Eating Disorders Victoria are thrilled to announce that the Minister for Mental Health, Martin Foley MP, has advised that the Victorian Government will fund EDV’s Peer Mentoring Program in 2019/20.

The Peer Mentoring Program began as a pilot in 2016 through philanthropic investment, with the Victorian Government contributing additional funds to the program in 2017/18. In the almost three years since the program commenced, it has proven to reduce hospital re-admission rates, and is projected to have significant cost benefits to the public health system. For every $1 invested in the program, the government can expect to save $2.50 in future inpatient treatment spending.

EDV CEO Jennifer Beveridge said that after seven months of advocating, the investment from the Victorian Government is welcome news for EDV and the sector.

“This is an exciting step in the right direction for people with eating disorders. Not only will the program provide support for more people in the year ahead, we will also continue to collect data that demonstrates the value of community based care and support using a peer workforce.

EDV will use the opportunities afforded by the Royal Commission into Mental Health to continue to advocate for recurrent funding for this program.”

The Peer Mentoring Program is currently at capacity, with a new intake round now expected in July 2019.

About the Peer Mentoring Program:
The program is designed to address the high relapse rate for individuals who receive hospital treatment for eating disorders. The program provides a step down service for individuals when discharged for hospital, connecting them to a Peer Mentor who themselves has experienced and recovered from an eating disorder. The structured mentoring relationship continues for a period of six months, and aims to keep individuals actively engaged in their recovery journey and out of hospital.