Resources for: Body Image and Eating Disorders and Age 12-17
Eating disorders change someone’s attitude towards food and their body in a way that influences their behaviour and eating habits. This can cause the person to spend a lot of time thinking about weight and body shape, and do things like avoid eating as much as possible, or exercise more than is healthy. This can affect the person physically, mentally, and socially. Reference
See a list of supports and services below.
Beat Eating Disorders
Beat (Beat Eating Disorders UK) is the UK’s leading eating disorder charity offering free support, resources, online chatrooms, peer support, workshops, and educational materials to help individuals and their families understand and recover from conditions like anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, ARFID, and more . Their HelpFinder directory connects users to local NHS or voluntary services, and they provide virtual workshops and training for carers and professionals
Helpline number: 0808 801 0432 (open 3–8 pm, Mon–Fri)
Web: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
Brave
BRAVE Online is a free, fun programme that helps kids and teens (ages 3–17) learn how to manage worries and feel less anxious. You go through 10 easy online sessions with cool activities that teach you how to relax, think positively, and handle tricky feelings. Plus, there’s friendly support from a therapist by email to help you along the way! And there’s help for parents too.
Web: www.brave-online.com/
Crisis Counselling (Erskine Counselling)
Crisis Counselling offers free counselling therapy to children and young people in West Dunbartonshire aged 10 and over experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties. Referral through Education services.
Adults can self-refer with a cost for affordable mental health support. Support is available face-to-face or online to help with issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Web: www.crisiscounselling.co.uk/
Ditch the Label
A youth charity for ages 12–25, offering support with bullying, mental health, identity, relationships, and growing up. Through free online advice, safe spaces, and digital mentoring, young people can explore challenges and find help in a non-judgmental environment. The site also features real stories, practical guides, and tools to build confidence and self-esteem.
Web: www.ditchthelabel.org/
Eating Disorders Support
A free app with reliable information, self-care tools, and links to local and national support for anyone affected by eating disorders. Developed with experts and people with lived experience, it includes a Calm Zone and tips for managing thoughts and emotions. 17+ years.
Web: www.expertselfcare.com/eating-disorder-support-app/
Fumble
A friendly, youth-led charity providing free online resources about sex, relationships, and mental health. Their guides, created by young people for young people, help build confidence and understanding around consent, identity, and sexual health.
Web: www.fumble.org.uk/
Health Talks
Healthtalk’s Young People section shares real stories about health and wellbeing challenges like depression, eating disorders, diabetes, and more. Through videos, young people talk honestly about their experiences to help others feel less alone and find support.
Web: https://healthtalk.org/young-people/
Lifelink
A confidential counselling service accessed through West Dunbartonshire secondary schools, where young people can chat to a counsellor to help manage personal and social issues which may be affecting their life.
Web: https://www.lifelink.org.uk/
Mind Yer Time
Designed by children and young people, the site offers tips, stories and practical information on screen time, online wellbeing and related topics, with content suitable for young people and helpful links for adults too.
Web: www.mindyertime.scot/
NHS Inform
NHS inform is Scotland's national health information service helping the people in Scotland to make informed decisions about their own health and the health of the people they care for. Also includes a service directory with details of health and wellbeing services across Scotland.
Web: www.nhsinform.scot
Recovery Record
Eating disorder management from the privacy of your mobile phone. Includes a log for how you feel, and suggestions for positive thoughts and coping strategies. Set yourself goals and choose coping skills that you think might work for you. There are guided meditations which you can pair with images of your choice.
Web: www.recoveryrecord.co.uk/
Samaritans
Helpline number: 116123
Web: www.samaritans.org
stem4 - supporting teenage mental health
Web: www.stem4.org.uk/
The Mix
The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile.
Phone: 0808 808 4994
Web: www.themix.org.uk/
Time for You - SAMH support service
Time for You is an online wellbeing support service for anyone experiencing mild to moderate emotional or mental health difficulties aged 16 and over and living in Scotland. Time for You offers access to Wellbeing Coaching and Counselling for anyone experiencing symptoms that have a limited effect on their daily life.
Web: www.samh.org.uk/about-us/our-work/time-for-you?mc_cid=00f4aeddf4&mc_eid=abf485ff65
Heads Up Mental Health Support
NHS GGC page that gives reliable information and help for people in Greater Glasgow and Clyde who are dealing with mental health challenges. It explains conditions, support options, and treatment paths, and includes materials in British Sign Language. The site shows how to connect with local NHS teams, find help in a crisis, and access both professional services and self-help tools.
Web: www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/heads-up-mental-health-support/
Get Self Help
This website provides resources for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
CBT has been proven to help mental health problems. This website provides CBT self help and therapy resources, including worksheets and information sheets, plus videos and self help mp3s.
Web: https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/
SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health)
Helpline number: 0344 800 0550
Web: https://www.samh.org.uk/
Silvercloud
A website with courses you can do to improve your mental wellbeing. You can learn new ways to deal with the challenges you’re facing. Courses are available for students (16yrs+), adults, and parents/carers.
It is free, use the code Scotland2020 and an email address to sign up.
Web: https://wellbeing.silvercloudhealth.com/onboard/nhsscotland/
Think Positive
A leading initiative dedicated to supporting student mental health across Scotland that empowers students to access trusted resources, challenge stigma, and build a more positive, supportive campus community.
Web: https://thinkpositive.scot/
The Nook
Web: https://www.samh.org.uk/about-us/the-nook
Voice Collective
Web: https://www.voicecollective.co.uk/
Sidekick (Action for Children)
Helpline number: 07888 868059
Web: https://sidekick.actionforchildren.org.uk/