Catherine Cleary – Founder Understanding Eating Difficulties and Disorders Osmaston Road Derby DE1 2RF

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 , 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 10 May 2015www.firststepsderby.co.uk

Light Bulb Moment! To enrich the live of others by using personal knowledge and experiences.

What is Needed? Hard work and determination Passion and Enthusiasm Dedication Patience Time to build on contacts and resources Long term commitment Capacity and Capability Funds to sustain yourself A hide like a rhino!

Before You Start Community Action Derby SDVSMHF Other organisations Networking at local health events Critical “Friends” Charity Commission Business Link

Avoid Duplication Research what already exists in your area Will your project fill a genuine gap in local services? Avoid competing for limited funds Visit other organisations in other areas Work in partnership with others

Aims, Vision and Mission Write down all ideas without editing or prioritising Refine the groups until you have three or four core groups Write one sentence to capture the key message for each group Work 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 time Monthly Action Plans Budgets 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, magazines Newsletter and flyers Attending events Health Promotion days Training events Visiting other organisations Text, , face book Make 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

13 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 Prepared To take risks To be rejected (frequently!) To face resistance To make mistakes To be different To bare your soul To stand up for what you believe in

Any Questions? 15www.firststepsderby.co.uk