Catherine Cleary – Founder
Understanding Eating Difficulties and Disorders
www.firststepsderby.co.uk
126 Osmaston RoadDerby
DE1 2RF01332 367571
www.firststepsderby.co.uk
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
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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.
www.firststepsderby.co.uk
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!
www.firststepsderby.co.uk
Before You Start
www.firststepsderby.co.uk
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
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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
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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”
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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
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Awareness, Awareness, Awareness!
Local Media inc: TV, Radio, magazinesNewsletter and flyersAttending eventsHealth Promotion daysTraining eventsVisiting other organisationsText, email, face bookMake a nuisance of yourself!
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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
www.firststepsderby.co.uk
Be PreparedTo take risksTo be rejected (frequently!)
To face resistanceTo make mistakesTo be differentTo bare your soulTo stand up for what you believe in
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Any Questions?
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