About Us

Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) is unique in Victoria in providing a comprehensive support and information service on all aspects of eating disorders.  EDV incorporates a unique approach to the provision of non-clinical support services through a blend of qualified professionals and lived experience of employees and volunteers. The approach and services provided by EDV have a direct impact on the mental health and wellbeing of thousands of Victorians every year.

Our Strategic Approach

EDV operates at a number of strategic levels field in the pursuit of "a future where the incidence, duration and impacts of all eating disorders are reduced and ultimately eradicated" (EDV Vision Statement).

EDV incorporates a three-tiered strategy in the delivery of its services.

1. Prevention and early intervention strategy:

- Broad community approach: Promoting awareness of eating disorders to the wider population through information dissemination as a preventative strategy. This is achieved through the provision of a number of events, workshops and community awareness evenings throughout the year; extensive media activities; dissemination of brochures and fact sheets through the Eating Disorders Helpline, in addition to point of sale brochure stands in the stores of EDV's major corporate sponsor Hairhouse Warehouse; and a comprehensive and up-to-date website.

- Schools approach: Working closely with schools to educate teachers, student welfare officers, parents and the school community on eating disorders prevention and early identification of problems.  Our schools approach has three main facets: early identification and intervention through increased understanding of early warning signs and risk factors in students; prevention - building understanding of protective factors to enhance mental health and wellbeing, encouraging positive role modelling, examining school policies and culture; and mindfulness - exploring individual and family eating behaviours which can protect against eating disorders and obesity.

2. Non-clinical support throughout the recovery process:

- First point of contact: Services such as the Eating Disorders Helpline, and the EDV website are often the first point of contact for many people who discover they have an eating disorder, or their family and friends. Through these services, information and support is made easily accessible to service users (who can choose to remain anonymous if they wish), in a confidential, respectful and non-threatening manner.

- Recommending clinical treatment: EDV recommends treatment options and details of service providers through the Treatment List and Referrals Database, which lists all eating disorder-specialist services across Victoria. EDV stresses the importance of seeking medical assessment, diagnosis and referral to promote recovery from an eating disorder.

- Non-clinical support to complement medical treatment: EDV's non-clinical support services effectively underpin and strengthen clinical treatment through the provision of resilience skills, education, encouragement and support for families and friends. These services include the Recovery Support Officer and Family Support Officer services; support groups (individual, family and friends and/or combined groups); online services such as the EDV Chat Room and Message Board services; the EDV specialist library; and community education events.

3. Relapse prevention and recovery maintenance:

EDV recognises that eating disorders are serious and chronic illnesses which require long-term support for healing and full recovery to take place. We also recognise the reality of relapses both in the early stage of recovery, and in some cases after a full recovery has been made. EDV provides ongoing support to promote long term recovery through the provision of support groups; the EDV specialist library; the Recovery Support Officer service; up to date information and research via the EDV website; and online Chat Room and Message Board services.

What Our Users Say:

Feedback from EDV service users communicates the invaluable nature of the support services provided to people and the profound impact these have on people's lives:

"Thank you for uplifting our spirits, knowing there is someone out there who genuinely cares"

"It was helpful to discuss how far I've come through recovery"

"I felt encouraged for the progress I have made myself"

"(The recovery support group) helped me gain insight into the problem"

"(The carer workshop) was very inspiring and empowering"

"Keep up the great work, you're all doing a great job in supporting sufferers and carers/families of people with eating disorders"