No images? Click here May 2024 Are you struggling with an eating disorder? Next Tuesday marks a crucial moment for the eating disorders sector with the Victorian State Budget announcement. Many of our public funded programs and services, including those at EDV and the Victorian Centre of Excellence in Eating Disorders, are facing uncertainty about the continuation and scale of their funding. This situation directly impacts the availability and scope of our services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our organisations received additional funds to cope with a significant increase in demand. However, despite the ongoing high demand for our services—as consistently reported in the Victorian Agency for Health Information monthly data—the current narrative from the state government focuses on cutting COVID "uplift" funding. It's crucial to note that the term "uplift" is used lightly here, as eating disorders have historically been underfunded well before the pandemic. EDV has actively advocated for increased and secure multi-year funding for the eating disorders sector, the launch of the Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy to guide this investment, and a general increase in support for those affected. The evidence is clear: better early support and access to treatment not only saves lives but also reduces long-term healthcare costs such as hospitalisations. As of now, the future funding levels for our sector remain uncertain - we could receive less, the same, or more funding than currently. Should the budget bring challenging news, we will call upon our community to share their stories and express the real impact of these decisions to policymakers. We promise to keep you informed and will share a summary of the budget implications as soon as they become available. Please stay tuned to our social media channels for updates and further instructions on how you can help advocate for our cause. Together, we can make a difference. Belinda Caldwell Latest from EDV NEW Online Course: Eating Disorders and the Pathway to ParenthoodDid you know that pre-conception, pregnancy and post-partum are higher-risk periods for the development or re-emergence of eating disorders? We are excited to announce the release of a new e-learning resource, Eating Disorders and the Pathway to Parenthood. This online course has been informed and co-designed with lived experience and is targeted at those who are at risk of or have lived experience of eating disorders and are looking to become pregnant or are in the perinatal period. The self-paced course provides education, resources and skills to support birthing people as they navigate this journey. We also encourage health professionals or birth workers to complete the course to gain insight and understanding into the challenges faced by birthing people who have living or lived experience of an eating disorder. Share or sign up today! EDV Peer Cadet program receives extended funding After a successful pilot period, we are excited to announce that EDV's Peer Cadet program will now continue until 2027! The Peer Cadet Program enables individuals who are training to become mental health peer workers to receive on-the-job work experience. The program has been rolled out across mental health organisations in Victorian since 2021, and has so far supported 75 peer cadets in their professional development. EDV will soon begin recruitment for new Peer Cadets to join the team. Cadets will be provided with two-days per week on-the-job training at EDV, plus one-day per week to support their study. Peer cadets must currently be working on their Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work to be eligible for the program. Keep an eye out for more information from us soon! If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Peer Cadet Manager Ruth Green at ruth.green@eatingdiosrders.org.au. We'd like to thank the Victorian Government and Mental Health Victoria for their ongoing support of this program. Latest in Community: EDV Telehealth Counsellor Myah recently joined the Be Well video series with the Centre for Muslim Wellbeing to explore the topic of eating disorders. This discussion encompasses identifying warning signs, avenues for treatment, and the diagnostic process for eating disorders. It's a great introductory chat for anyone who is curious about eating disorders and the supports offered by EDV. Watch and share the conversation through the link below. Latest in Advocacy: Our 2024 Community Survey is now open and we'd love to hear your feedback. If you are an individual with lived experience, a carer or support person, health professional or member of the general community, we invite you to share your feedback in our 2024 Community Survey. Latest in Research: Research institution: Swinburne University Researchers at Swinburne University, in partnership with Eating Disorders Families Australia, are seeking volunteers to participate in a research project exploring the experience and impact of caring for a young person with an eating disorder, in addition to caregivers’ needs and experiences. Latest in Research: Research institution: Swinburne University The aim of this study is to trial a new treatment for body image disturbance in women who have a history of anorexia nervosa, using psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP). Latest in Research: Research institution: University of Melbourne Researchers at the University of Melbourne are looking for gay and bisexual cis-men with body image and/or eating difficulties to trial the SEED app. SEED is 10-week app-based prevention and early intervention program targeting eating disorder symptoms in adults. Latest in Research: Research institution: Queensland University of Technology Have you experienced or cared for someone with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)? Are you a healthcare professional that treats people with this eating disorder? Take part in this important research to support the understanding of ARFID in Australia and identify the strengths and gaps in current therapies. How can EDV help you? A reminder that EDV offer a number of online and telehealth support options for the Victorian community. - EDV Hub for general eating disorder support and information Remember, if you need to talk to someone, please give our Hub a call during business hours on 1300 550 236, submit an online enquiry, or email hub@eatingdisorders.org.au For urgent support please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 Join our other Newsletter Communities! - Recovery Newsletter Donations help us support more people, more often.Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation that has been serving the Victorian community for almost 40 years. If you value our work, please consider joining our donor community. Eating Disorders Victoria values inclusion. We acknowledge the the traditional custodians of the land on which our office is based, the Boon Wurrung and Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) peoples of the Kulin nation. As an organisation, we pay our respects to the elders, people, and ancestors of this country. Always was, always will be. |