January 14th 2020

Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) is excited to announce that the Victorian Government is supporting the expansion and creation of additional support services for our community in 2021.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Mental Health, James Merlino, announced the additional $500,000 funding today.

The funding for EDV will go towards the following initiatives:

• Further support of our NEW intensive 1:1 Carer Coaching Program. The program received initial funding at the end of 2020 and will now expand to allow for greater capacity. Carer coaching will enable parents who have children with eating disorders to receive peer support from fellow care givers who have experience supporting a child through recovery. The program will also include a weekly online support group for parents/families with newly diagnosed children who are currently waiting to access treatment in the public health system.
• Expansion of our Patient Pathways Telehealth Nurse Service. This will allow EDV to bring on an additional Telehealth Nurse, who supports individuals to maintain and develop health-supporting behaviours in the community and to navigate the treatment system. The program supports individuals to stay engaged in treatment in the community, helping prevent hospital admissions.
• Continuation of our Wellbeing Program. Initiated due to COVID-19, the Wellbeing Program was originally funded until July 2021. The program has been extended for another year and encompasses 1:1 online and telephone wellbeing checks for individuals and care givers in the community. The Wellbeing Program also runs our hugely popular Online Support Groups, REACH, BEYOND, BLOOM and COSMO.
• A NEW dedicated program tailored to the needs of people with severe and enduring eating disorders. We know that there is a significant number of people in Victoria who are living with chronic eating disorders. Many of these individuals are not accessing treatment or support. This new program is designed to improve quality of life for these individuals by proving activity and opportunities for social connection.

EDV CEO Belinda Caldwell said that the challenges of 2020 will have ongoing implications for people impacted by eating disorders.

“While the journey into an eating disorder can be quite rapid, the journey back to recovery can take years. We can make a difference to this ongoing impact by assisting people to navigate their way into effective treatment ASAP.”

Belinda also thanked the Victorian government for the supporting a range of initiatives with this funding.

“We know that eating disorders don’t just impact the individual or one particular demographic. EDV is here for all Victorians impacted by eating disorders. It’s excellent to see a range of eating disorders, ages and stages supported through this funding.”

To read the Victorian Government’s media release please see here

For further information, please contact Breanna Guterres, Communications Manager on 0431 717 177 or [email protected]