About SWEDA

Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association (SWEDA) as an organisation grew out of MEDA (Mendip Eating Disorders Association) which was set up in 1992 by Mendip CVS and the family of a sufferer (now fully recovered). Based in the CVS offices (The Bread Room) in Shepton Mallet, Mendip Eating Disorders Association was set up to provide support to those affected by eating disorders and in response to the limited help and understanding then available from the statutory health services at that time. MEDA originally ran a single monthly Self-Help Support Group in Shepton Mallet. In 1994 MEDA was awarded a grant from Comic Relief enabling them to appoint a part time co-ordinator in September of that year. The origins of SWEDA's telephone helpline started with this appointment as part of this role involved providing a telephone presence for the organisation.

MEDA's Co-ordinator arranged a large eating disorders conference of national significance, in January 1996. The conference was chaired by dignitaries from the field of eating disorders and members of Somerset Health Authority. As a result of this it was anounced at the conference that a level of ongoing funding would be secured and provided from both Somerset Health Authority and Somerset Social Services.

As a result of funding secured at the 1996 conference, by the middle of 1996 MEDA became Somerset Eating Disorders Association, both a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee and moved to new premises in Street. A manager was appointed and MEDA's co-ordinator took on the role of Community Support Worker.  In 1998 a fulltime Volunteers Co-ordinator was employed in 1997 with funds from 'Opportunities for Volunteering) and we were also joined by a fulltime administrator. In 1999 SEDA's Community Support Worker left to pursue other avenues and we were joined by two new Community Support Workers.

Whilst maintaining its independant, voluntary sector status Somerset Eating Disorders Association always worked towards working in partnership with statutory services the result of which was (and is) a unique joint working partnership with Somerset Partnership Trust. This joint working resulted in the formation of the new Somerset Eating Disorders Service which, as a consequence, has developed an eating disorders service strategy based both on the skills and knowledge of the statutory authorities as well as the voluntary sector expertise and experience gained from over 10 years of active, user led working. The Somerset Eating Disorders Service began operating in September 2001.

In 2004 Somerset Eating Disorders Association became Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association expanding its area of benefit to encompass the surrounding counties.

Further changes in staff and services (including a supported housing project and 18-25 Project) followed and SWEDA now employs a Business Manager, a Client Services Manager, a Community Support Worker, an Administrative Assistant, a Life Skills Worker and Volunteer Coordinator anda Schools Project worker and as well as a core of committed volunteer workers. You can meet the current team here!

Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association receives secured, recurring core funding from the Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (NHS and Social Services); our core services include the telephone helpline and support groups. The Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SomPar) support provides a stable financial base, which reflects their belief both in Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association itself and in the joint working relationship that has developed between the statutory and voluntary sectors within Somerset.

We also receive donations from other interested parties and individuals who wish to support us in our work and would like to thank all those who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to us whilst welcoming donations in the future from anyone who would like to support us and help make a difference in the area of eating disorders.

SWEDA is actively seeking new sources of funding to enable us to maintain and expand our range of services. In particular, funding for specific project areas within SWEDA is being sought from trust funds and other charitable fund holders as well as general donations.

We are based in Street and can provide services across Somerset and the surrounding counties. We can offer help and support to anyone in our area who is affected by eating disorders (sufferers, carers, friends, professionals etc.) our services include a Telephone Helpline and Counselling Service amongst others.

SWEDA is based on the principles of self help, we believe in enabling and empowering people to live with as normal and satisfying a quality of life as possible. We are motivated by the importance of honesty, openness, and trust in relationships with all users of our services, and SWEDA's confidentiality policy aims to support these principles.

We believe that all people:

· have the right to feel that they belong and that they are valued
· should have the freedom and opportunities to make well informed decisions
· have the power to change and manage their lives

We aim to provide resources and informal, non-stigmatising services which reflect the needs of the community. We aim to encourage people to use SWEDA to seek information, support and guidance in order to enhance their opportunities and make informed choices about their lives through the provision of equality of access to our telephone helpline, drop in, Community Support Workers and library services.

Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association aims to support all those affected by eating disorders, be they sufferer, family member or any others who care.

At SWEDA we believe all people are unique and have a valid contribution to make. Our aim is to create a non-judgmental environment that supports individuals and their families regardless of their mental and/or physical health, race, culture, gender, age, ability, spiritual belief, or sexual orientation.

"Somerset is unique in having a joint working partnership, which has developed an eating disorders service strategy based on the experience of both the voluntary and statutory sectors. An estimated 5000 people in Somerset have a clinical eating disorder; a further 5000 have an eating disorder that has a significant impact on their life and health. This includes women of all ages, the majority being between 14 - 35 years of age. Around 10% of sufferers are male. Eating disorders are a severe and enduring mental illness, with the highest suicide and co-morbidity rates in mental health. Eating disorders impact on family and friends of sufferers so the real figure for need is around 50,000 in Somerset. These are the people SWEDA exists to serve."
Extract from Somerset Eating Disorders Association's 'Case for Support' ~ P. Roche, 2001.

SWEDA aims to meet its aims by:

• providing support and services for those with an eating disorders, and for those who care for and about them
• influencing policy and interventions through networking, training and educating
• offering opportunities for those in recovery to gain skills and build confidence
• and through these to encourage, enable and support people as they improve their quality of life.

Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association is a registered charity (N^o.1056441) and a company limited by guarantee (N^o.3208772). SWEDA is managed by a dedicated board of Trustees and a steering committee comprising service users and volunteers which has been in existance and helped to direct MEDA, SEDA and SWEDA since the organisation began.

Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association is proud to have as its Patrons: ~

Dr Hugh Herzig, Consultant Psychiatrist in Eating Disorders
Councillor Anthony Robbins
Kate Williams, BSc, SRD, Dip ADP - Chief Dietician
Dr. Alex Yellowlees, BSc, M.B.ChB., M.R.C. Psych., M.Phil. - Consultant Psychiatrist

If you have any questions about SWEDA, would like to volunteer with us or are interested in becoming a trustee or joining the Steering Committee then please do contact us.

If you would like to make a donation or become involved with fundraising the you can telephone SWEDA's Manager at SWEDA on 01458 448611, write to SWEDA, Strode House, 10 Leigh Road, Street BA16 OHA or email paula@swedauk.org.