Canberrans caring for loved ones with eating disorders can receive support from Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) for free for another year, thanks to funding from the ACT Government.

EDFA membership provides access to support and education services from those who have experienced the care journey themselves, ensuring carers know they are not alone and their challenges are understood.

EDFA ACT-based Board member David Quilty expressed his appreciation to the ACT Health Directorate for extending the free EDFA annual memberships for a further 12 months.

“The free memberships were a COVID pandemic initiative, and it is pleasing they are being extended at a time when many Canberrans are struggling with cost-of-living pressures,” Mr Quilty said.

“Anyone in the ACT caring for someone with an eating disorder has access, regardless of whether they are a current, new or lapsed EDFA member. Simply go to edfa.org.au and include your ACT address in your membership form.”

EDFA Executive Director Jane Rowan said the free membership enables ACT residents to access the full array of EDFA services, support and information.

“These include EDFA’s carer support groups, carer education webinars and information resources, the moderated EDFA Facebook community, one-on-one support, and links with other eating disorder organisations and service providers,” Ms Rowan said.

“With research clearly showing the impact that caring for a family member with an eating disorder has on carers’ own mental health, relationships, and economic and social well-being, it is vital that carers reach out for support.”

ACT EDFA member Eileen Dunstone said she was very pleased the ACT Government was continuing to fund the free memberships to encourage parents, partners and other eating disorder carers to access the practical, lived experience support provided by EDFA.

“It is very reassuring to know you are not alone and others who have faced similar challenges are there to guide, support and lend an empathetic ear during what is one of life’s most difficult and often lonely journeys,” Ms Dunstone said.

The free EDFA memberships complement the ACT Government’s new Clinical Hub and Early Intervention Program, as well as its Eating Disorders Residential Facility, which is due to open in 2024.