How we can help

If you are experiencing eating distress, you are not alone.

EDNE offers compassionate, confidential support for people across the North East affected by eating distress.

You do not need a diagnosis to access our services, and recovery is possible.

We offer counselling, wellbeing support, groups, workshops and support for loved ones affected by eating distress.

Looking for support for yourself or someone else?

• Support for individuals – read on
• Support for loved ones
• Support for professionals

If you need urgent support, please visit our urgent help page.

Jump to

• One-to-one counselling
• Wellbeing support
• Learning and Community Groups
• Young people
• What happens after registration?
• Urgent help

Everyone’s journey is different

Some people come to EDNE looking for counselling. Others may want support to help them feel less alone, connect with others, or learn more about recovery and wellbeing.

We will work with you to explore what support may be most helpful for your needs.

Support may include:

• Counselling
• Wellbeing support
• Groups and workshops
• Support for loved ones
• Guidance and information about other services

One-to-one counselling

We offer free confidential counselling for people aged 16 and over experiencing eating distress across the North East of England.

Sessions are available:

• Online via Teams
• At our Newcastle office
• At outreach locations across the region including Newcastle and Durham Universities

Our experienced counsellors provide compassionate, non-judgemental support tailored to you as an individual.

All our counsellors are fully qualified, registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) or equivalent, and either accredited or working towards accreditation.   

They are also experienced in working with people who have eating distress and disorders and undertake continual professional development in specialist areas of practice.

You do not need a diagnosis to access support. Simply register with us as your first step.

Private counselling

EDNE also offers private counselling for individuals seeking specialist support for eating distress.

Private counselling may be helpful for people looking for additional flexibility around appointments or longer-term therapeutic support.

Sessions are delivered by experienced therapists with specialist understanding of eating distress.

Appointments are available online and in person where appropriate.

The cost is £55 per session.

Please contact us to find out more about availability and the referral process at enquiries@edne.org.uk

Wellbeing support

Alongside counselling, EDNE offers wellbeing support designed to help people feel connected, informed and supported in recovery.

Our wellbeing offer may include:

• Practical and emotional wellbeing support
• Step-down support from counselling
• Opportunities to learn, reflect and connect with others

We will work with you to find the best support for your needs. 

Learning and Community Groups

Our Learning and Community Groups offer supportive spaces to explore topics related to eating distress, recovery and wellbeing.

All our groups are led by experienced Group Worker Eva-Liis. We understand it can be daunting coming to a group with people you don’t know, so Eva-Liis can arrange a chat with you beforehand if you have any concerns or questions.

All groups require registration with EDNE before attending.

- Workshops

Small interactive group sessions that take place over several weeks, exploring topics in more depth such as ARFID, ADHD and Body Image.

These sessions include guided discussion, shared learning and opportunities to reflect alongside others in a supportive space. They can be online or in person.

- Insight Topic Groups

One-hour online sessions focused on specific topics connected to wellbeing and recovery.

You are welcome to listen in with your camera off or take part in discussion if you feel comfortable.

Topics may include:

• Body image
• Coping with isolation
• Interoception and mind-body connections
• Holidays and wellbeing

- Connections: Wellbeing on Wednesday

A monthly in-person wellbeing space held at EDNE in Newcastle.

Connections offers a relaxed opportunity to share wellbeing ideas, connect with others and feel supported in a safe and welcoming environment.

Young people

We currently offer limited support for young people aged 13 and above.

To help us provide safe and appropriate support within our current capacity, referrals are accepted through charities and voluntary sector organisations working with young people. If you would like to discuss this, please get in touch with our Service Manager Liz.Oliver@edne.org.uk

Support for loved ones

We also offer support for parents, carers, partners, friends and loved ones affected by eating distress.

Find support for loved ones

What happens after I register?

After registering with EDNE, we will invite you to an assessment appointment to talk about your needs and explore what support may be right for you. We understand reaching out can feel difficult, and we will work at a pace that feels manageable for you.

This is an opportunity for us to get to know you in a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space.

Appointments usually take place online, although in-person options may sometimes be available.

Need urgent help?

EDNE is not a crisis service.

If you need urgent mental health support, please contact your GP, NHS 111, or emergency services if you are in immediate danger.

You can also visit our urgent help page for further support options.

Not quite ready yet?

If you aren’t sure whether counselling or groups are for you at the moment, you might like to keep in touch with what we are doing on our social media channels. We update these regularly with information and resources alongside support. Links are at the top of the page

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