Eating Matters

Eating Matters is a Norfolk-based charity offering specialist counselling for individuals experiencing disordered eating who may not meet the threshold for NHS Community Eating Disorder Services. The organisation plays a critical role in early intervention — helping individuals understand and address the root causes of their eating behaviours and empowering them to make healthier choices. Their work leads to improved physical and mental health outcomes and significantly reduces the long-term impact of eating difficulties.

In the past six months alone, Eating Matters has received over 400 referrals, with more than half (56%) relating to young people aged 11 to 25. Thanks to their early intervention support and therapeutic approach, 296 people were assessed for support and over 3,100 counselling sessions were delivered.

Impact of the David Riddell Memorial CIO Grant

In August 2024, the David Riddell Memorial CIO awarded £10,000 to Eating Matters. This funding supported 185 counselling sessions for young people who self-referred — those who may not have had access to any other form of support.

This non-statutory funding has enabled Eating Matters to stay accessible to all, regardless of financial means, ensuring timely support and helping to reduce their waiting list from 20 weeks to 12 weeks. It has also allowed the organisation to continue growing, hiring more specialist counsellors, and investing in a robust student placement and mentoring programme that helps future-proof the service.

A Safe Space that Transforms Lives

The counselling provided through this funding has had a profound and lasting effect on the lives of many young people:

  • ‘Counselling has given me my freedom back… I've unpicked my past and present experiences - I can now let go and move on with optimism and hope.’

  • ‘I was able to make the connection that my eating disorder was a form of self-punishment. I went from being unable to leave my home to attending a big open-air concert. Counselling before has always focused on a single issue. This holistic approach has helped me heal wounds that I thought would never be healed.’

  • ‘This has been the first piece of 'work' that has ever felt helpful to me, the first safe space and the first safe person too… which has helped my confidence.’

These reflections illustrate how powerful early and accessible, therapeutic intervention can be, making personal transformations possible. The ability to work through trauma, regulate emotions, and rebuild self-esteem has not only improved their relationship with food, but also with themselves and their loved ones.

Learn More

To find out more about the charity and the vital support they offer visit the Eating Matters website.