Eating disorders are complex and difficult to treat, with the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.

But there is hope: eating disorders are treatable and full recovery is possible. EDANZ provides hope, information, support and resources to people supporting a loved one with an eating disorder.

We're a registered charity run by volunteers, we all have personal experience in the process of recovery from an eating disorder – either as parents, caregivers or recovered patients. Our focus is on improving the outcomes for people with eating disorders and their families. Alongside our education and support work, we also advocate for social and governmental change. We are the only organisation of our kind in New Zealand and we rely solely on donations and grants.

Making a donation, whether one off or regular, can make a huge difference. Make a donation today.

EDANZ goals

• Provide support, information, and resources for carers of people with eating disorders.
• Educate doctors, nurses and other medical professionals working with eating disorder patients
• Improve awareness and understanding of eating disorders in the community

A Support Network

If you're caring for someone with an eating disorder, you can access support by calling or emailing EDANZ, or by coming along to one of our support group get-togethers.

Get in touch for a chat with a volunteer, to find a support group in your area, or to connect with other carers near you. If you call, you will usually reach our answerphone. Leave a brief message, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Phone: 09 522 2679 or 0800 233 269

Email: info@ed.org.nz

Information and Resources

We recommend that you learn as much about eating disorders as you can. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to help your loved one to recover from the illness. Misinformation and myths abound but credible, quality information and resources are available online. We also have a range of books that we recommend, sell or may be able to lend you.

Check out our online resources and book list now.

Education

There are a lot of myths and misunderstanding around eating disorders that make recovery much more difficult. We provide information for health professionals, parents, schools, and community groups working with eating disorder patients. This includes delivering presentations to medical students, hospital staff, and various parent, school and community groups around the country.

If you'd like to access one of our experts to help educate an organisation or community group, get in touch.

Advocacy

We work closely with clinicians at New Zealand's three eating disorder treatment centres. A key focus is on educating GPs, nurses and others working with people who are vulnerable. We print and distribute a number of informative booklets for medical professionals and caregivers . These booklets, produced by FEAST, are also available in PDF format for you to print.

EDANZ History

EDANZ was established in 2007, in response to a lack of services for people with eating disorders. Five parents and caregivers got together, established EDANZ as a registered charity, then began lobbying Auckland DHB and the central government.

We were delighted when the Ministry of Health carried out a review and wrote a recommendation for a new Eating Disorder care model. In 2009, this was followed by a boost to funding, with $26 million allocated for eating disorder care.

We now focus on supporting parents and caregivers, educating schools, medical professionals and the general public, and advocating for change at a government level.

Get in touch to find out more about our support services