Launched today, the ACT Eating Disorders Clinical Hub is a central point for Canberrans with eating disorders to access the services and support they need, said Emma Davidson, ACT Minister for Mental Health.
The Hub will help people manage their eating disorder at home or in the community, before their condition escalates and requires acute inpatient treatment.
It brings together resources and expertise on eating disorders from many different sectors and areas within the ACT, including assessment and treatment, education and training, support for people, and research.
Canberra has a wide range of services for people with eating disorders, but it can be hard to navigate them. The Hub will refer people to services that best support their needs and help manage their condition, Ms Davidson said.
“We’ll be able to help a lot more people, a lot sooner by getting them connected with the right service for where they’re at,” Ms Davidson said.
“Anyone can contact the Hub to make a referral for themselves or someone else with an eating disorder,” said Alex Cobb, the Hub’s service co-ordinator.
“The Hub also provides advice, support, and training for people and clinicians working with people with eating disorders.”
To contact the Hub, phone 02 5124 4326, or email [email protected].
David Quilty, ACT Director of Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA), a volunteer organization that supports the families and carers of loved ones with eating disorders, warmly welcomed the announcement.
“It can be very challenging for people with eating disorders and their families to navigate the system,” he said. “When you have an eating disorder, your needs are very complex. You need to access a range of clinicians and support services, and that can be very difficult to do, particularly if there are waiting lists.
“Bringing together and having a central point through the Clinical Hub will mean people and their families can get the support they need, on a timelier basis. The whole system will be more co-ordinated, and there will be better referrals through the system.”
EDFA encouraged the ACT government to keep investing in eating disorders. Because the number of sufferers had increased in recent years, around Australia, there were gaps in the provision of services for people with eating disorders.
“Young people in particular had a really hard time during this pandemic,” Ms Davidson said. “So it’s great that this service will be available now, and will be able to start helping people straight away.”
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