What to Expect
Help and Support
EDS Plymouth provides specialist, evidence-based support for adults (18+) in Plymouth and parts of West Devon who are experiencing eating difficulties. You can reach us yourself, through a GP or another professional, or just for advice about someone you’re concerned about.
However you come to us, we’ll take time to listen, understand your story, and guide you towards the right kind of help with no judgement or pressure.
Referral Pathways
There are three main ways to access our service. All referrals are handled with care and confidentiality.
Self Referral
If you’re over 18 and live in Plymouth or nearby, you can contact us directly – you don’t need a GP appointment or a formal diagnosis.
You might not know what’s wrong, just that something feels difficult around food or your body. That’s enough reason to reach out.
What happens next:
- Initial phone call – reach out, and we’ll have a short, friendly chat where we’ll ask about what’s going on and how you’re coping.
- Short questionnaires – These help us understand your experiences in more depth.
- Assessment – We’ll offer a one-to-two-hour assessment, either in person or online, to talk through next steps together.
Professional Referrals
If you’re a GP, therapist, or support worker, you can refer an adult directly to us.
What happens next:
- Submit the referral – Send us the person’s details and any relevant background information.
- Initial contact – We’ll reach out to the individual directly to arrange a phone call.
- Assessment and support planning – We’ll assess their needs and agree a plan for the most suitable type of support.
Worried About Someone?
If you’re concerned about a friend, partner, or family member, you can contact us for advice, even if they’re not ready to reach out themselves.
We can’t accept full referrals without the person’s consent, but we can offer guidance on:
- How to start a conversation about eating difficulties
- What signs to look for
- How to encourage someone to reach out
We’re here to help you support them in a sensitive and informed way.
What to Expect
Step 1: Initial Contact
We’ll begin with a short telephone conversation to ask some simple questions. This first call is friendly and informal, giving you a chance to find out more about us and decide if you’d like to continue.
Step 2: Questionnaire
We’ll send you a few short questionnaires to complete. These help us gain a better understanding of your current difficulties and how they affect you day-to-day.
Step 3: Assessment
Once your questionnaires are complete, we’ll offer you an assessment appointment. Assessments can take up to two hours and can be done in person or online. They allow us to form a more detailed picture of your situation and decide how we can best support you.
After Your Assessment...
Afterwards, we’ll contact you to discuss what happens next - whether that’s joining therapy, the Day Service, or another type of support. If we’re not the right service, we’ll point you to one that is.
What Does Therapy Look Like?
Therapy at EDS Plymouth is personal, evidence-based and built around what you need. It may involve:
- One-to-one therapy or group sessions, delivered in person or online.
- Guided self-help and body image groups, led by trained professionals.
- Dietetic sessions with our specialist dietitian.
- Carer sessions for those supporting someone with an eating disorder.
We’ll work with you to agree on the type and pace of therapy that feels right for you.
Get In Touch
Whether you’re making a self referral, making a professional referral or worried about someone you love, get in touch. Our tean ==m of experienced therapists and dieticians are here to help you every step of the way.
