Feb 1st 2022
Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) will this week commence a brand-new program for Victorians impacted by long-term eating disorders, also known as Severe and Enduring Eating Disorders (SE-ED).
The SE-ED Program recognises the significant impact long-term eating disorders can have on quality of life, including people’s ability to identify, engage, and maintain participation in meaningful activities, occupations and life roles. Severe and Enduring Anorexia Nervosa (SE-AN) also has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
The program, which is funded by the Victorian Government, is believed to be the first of its kind in the world. It will commence as a trial for 6-months, with hopes to continue subject to ongoing funding.
Program Co-Ordinator, Gabriel Lubieniecki, believes that the SE-ED program will finally acknowledge those with Severe and Enduring Eating Disorders in a meaningful way.
“As someone with lived experience, I am so honoured to be a part of such an innovative program focused on enhancing the quality of life of our Severe and Enduring Eating Disorder (SE-ED) community. The SE-ED community often feel as if they don’t “fit” anywhere within the current health system, so we are so privileged to introduce this program that is focused and solely dedicated to those with a SE-ED,” Gabriel said.
The program will utilise a Peer Mentor model, which has already proven highly successful for those with eating disorders thanks to EDV’s Peer Mentoring Program. Mentors will guide participants as they learn to re-engage in meaningful roles and activities, learn and implement new skills, and navigate community health systems.
Lived experience will be a hallmark of the program. Designed through extensive community consultation and co-design, and delivered by those with lived experience, the program will actively foster and adapt to the needs of SE-ED community.
Places in the trial for SE-ED Program are currently at capacity, however please contact us for further information or to be added to a waitlist for future programs:
[email protected]
For further comment, please contact Breanna Guterres, Communications Manager at [email protected]