Support and Guidance

Whether you have an eating disorder or are caring for someone else who does, we are here to help you. Anyone who contacts SWEDA for help will be offered a support and guidance appointment with a Therapeutic Support Worker – it’s a free introduction to our services and the first step in working towards recovery or in supporting yourself while you support someone else.

find out more about the support that's available through SWEDA.
find out more about eating disorders.
find out about books and additional materials that may be helpful.
assess where you are and what you want to do next.
set goals that assist with recovery.
help to identify the next step for you.

Once you contact SWEDA, we can make an appointment for you. You can visit our friendly offices in Shepton Mallet or meet with a Support Worker closer to you where you live. You can also opt to attend a session in-person or online.

We are usually able to offer you an appointment within two weeks. You are welcome to bring someone with you. This could be a friend, partner, parent or anyone else that might help you feel more comfortable.

The appointment is normally between an hour and an hour and a half. You will be asked about why you have come to SWEDA and what you may need. You will likely be asked some questions about what has happened so far and how you understand your situation. There will be plenty of space for you to talk about what is important to you and have your questions answered.

The support worker will talk to you about what services are available at SWEDA and what might be the most suitable for you. They might ask about your medical history and discuss what steps you have already taken in terms of addressing the food and eating issues you or your loved one has experienced. It may be that the Support Worker offers you some suggestions or information as to how to move forward.

The Support and Guidance sessions are free of charge.

If you would like the opportunity to meet with someone on an individual basis, please get in touch to discuss your options.

After you first get in touch with SWEDA, you will be contacted by one of our Therapeutic Support Workers, who work in your area.

They will then arrange a Support & Guidance session to talk to you about what you are going through and what services SWEDA might be able to offer you. For more information on what will happen during this appointment, please click here.

Our Therapeutic Support Workers work closely with colleges and sixth forms throughout Somerset and can therefore provide support to you whilst at college. If you have concerns about your eating and would like to speak to someone, please contact your student support team or contact us directly to arrange a visit.