The Australian Government is providing $1.7 million to Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) to deliver tailored support to families and others caring for people with eating disorders.
The Fill the Gap program, which launched on October 9, offers specifically designed supports for carers across the nation via videoconferencing, including:
- one-on-one sessions with trained counsellors to gain the skills and confidence to be an effective part of their loved one’s recovery team and
- working with counsellors to develop individual support plans and coping strategies.
The program is overseen by a psychologist, who will also talk directly with carers. In addition, the tailored one-on-one counselling sessions from lived experience counsellors will help carers feel less isolated and alone.
For further information, or to book a session please visit: https://edfa.org.au/fill-the-gap/
Funding for the Fill the Gap program is part of $20 million committed by the Government to address service gaps identified by people with lived experience of eating disorders.
Originally formed by parents of children with Anorexia Nervosa, EDFA now supports all carers and families of those with eating disorders. It has extensive experience developing and running programs as well as providing information, education and advocacy.
EDFA Executive Director Jane Rowan thanked the Government for its support of the Fill the Gap program, saying it was welcome recognition of the pressures facing families as they care for a loved one through eating disorder recovery.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, Emma McBride:
“Eating disorders affect around one million Australians.
“Carers are key to recovery for people with eating disorders and Fill the Gap will mean families and carers can get experienced, expert help, wherever they live.”
Quotes attributable to Ms Jane Rowan, EDFA:
“The overwhelming response we have received since launching Fill The Gap is a clear indication of just how much this service was needed.
“Eating disorder carers often put themselves last and yet, they are the front line of care and crucial to successful recovery. This service will enable families and carers to become even more effective in their efforts to support their loved one.”
Quotes attributable to Ms Jo Foggo, eating disorder carer who experienced EDFA’s counselling service:
“Fill The Gap counselling has allowed me to feel validated and heard as a carer and has given me strength to see some of the positives in a stressful environment.
“I was given strategies in how to deal with this complex situation that affects the whole family, not just the person with the eating disorder."