TEDS exists to support people affected by eating disorders by providing a safe space to talk, connect and begin recovery.

WHO WE ARE

TEDS (Talking Eating Disorders) is a Liverpool based eating disorder community interest company, founded by Leigh Best in 2000.

Leigh is an experienced Accredited UKCP Psychotherapist and EMDR Practitioner. A retired University Lecturer, she was trained at Kings College Hospital in The Maudsley Method (as part of the ECHO Research Project). She is qualified to work with both children and adults. She works to challenge stigma, improve access to treatment, advocate for systemic change, so that everyone can access timely, equitable, and lifesaving support no matter where they live.

She has a special interest in Happiness and Well Being and has a Master of Science in Positive Psychology and Well Being.

COMPASSION FOCUSSED

Her team of inspiring specialist trained volunteers work tirelessly to support others. They have all been affected in some way by eating disorders and are aware of the barriers to recovery. As Leigh often says, she could not do this work without the support of her incredible team.

OUR VISION

A future where recovery from eating disorders is expected, supported and celebrated.

OUR MISSION

To provide compassionate, evidence-based support to individuals affected by eating disorders, empower recovery, and promote understanding within families and communities.

WHAT WE DO

We create safe, inclusive spaces where people with eating disorders are heard, supported, and empowered in their journey toward recovery and well-being.

Create a community where body diversity is respected, mental health is prioritised, and every individual feels valued beyond their appearance.

COMMUNITY AND RECOVERY FOCUSED

We support anyone over the age of 16 who is experiencing an eating disorder.  We   encourage parents of children under the age of 16, to contact us for information and support. We can help guide you through the difficulties of this illness, and there is no waiting list for our support. We facilitate two support groups which run throughout the year monthly, a pro recovery group for anyone with an eating disorder/disordered eating, and a peer led support group for parents/family members.

We also offer telephone coaching support which is available throughout the month for anyone who needs additional support.

We support recovery by offering hope and practical, evidence-based solutions.

PREVENTION AND EDUCATION FOCUSED

We deliver bespoke specialist training to workplaces, colleges, universities and schools.

We deliver CLAUDIA’S LIGHT; a powerful session for schoolchildren aimed at raising awareness and preventing eating disorders.

We deliver RESTORE; A transformative parenting programme to support parents while championing recovery for those affected

We attend Health Fairs and Well Being Events to raise awareness.

We organise the only Eating Disorders Health Conference in The Northwest; informing thousands of practitioners and families over the years in the many complex issues of this much misunderstood illness.

We are collaborating with researchers from Liverpool John Moore’s University by participating in a research project on A Neuroinflammatory compulsivity model of anorexia (NICAN).

ADVOCACY DRIVEN

Leigh believes in prevention and early intervention, and ongoing support for any family affected by an eating disorder. She has developed and delivered workshops in schools, colleges, and universities throughout the Northwest. She is passionate about supporting the whole family as well as sufferers and campaigned for years to include the family in treatment. She worked in partnership with the Merseycare Adult Services to deliver the first ever parents support group.

We advocate for policies, funding, and public understanding to ensure that every person affected by an eating disorder receives compassionate, evidence-based care regardless of age, gender, background or income.

We are driven by lived voices and fighting for equitable access to eating disorder care.

HEALTH CONFERENCES

Frustrated by the lack of progress in eating disorder care, Leigh and her team of volunteers organised the first Eating Disorders Conference in the Northwest at Liverpool John Moore’s University. The event brought together health professionals, sufferers, and carers in a collaborative and supportive way, with contributions from leading specialists including Professor Janet Treasure OBE and Professor Simon Gowers. The conference proved highly successful and went on to become a bi-annual event, welcoming specialists who shared their expertise to support those affected by eating disorders.

The most recent conference took place in September 2025 at the Quaker Meeting House in Liverpool, continuing this tradition of learning, connection, and hope and included keynote speaker, Associate Professor Samantha Brookes from Liverpool John Moore’s University.