Distress Around Eating

How to access support 

EDNE and Newcastle University have a partnership to enable students to access specialist counselling through the Student Health and Wellbeing Service in the Kings Gate Building. 

Eating Distress North East (EDNE) is the North East’s only specialist eating distress charity. We support people who find their relationship food, eating, weight or body image difficult, whether that feels overwhelming right now or is something you’re only just starting to notice.  

Accessing specialist support through Student Health and Wellbeing can often provide a faster pathway. Please complete the online form and select ‘Eating Distress’ EDNE referral through the University. 

What next 

Once you’ve submitted the form, the team will review your enquiry and book an appointment to explore support options with one of our specialist EDNE counsellors, who will contact you directly. 

A Safe and Supportive Space 

Reaching out can feel like a big step, but it can also be the start of feeling more supported and more in control. There’s no pressure to explain things perfectly or have everything figured out before you get in touch. We’re here to offer a safe, supportive space where you can talk things through without judgement, at your own pace, and explore what might help you move forward.  

University life is a time of big transitions, which can be exciting and fun, but it can also bring challenges; New routines, deadlines, social pressure, and living away from home can all add up, and for some students, this can start to show up in how they feel about food, eating or body image. This can impact health, wellbeing, and studies.  

If that’s happening for you, it can feel confusing and isolating, but you’re not the only one experiencing this, and you don’t have to deal with it on your own. 

Support Outside of the University 

• If you’d prefer to access support that is separate from the University, you can self-refer directly with EDNE “Register Here” button on their website Direct EDNE referral. 

• Struggling with an eating disorder? Caring for someone who is? Beat is here to support you - The UK's Eating Disorder Charity - Beat 

• YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need - YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | Young Minds 

• First episode and Rapid Early intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED) gives young people aged 16 to 25 rapid access to specialised evidence-based treatment and support tailored to their needs. FREED: First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders 

• At Newcastle University we follow the HEOPS guidelines (PDF, 120KB)