The BDD Foundation

Since 2006, the BDD Foundation has been dedicated to the relief of suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Together, we can change lives.

At the BDD Foundation, we aim to advance education and understanding of BDD. We support research into BDD and its treatments. Whilst we are based in the UK, our reach is international and we are proud to be the only charity for BDD in the world.

Together at the BDD Foundation, we aim to:

Raise awareness about BDD.
Advance the education of the public and healthcare professionals, supporting them to understand the nature of BDD and how it might best be treated.
Relieve suffering from BDD through support and high-quality information.
Reduce stigma, discrimination and isolation caused by BDD.
Help develop a sense of community for people affected by BDD. This includes individuals with BDD, their families, friends, partners and carers.
Provide information on relevant treatment options.
Support research into the understanding and treatment of BDD.

Mission

We are the leading charity for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. We shine a light on a condition that is misunderstood by raising awareness, providing support and fostering community to shatter stigma and shame. We alleviate suffering and inspire hope – because we know recovery is possible.

Vision

We envision a world where Body Dysmorphic Disorder is truly understood, and everyone impacted has timely access to support, care, and treatment.

Values

Hope
Community
Compassionate
Dedicated
Pioneering

The Foundation’s history and achievements

The BDD Foundation began in 2006 by Ruth Ryan assisted by Stuart Chandler and Matt Chappel and Stephen Hosking as a website providing information about BDD. It was set up by a small group of individuals with BDD but they were unable to keep it going. The current trustees resurrected the brand and registered it as a charity in September 2013.

Today, we have a Head of Operations to help run the day-to-day operations, a People and Projects Manager, E-helpline Manager and E-Helpline Coordinator as well as an excellent group of volunteers.

Since 2006, we have achieved the following:

An up-to-date, informative and well-maintained website, servicing people from across the world.
An active social media presence with a strong following.
Working with the media to raise awareness.
A growing number of support groups, also run online
Three Conferences held in central London (2015, 2016, 2019). 2015 was the World’s First International Conference on BDD.
A virtual Conference held online during the pandemic in conjunction with OCDAction (2021)
Eye-catching and informative films on BDD: ‘Because I’m Ugly‘ (2019) and ‘You are Not Alone‘ (2015)
Shortlisted for RCPSYCH Communicator of the Year Award 2016 and for Mind Media Award 2016: Bigorexia (BBC).
Published our first book: Reflections on Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Stories of Courage, Determination and Hope.
A Pilot Project developed in 2018 that continues to thrive: Overcoming BDD Programme providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for BDD in a group context.
Expansion of our trustee board, patrons and associates.
Resources created for the education of BDD in schools, although the wider Schools Project has been put on hold due to the global pandemic.
The Beating BDD Podcast featuring interviews with therapists who specialise in researching and treating BDD, as well as with people who are recovering from the disorder.
Our Lockdown Webinars series held during all the three national lockdowns during the global pandemic.
An Email Helpline to provide emotional support, information and signposting to the community.
An awareness campaign ‘more than my reflection‘ in partnership with the fashion brand Monki.
Over 40,000 signatures for our Change.org petition ‘Filter Transparency’ calling for increased legislation around the use of filters to market products on social media.
Gave evidence alongside Media volunteer, Kim, for a parliamentary inquiry into the impact of body image on mental health.
Hosted in person 10th Anniversary Conference in 2023, bringing together those living with BDD, loved ones, clinicians, students, therapists and supporters.
Partnered with JAAQ (Just Ask a Question), providing an interactive learning tool on our website.
Raised over £5000 in The Big Give community fundraising campaign to help fund our 2024 Overcoming BDD Programme.
Introduced a Youth Website, specifically for young people, parents and educational professionals to understand more about BDD and how to access treatment.
Worked alongside Channel 4 and Miles Nazaire to develop a Muscle Dysmorphia documentary, aired on Channel 4 Untold Stories.

Our Constitution

We were registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO) in September 2013. A CIO is a new incorporated form of a charity, which is not a limited company, or subject to company regulation. It does, however, have limited liability.

Policies

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