First Steps ED (Talk ED / ABC)
First Steps ED is a multi-award-winning eating disorder charity. Following the consolidation of services in the UK in 2025, First Steps ED officially incorporated the mission and assets of Talk ED (formerly Anorexia Bulimia Care), creating a robust network for early intervention and peer support.
List of the best resources for eating disorders
Recovering from an eating disorder requires specialized support, community connection, and professional guidance. Finding help for an eating disorder is a brave first step, but it can be hard to know which organizations to trust. To make it easier, we’ve put together a list of the most reliable support groups and charities across the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
If you are looking for help in the UK, there has been a big change recently.
What happened to Talk ED (formerly ABC)
First Steps ED, a multi-award-winning charity that works alongside the NHS, has now joined forces with Talk ED (formerly Anorexia Bulimia Care). As of November 2025, First Steps ED has taken over their mission, combining their expertise to focus on early intervention and prevention across England, Wales, and Scotland.
According to the official Charity Commission records for Talk ED:
- Status: The charity is listed as Removed
- Date of Removal: 12 November 2025
- Reason: It was Amalgamated following a transfer of funds
- Successor: Funds and mission officially transferred to First Steps ED (No. 1185092)
Beyond the UK, there are several other world-class organizations that offer helplines, peer support, and clinical advice for both individuals and their families. The table below breaks down the best places to start your search for support, no matter where you are located.
Eating disorder support
National & international resources overview
| Region | Organization Name | Website | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | First Steps ED | firststepsed.co.uk | Multi-award-winning charity (incorporating Talk ED/ABC) focusing on early intervention. |
| UK | Beat | beateatingdisorders.org.uk | The UK's largest charity offering 365-day helplines and online support groups. |
| UK | SEED | seed.charity | Provides resource rooms, workshops, and educational support for sufferers and carers. |
| US | NEDA | nationaleatingdisorders.org | Leading nonprofit offering screening tools and comprehensive educational toolkits. |
| US | ANAD | anad.org | Focuses on free peer support groups, recovery mentorship, and community connection. |
| US | The Alliance | allianceforeatingdisorders.com | Provides clinician-led groups and a national referral database for specialized care. |
| CA | NEDIC | nedic.ca | Canada’s primary info center with a national helpline and provider directory. |
| CA | NIED | nied.ca | Advocacy group bridging the gap between care, research, and government policy. |
| CA | Sheena’s Place | sheenasplace.org | Community center offering free, non-residential support groups in Canada. |
| AU | Butterfly Foundation | butterfly.org.au | Australia’s national charity providing 24/7 helpline support and prevention programs. |
| AU | EDFA | edfa.org.au | Specifically supports the families and carers of those living with eating disorders. |
| AU | InsideOut Institute | insideoutinstitute.org.au | Research hub providing evidence-based self-help tools and clinical training. |
| NZ | EDANZ | ed.org.nz | Volunteer-led organization providing advocacy and support for New Zealand families. |
