Community groups for eating disorders

EDV’s community groups are a support option for people experiencing an eating disorder, informed by lived experience. Many of our groups are delivered by peer workers.

We periodically update the group formats and themes so hopefully you find an option that works for you. Each group is designed to run for a set timeframe, in a way that supports you to work towards your goals.

In this calendar, many groups focus on navigating the holidays. This will not be Christmas-specific, and you do not need to celebrate Christmas to participate – there will be a range of aspects to talk about like social pressures around summer, changes in routine, social gatherings and more.

Eligibility

You must be 18+ to attend these groups. Most (but not all!) groups require you have a GP who is working with you. If you need help connecting with a GP, our Hub can support you.

Accessibility

In all our community groups, we do our best to reasonably accommodate access needs and to help you feel comfortable. You will have the chance at registration to tell us your access needs, but if you have any questions you can contact us at [email protected].

Recovery and Reflection

Recovery and Reflection sessions feature EDV Stories of Recovery Ambassadors sharing their experience of an eating disorder, followed by guided reflection questions. You will not be expected to share your answers to the questions.

Connection and the caring role

Wednesday 5 Nov, 6-7pm | Online | FREE

When struggling with an eating disorder, it can be hard to let anyone in. You may feel ashamed, protective of your behaviours or not sure if people will understand. This may create further isolation or loneliness. In this session, our Ambassador will share their perspective as a carer and reflect on how care from a loved one can become a powerful force in supporting you to feel less alone. Connection is at the core of care, and being with you in a way that’s steady and real.

Each Ambassador is trained to use ‘intentional storytelling’. This means they share their experiences in a safe and constructive way.

People experiencing an eating disorder/in recovery, and carers and support people, are all welcome. You are not required to be connected to a GP to attend.

Register now

Art therapy

6 weeks – 6 Nov to 10 Dec, weekly at 6:30-7:30pm | Online | FREE

Our art therapy is a supportive space to gently explore the challenges and emotions that can come up with your eating disorder.

This group will focus on navigating the holiday season, a time which can feel overwhelming. We will use art and creative expression to practise self-compassion, and strengthen relationships both with yourself and others.

Being a group space, together you will reflect, connect and find grounding. No art experience is needed – just a willingness to show up, express yourself, share, and create in a way that feels comfortable for you.

Please see the registration page for the full list of dates and weekly themes.

Note: to participate, you must be connected to a GP. The EDV Hub can help you find a GP if needed.

Register now

Who are these workshops for?

To participate in the art therapy workshops, you need to be someone currently experiencing an eating disorder, aged 18+, and have a GP who you engage with regularly.

How are the workshops run?

Each session is co-facilitated by a qualified art therapist and an EDV peer worker.

What materials should I bring to the workshops?

You can use any type of art materials and tools that work best for you. Examples could include drawing materials, including paper, pencils, paints, old magazines, glue and scissors. The registration page has a full suggested material list, but the art therapist can adapt to your needs, just let us know in the registration form.

Do I need to attend every week?

Yes. The workshops are designed so that you build on your learning each week.

Men's support group: OPEN SPACE

OPEN SPACE

10 Nov-15 Dec, Thursdays 6-7:15pm | Online | FREE

OPEN SPACE is a peer-facilitated support group for men and masculine (masc) people navigating eating disorders and/or body image concerns. We are queer- and gender diversity-friendly.

This is a supportive and affirming space to share experiences, connect with other men and masc people, and navigate the shame and stigma often associated with masculinity, body image and eating disorders.

There will be four sessions of OPEN SPACE. You can attend them all or just drop in for one. Come as you are – no pressure, no judgment.

Note: to participate, you must be connected to a GP. The EDV Hub can help you find a GP if needed.

Register for 10 Nov

What will OPEN SPACE be about?

We will cover a different theme each time:

Monday 10 November: Exploring masculinity
Monday 17 November: Body image
Monday 1 December: Shame and stigma
Monday 15 December: Barriers to treatment

How do I register?

We open the groups one at a time. This helps us give everyone a fair chance of registering each fortnight. We will keep this page updated with the link to register for the next upcoming session.

Navigating the Holiday Season

The holidays can bring up a mix of emotions – like pressure, expectation, and moments of isolation – especially for people living with or recovering from an eating disorder.

We’re offering a package of free, online groups to help you feel grounded and connected at this time. You can drop into whichever sessions feel right for you.

Support group: CONNECT

Fortnightly – 11 Nov-9 Dec, every second Tuesday 6:15-7:15pm | Online | FREE

CONNECT is a group focused on the holiday season, facilitated jointly by a peer worker and a clinician. It is a warm and understanding space exploring how to navigate this time with friends and family, managing expectations, and approaching summer with hope and self-compassion.

This group is for anyone who is experiencing an eating disorder or in recovery. You are welcome to join one session or all three, whatever feels right for you.

Note: to participate, you must be connected to a GP. The EDV Hub can help you find a GP if needed.

Register for 11 Nov

What will CONNECT be about?

We will cover a different theme each time:

11 November: Navigating the season with friends and family
25 November: Expectations over the holiday season
9 December: Approaching the summer

How do I register?

We open the groups one at a time. This helps us give everyone a fair chance of registering each fortnight. We will keep this page updated with the link to register for the next upcoming session.

Gentle movement and relaxation

Wednesday 12 Nov, 6:30-7:15pm | Online | FREE

This is a supportive space to reconnect with your body. We will use calming practices for self-compassion, stress relief and grounding. You can go at your own pace, with no pressure or expectations.

We will focus on mindful movement, with adjustments available depending on your physical access needs or preferences – for example, sitting on a chair, or lying on the ground. Let us know your needs in the registration to help us plan.

The session will be guided by an EDV staff member who is a qualified yoga teacher.

Note: to participate, you must be connected to a GP. The EDV Hub can help you find a GP if needed.

Register now

Webinar: Reflections on the holiday season

Tuesday 2 Dec, 6:15-7:15pm | Online | FREE

In this Stories of Recovery session, an EDV Ambassador with lived experience of eating disorder recovery will share how they manage the challenges of the holiday season. Their journey provides hope and practical insights.

People experiencing an eating disorder/in recovery, and carers and support people, are all welcome. You are not required to be connected to a GP to attend.

Register now