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

Self-Help

Support Group

What is a self-help support group?
Having an eating disorder, or indeed caring for someone with an eating disorder, can leave us feeling very low and isolated. The group offers a place where people who are affected by eating disorders can gain support from knowing that others have had similar experiences.

Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association (SWEDA) has always recognised the value of peer support— people affected by eating disorders coming together to support each other, share their successes and failures, their confusions and understandings and to encourage each other along the road to recovery. In a self-help group the focus is on what the individuals themselves contribute, rather than on the group leaders. The group is facilitated by two SWEDA members of staff who will be there to welcome you into the group; they are there to offer support and keep the group safe.

Who is the group for?
Anyone who has an eating disorder, or anyone who is close to someone, or caring for someone who has an eating disorder, is welcome to come along to the group. If it would be helpful to come with a friend or family member, you are welcome to invite them.

When and Where?
The group takes place once a month at SWEDA’s offices in Street. It is usually held on the first Wednesday of the month; you can always find the dates on SWEDA’s website at www.swedauk.org or call our Helpline. We start at 7pm and end at 8.30pm.

Do I have to attend every month?
No - you are free to attend the group as often, or as little, as you want to, and will not be expected to make any commitment to attend regularly. Some people come along to one session, others use it as a more regular form of support, it really is up to you.

What do you talk about?
The group is there as a place for individuals to bring whatever is important to them as they seek to recover from their eating disorder. We discuss many different topics, such as:-

• What works and what does not work
• How do we feel about our bodies?
• How does it feel to be you?
• How does it feel for carers?
• The ups and downs
• Fears and hopes

Sometimes, people also share things that are significant and personal to them that they feel they need to talk about.

Do I have to say anything?
The group works on the basis that we all have very different experiences of eating disorders; we aim to share our experience and encourage understanding; however there is no pressure for anyone to talk or share if they do not want to.

Getting to the Group
Street is well served by local buses and there is a bus stop in Leigh Road close to the SWEDA Offices.

If you drive there is parking space behind Strode House where the group takes place.

Boundaries
In order for the group to offer everyone a safe place to talk and share experiences, it is important that there is a common understanding about SWEDA’s values and how the group operates:-

• Confidentiality - we need to feel safe so we ask that what’s said in the group stays in the group.

• Respect - We are all individuals and so we encourage respect for our differences. What works for you might not work for someone else.

• Listening -We all have our own experiences and we all have something to say. The group gives you an opportunity to listen to others and be listened to.

• Support and Encouragement - We all need this and can give it to one another. The group is not, however, the place to be giving others advice.

• Pro-recovery - The group is recovery focussed and understands that recovery can go up and down, backwards and forwards.

• Privacy - The self-help group is facilitated to enable us to ensure that the group remains a safe place where the ground rules are maintained. Whilst SWEDA recognises the value of friendship, the group is not intended to be a meeting point for contact outside of the group. Whilst this may seem to be beneficial, it can also lead to people feeling overburdened by others’ needs or let down, and can potentially jeopardise someone’s recovery. We strongly recommend that you do not to exchange contact details with other group members. If you choose not to follow this recommendation, please be aware that you do so at your own risk and SWEDA cannot be held liable or responsible for any consequences that may arise from this.

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:-

Frontline Services

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)