For World Eating Disorders Action Day 2026, Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) is launching their latest campaign to raise awareness and funds for eating disorder care.

Write the Next Chapter: Creatives for Recovery elevates the crucial role of the arts and creativity in recovery.

“It’s unacceptable that over 1.1 million Australians are living with this treatable illness that diminishes a person’s sense of self and autonomy,” says EDV Acting CEO Susie Hansen.

“From our art therapy to storytelling sessions, we see each day at EDV how exploring creativity helps a person restore their self-determination. It reconnects people with their values, their loved ones, and a sense of dignity,” says Ms Hansen.

“[Storytelling with EDV] allowed me to develop new insights into my recovery and the ‘why’ behind my eating disorder. It also helped engage me in the creative activity of writing – a previously strong interest of mine as a child,” says lived experience advocate Bridget.

Recovery from an eating disorder can cost tens of thousands of dollars.¹ EDV’s clinical and peer support services being free is for many people what makes the difference between accessing help or not.

There are several ways to get involved and support the campaign:

• Make a donation – this goes directly to funding high-quality, free eating disorder care. Consider a monthly donation which helps EDV plan ahead and keep admin costs low.
• Host a Big Picture Catch-Up – bring friends together this June-July for a creative activity of your choice, to raise money for EDV.
• Attend F U ED 2026 – Rhys Nicholson’s annual, all-star comedy event raising money for EDV. 19 June, 6pm, Comedy Republic.
• Attend EDV’s Values Workshop – based on EDV’s Discovering the Healthy Self program for people in recovery, this webinar has been adapted for general community to give you a sample of their support offerings. 100% of your ticket sale goes straight back into funding similar programs. 16 June, 12:30pm, online.
• Raise awareness – EDV will be sharing a range of psychoeducation content about how to use creative practices to support quality of life, wellbeing and recovery.
• Elevate lived experience – EDV will be sharing diverse stories of how exploring creativity supported someone through recovery.

–ENDS–

Media contact: Katia Pellicciotta – 0490 660 259 or [email protected]

About Eating Disorders Victoria

Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) is the state’s leading community health provider of free eating disorder care. We work for empowered and safe relationships with food, eating, body and movement for everyone.

References

1. Butterfly Foundation & Deloitte Access Economics. (2024). Paying the Price, Second Edition: The Economic and Social Impact of Eating Disorders in Australia, p. 9.