June 3rd 2020
Eating Disorders Victoria is thrilled to share some exciting news about our Peer Mentoring Program (PMP).
Many members of our community will know that the funding of the Peer Mentoring Program has been a key issue for EDV over the past couple of years. We have lobbied both publically and privately for ongoing funding, as we are committed to keeping the program entirely free for participants. We are delighted that today we can say that not only will this program be staying, but it will be getting bigger and better.
Yesterday at our Feed the Soul at home event, the Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley announced $1 million in funding for the PMP over the next two years. This significant investment will enable EDV to double the number of participants in the program, and to expand the program to rural and regional areas in Victoria.
The Minister acknowledged the success of the program so far.
“Too often when someone does reach out, the right help is not available to them. That’s why it’s so important to support programs that do work, like the Peer Mentoring Program,” the Minister said.
EDV CEO Belinda Caldwell has thanked the Minister and the Victoria Government for recognising the value of the program.
“We are immensely proud of what the Peer Mentoring Program has done, and will continue to do, for people in recovery from eating disorders. The funding is a huge win for Victorians affected by eating disorders. We will finally be able to reach people beyond metropolitan Melbourne. Equally it is a win for the Peer Workforce, and we thank the Minister and the Victorian Government for acknowledging the enormous value that lived experience brings to the mental health service system,” Belinda said.
Thank you to our entire community for getting behind this program. Most importantly, we thank our Peer Mentors and their mentees who have participated in the program since 2015. Your courage, commitment and hope for recovery have shaped the PMP into what it is today.
To learn more about the Peer Mentoring Program, please see here.