recovery is talking to somebody. It’s so difficult to admit that something is wrong.” – Tilly Wiggins
As Wiggins looks back on their journey, they explain, “I just really didn’t know how to escape. Their experience further highlights the need for strong support systems for people in the fight against eating disorders.
First Steps ED is preparing for the upcoming expansion. It is still committed to delivering support, outreach, treatment, and education that people with eating disorders desperately need. The charity is doing everything it can to meet the growing demand for assistance. Like them, their aim is to make sure more people get the assistance they deserve.
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