Eating Disorder Referrals Surge by 32% as First Steps ED Responds to Growing Need
Midlands-based charity First Steps ED offers tailored support to those affected, with a focus on reducing waiting times and raising awareness
Daniel Magson is the CEO of First Steps ED, a national charity funded by the NHS to provide therapy, lived experience support, group sessions, and parent carer support across the Midlands and Home Counties. Their private practice also offers national access to student counsellors and trained therapists.
Daniel told us the charity has seen a 32% increase in eating disorder referrals this year, following a 10% rise the previous year. “Referrals are increasing every month,” he said, pointing to the growing influence of social media and harmful online content affecting both children and adults.
First Steps ED aims to see every new referral within four weeks. Daniel said, “We offer a wide range of services tailored to individual needs, from one-to-one lived experience support lasting ten weeks to psychotherapy over 20 weeks. We also provide workshops, mentoring, drop-in sessions and self-guided resources to ensure people get help quickly.”
Daniel stressed the importance of personalised care, explaining that “there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to eating disorders.” He emphasised that the charity is continually developing new services to meet changing needs.
On disparities between adult and children’s services, Daniel said it remains a long-standing issue but welcomed a recent audit that offers new insights. “Sharing data nationally helps us identify gaps and work with local NHS teams to improve and expand support,” he added.
When asked what it will take to reduce waiting times nationwide, Daniel said collaboration is key. “We don’t work alone — we partner with the NHS, other charities, and national organisations like Beat to share data and campaign for change. It will take time, but the power of charity and community gives me hope.”
Daniel also spoke candidly about his own experience with bulimia. “I lived with bulimia for over 10 years and couldn’t find support. When a charity finally stepped in, it changed my life. My message to anyone struggling is to take that first step — reach out, and we’ll take care of the rest.”
He concluded, “There is plenty of support out there across the country. No one has to face this alone.”