On June 21st 2023, members of the EDV team made their way to Parliament House to meet MPs and share the life-changing work carried out by EDV’s lived experience and peer workforce.

The invitation to present at this parliamentary breakfast was made through Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Hon Maree Edwards MP. EDV used the breakfast as an opportunity to highlight the profound impact of eating disorders on Victorians and EDV’s ongoing work to support the community, notably in the lived experience space.

Since EDV’s inception 40 years ago, the voice of lived experience has been central to EDV’s work as a beacon of hope, and proof that recovery from an eating disorder is possible and expected. Through speakers Vicki Hams (Carer Coach) and Zoe Sweeney (Manager, Severe and Enduring Eating Disorder Program), we demonstrated the leadership and innovation in peer-led eating disorder programs at EDV. Crucial to this work is our commitment to high-quality peer support, ensuring demonstrable benefits to both service recipients and peer workers. 

“EDV champions a best practice approach to orientation, supervision, safe storytelling, and reflective practice that supports staff to use their lived experience intentionally.” – Zoe Sweeney

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System showed the vital role the lived experience and peer workforce must have in system of care. This feedback is echoed in consumer and carer consultations that have informed the development of a new Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy, due to be released in September this year. 

Thank you to Minister for Mental Health, the Hon Gabrielle Williams MP, and Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Emma Kealy MP, for their support of EDV and for speaking at the event.

We will continue to advocate for greater investment into lived experience designed and delivered recovery support services for consumers and carers in Victoria.