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Eating disorder Support Groups (metro & rural Victoria)
METRO
- Watsonia (Northern) - for families & friends
- Collingwood (Central) - for people recovering from an eating disorder. [Click here for meeting dates, click here for explanation of support group]
- Malvern East (Inner South) - for people recovering from an eating disorder & families & friends. [Familes & friends click here for more info & meeting dates & People with an eating disorder clilck here for more info & meeting dates].
RURAL
- Ballarat (Grampians) - for families and friends
- Geelong (Barwon South West) for families & friends
- LaTrobe Valley (Gippsland) - for people recovering from an eating disorder
- Leongatha (Gippsland) - for people recovering from an eating disorders and families and friends
- Albury/Wodonga (Hume) - Acorn Support Group for families & friends of ppl with an eating disorder.
Click here for full list & details of eating disorder Support Groups in Victoria
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Support Group?
A Support Group is a place where people who have common needs or problems come together and draw upon the support, caring, resources and skills of each other for the benefit of all. It is different in many senses to a therapy group, information group or developmental group. A support group is often open, unstructured in format and reactive to group needs.
What do people talk about at the group?
People discuss general themes and experiences regarding recovery. This may include talking about their personal experiences, ideas and strategies for coping with the impact of an eating disorder and related difficulties in their lives.
What will I get out of the group?
The underlying purpose of the EDFV groups is to support and promote recovery. The group processes are geared to promote attitudes and feelings of understanding, acceptance, honesty and positive regard. Within this environment, trust, hope and courage are rediscovered by many members, enabling them to take charge of their journey to recovery, and try a range of self-help strategies and professional treatments that previously seemed too difficult to face.
How often can I attend a group?
You may attend a Support Group as often as you like. Some people attend regularly and have been doing so for many months. Others may come along once or twice. It is important to remember that although you may like to attend the groups regularly that there may be times throughout your journey towards recovery that you may not feel well enough to attend a group (please see Eligibility Requirements). At these times you can always take a break from the group and return when you are able to.
Do I have to attend if my counsellor, family member or friend would like me to come along but I’m not very keen on the idea?
This is often a very difficult decision to make as you don’t want to disappoint or upset those who care about you. It is important to remember that recovery takes time, it is an individual journey and you need to do things when they feel right for you. It may be good to consider what it will feel like to go along and participate in a support group when you may not be ready and how that may not only impact on you but on the other members of the group.
Is the group for people with all types of eating disorders?
Yes, people with any type of eating disorder may attend.
Are there any restrictions?
We aim to be non-discriminatory and as inclusive as possible at all meetings. There is a minimum age limit: The group is open to all persons (male and female) over the age of 18. Also please see Eligibility Requirements.
Quotes from people who have attended an EDFV support group
“I have made some friends which I like to catch up with and it feels good to know there are other people out there going through it as well.” (person with an eating disorder)
“I find it’s a great opportunity to share thoughts, issues, and concerns and to give advice to others - this in return makes me feel better about myself.” (person with an eating disorder)
“I found the environment and the whole experience a positive and supportive one. I will attend future groups because for the first time after this first session I don’t feel alone. I would also like to think that maybe I will be able to say something that will positively benefit others.” (person with an eating disorder)
“We attend to show our daughter that we are trying to understand what she’s going through, hopefully to gain knowledge how to respond - are we too soft and what boundaries do we set.” (mother and father attending the family and friends group)
“I go to the groups because they refocus my thinking and help me gain strength to carry on.”
(family member)
“I attend so I can actively support my daughter’s recovery and possibly help other carers with ideas or suggestions.” (mother attending the family and friends group)
Eligibility requirements to attend
The Support Group is for people with an eating disorder who have already taken the first steps on the pathway to recovery. In order to benefit from participation, you must be ready to take the next step and focus actively on recovery.
The Support Group is not suitable for current hospital in-patients, people whose physical health is severely compromised due to their eating disorder, or persons equally medically and emotionally unwell. For their own safety and for the wellbeing of all participants, these people will not be admitted to the meetings.
Participants are expected to be emotionally and mentally well enough to travel to and from meetings without support, sit through a 1.5 hour group meeting, cognitively understand, and emotionally cope with group discussion about recovery from eating disorders.
Active participation is recommended but is optional.
It you are unsure whether you are ready for group interaction we recommend you contact the Helpline (03) 9885 0318 to discuss your situation or to find out about alternative sources of help.
Who runs the groups?
All EDFV support groups are run by group convenors, who are trained volunteers with an Interest in, and a desire to help those affected by eating disorders. All our group convenors have undergone an EDFV training program, and have professional qualifications and experience relevant to running such groups and/or personal experience with eating disorders.
Groups are run using an alternating roster of convenors. We do try and use consistent conveners for familiarity.
We also aim to have a visiting health professional at all family and friends groups. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or dietitian. The involvement of these health professionals provides group participants with the opportunity to ask more specific questions about particular aspects of eating disorders, and to gain a better and deeper level of understanding and awareness about the eating disorder.
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Support Groups