Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association

Strode House
10 Leigh Road
STREET
Somerset
BA16 0HA

Tel (helpline): 01458 448600
Tel (office): 01458 448611
Web: www.swedauk.org

Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association (SWEDA) as an organisation grew out of MEDA (Mendip Eating Disorders Association) which was set up by Mendip CVS and the family of a sufferer to provide support to those affected by eating disorders and in response to the limited help and understanding then available from the statutory health services.

SWEDA is 'user-led' and based on the principles of self help. They believe in enabling and empowering people to live with as normal and satisfying a quality of life as possible. They are motivated by the importance of honesty, openness, and trust in relationships with all users of their services, and SWEDA's confidentiality policy aims to support these principles.

They believe that all people:

• have the right to feel that they belong and that they are valued and should have the freedom and opportunities to make well informed decisions.
• have the power to change and manage their lives.

They aim to provide resources and informal, non-stigmatising services which reflect the needs of the community, to encourage people to use SWEDA to seek information, support and guidance in order to enhance their opportunities and make informed choices about their lives through the provision of equality of access to their telephone helpline, drop in, community support workers, email support and library services. SWEDA works towards providing a service throughout Somerset and surrounding counties.

SWEDA aims to support all those affected by eating disorders, be they sufferer, family member or any others who care.

They also offer online Messenger and email support, visit their website for further details.