Help with eating disorders - A Befriender’s story

 

“I was going through a rough time in my life following my Dad’s death and I was having counselling to help me deal with this. One day, when leaving a session, I saw a leaflet asking for support from people who had previously suffered with an eating disorder.  I believe this was God’s way of helping me put things into perspective at this hard time. 

 

I contacted Cathie, at Restore, and told her how I had battled with Bulimia as a teenager and fully recovered.   I felt that through Restore I could give ‘something back’ by helping others who were going through issues with food and eating. 

 

I now befriend two very different ladies. One I meet up with for a cuppa and natter, or on occasions for a Pizza; the other I communicate with via email.  Both have concerns about food and feel re-assured talking to someone who has been there and does not judge in anyway.  It is also inspiring for them to know I have been through similar times, but now food has become my friend and is no longer my enemy. 

 

I would encourage anyone who has overcome an eating disorder to consider befriending. I have made two good friends and have been able to recognise how far I have come personally. 

 

I would also like to encourage anyone with an eating disorder - anorexia,  bulimia, compulsive eating,  fear of food …. to contact Restore and enquire about the befriending service.   We are not here to ‘cure’ or to offer advice on what to eat, we are not professional counsellors. But we are a friendly ear, someone who has ‘been there and got the T-shirt’ and someone whom you can tell absolutely anything to and we won’t be shocked, surprised or judgemental in anyway.  You take the friendship at your own speed. As you can see I have two friends but I communicate with them in very different ways.” 

 

 

 
“I am so glad and grateful that I have been able to join the Restore 'Befriender' scheme.  I have had an eating disorder for many years and have found it a very isolating condition.  However, I can now e-mail my Befriender whenever I want and communicate openly.  I know that I can say anything I need to say, get things off my chest, have a good old moan and my Befriender will be there to listen.  I understand that she isn't there to tell me what to do, but I believe that she will understand.  She won't judge me or betray the trust I have in her.  Nothing I say will go any further.