Catherine Cleary – Founder

Catherine Cleary – Founder

Understanding Eating Difficulties and Disorders

www.firststepsderby.co.uk

126 Osmaston RoadDerby

DE1 2RF01332 367571


About First Steps Derbyshire Only charity in Derbyshire that support people with eating difficulties and

disorders. Founded in 2004 as a fortnightly support group by people who have personal

experience of eating disorders (inc parents and carers) Developed by service users who experienced a lack of service provision within

local statutory and community services. Volunteers (35) trustees (8) and staff (7) have personal experience of eating

disorders. Supports people to achieve sustainable health where they are able to consider

training, employment and volunteering opportunities. Feedback from members states that empathy and understanding of eating

disorders makes a difference to the effectiveness of treatment

2www.firststepsderby.co.uk

Services Offered by First Steps Twice weekly support groups.Inc. support for families and friends. Community awareness raising Email, Text & Face book Support. Live Chat and Forums on our Website. Basic healthy eating information. Creative Expressive Therapies. Yoga and relaxation. Intensive Community support Befriending (online and face to face). Partnership work and consultation Complementary therapies(Eg: massage/shiatsu/reflexology). Outreach sessions

.

Arts and crafts groups. Self-help library. Coffee mornings. Positive Activities Educational DVDs Information for schools, colleges

and Universities. Volunteering opportunities for

service users and progression planning into Employment.

Training and development for volunteers, staff, trustees and professionals

April 22, 2023 www.firststepsderby.co.uk

Light Bulb Moment!

To enrich the live of others by using personal knowledge

and experiences.


What is Needed?

Hard work and determinationPassion and EnthusiasmDedicationPatienceTime to build on contacts and resourcesLong term commitmentCapacity and Capability Funds to sustain yourselfA hide like a rhino!


Before You Start


Community Action DerbySDVSMHFOther organisationsNetworking at local health eventsCritical “Friends”Charity CommissionBusiness Link

Avoid Duplication

Research what already exists in your areaWill your project fill a genuine gap in local

services?Avoid competing for limited fundsVisit other organisations in other areasWork in partnership with others


Aims, Vision and MissionWrite down all ideas without editing or

prioritising Refine the groups until you have three or

four core groupsWrite one sentence to capture the key

message for each groupWork the three sentences into one

paragraph to define your Mission statement


Business Planning What Will Success look like for First Steps?

In One years time In three years time In five years time In ten years timeMonthly Action PlansBudgets and cash forecasts

“failing to plan is planning to fail”


Legislation Constitution Policies and Procedures Bank Account Board of trustees Regular meetings (with minutes) Annual General Meetings Business Plan Funding Plan Registration with Charity commission


Awareness, Awareness, Awareness!

Local Media inc: TV, Radio, magazinesNewsletter and flyersAttending eventsHealth Promotion daysTraining eventsVisiting other organisationsText, email, face bookMake a nuisance of yourself!


Evidence

Testimonials/Thank you letters Evaluations Community Surveys Service user steering groups Photos/video footage/TV Data collection including demographics Case studies Great Place to work/volunteer surveys Accounts and Finances


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Working in partnership with Derbyshire Health Care Foundation Trust

Three year contract 2011 – 14 Criteria: Complex needs as a result of severe anorexia nervosa Covering the whole of Derbyshire

Outcomes Reduction in hospital Admissions & Re-admissions. Reduction of dependency on GPs and other statutory services. Reduction of associated mental health conditions Reduction of people on sick leave or claiming benefits Greater range and choice of value for money services

and treatments Greater involvement from service users Increase opportunities for volunteering


Be PreparedTo take risksTo be rejected (frequently!)

To face resistanceTo make mistakesTo be differentTo bare your soulTo stand up for what you believe in



Any Questions?

15www.firststepsderby.co.uk

Catherine Cleary – Founder

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