For carer support, call us today: 0800 2 EDANZ or (09) 5222 679

April 2021 Newsletter

In this issue...
  • Message from the Chair: 
    EDANZ advocating for access to evidence-based treatment for New Zealanders
  • Research providing answers to cause and treatment for eating disorders
  • Nutritional rehabilitation vital to recover from Anorexia Nervosa
  • Distress tolerance skills can be learnt
  • NZ Facing Eating Disorder Crisis media coverage
  • Upcoming support meetings

Message from the Chair

EDANZ are actively involved in lobbying the Ministry of Health and the Government to improve access to eating disorder treatment.

In the past few months, as well as meeting with heatlh professionals around the country, we have been in ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Health about the huge increase in demand EDANZ are experiencing for our services and the desperate need for better access to specialist treatment. The difficulty of accessing treatment for people of all ages in every part of the country has also been bought to public attention through multiple stories in the media, a few of which we’ve llnked in this newsletter.

EDANZ are advocating for a review of the current treatment provision for eating disorders. We are stressing the need for a model of care that ensures GPs and other primary health care professionals are educated and supported to provide early diagnosis and referrals to specialist treatment, which is community based, involves family or supports and includes a co-ordinated multidisciplinary team with knowledge and training in the latest evidence-based treatment.

Providing support to parents remains our number-one priority, so please do contact us – we are always only a phone call or an email away. Please remember our website contains a wealth of information and resources and most importantly, there is always hope – eating disorders are treatable, recovery is possible at any stage and any age.

We hope you find the articles below useful, and if you haven’t already, please do register for the 30-day programme for carers https://www.feast-ed.org/register-now-for-our-30-day-educational-service/

Sending very best wishes as we continue to advocate for improved access to treatment and better outcomes for those with eating disorders and their families

Nicki Wilson
Chairperson






Kiwi Scientists

The Kiwi researchers taking the guesswork out of treating eating disorders

Have you heard about the groundbreaking research underway, involving Kiwi scientists and participants, aiming to improve knowledge and treatment of eating disorders?

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/04/the-kiwi-researchers-taking-the-guesswork-out-of-treating-eating-disorders.html






Nutritional Rehabilitation Vital to Recover from Anorexia Nervosa

Nutritional rehabilitation vital to recover from Anorexia Nervosa

A piece written by Clinical Psychologist Lauren Muhlhiem on the importance of nutritional rehabilitation in recovery from Anorexia Nervosa.

https://www.verywellmind.com/brain-starvation-and-recovery-in-anorexia-nervosa-1138303






Distress tolerance can be learnt

Distress tolerance skills can be learnt

A really helpful video discussing distress tolerance, provided by FEAST, created by a father who is supporting his daughter to recover from an eating disorder.

https://www.feast-ed.org/distress-tolerance-men-of-feast-premier-video/




NZ Facing Eating Disorder Crisis media coverage

RNZ interview

In the year since the first national lockdown, there's been a massive spike in people needing help for serious eating disorders – particularly adolescents. At Auckland's Starship children's hospital, admissions of 10 to 15 year olds doubled last year. The Eating Disorders Association has also seen demand for its services double. Its chair Nicki Wilson speaks to Max Towle.

RNZ interview (2-minute listen)



Dying for Help: Eating disorder treatment waiting lists months long

Dying for help: Eating disorder treatment waiting lists months long

The Covid-19 pandemic has sparked a wave of serious eating disorders that are overwhelming treatment providers. How do you help a loved one in crisis when there's a waiting list everywhere you turn?

Read RNZ's indepth article




EDANZ Support Group Meetings

Upcoming support group meetings

EDANZ believes parents/carers have unique abilities to support one another and we hold regular meetings to which you are warmly invited. Currently, we're joining together around the country once a month thanks to Zoom videoconferencing technology. 

If you would like to participate in a virtual support group, please RSVP to info@ed.org.nz and we'll send you the link.

Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm

Upcoming 2021 Dates:
Monday, 19 April
Monday, 17 May

More information can be found on our website Parent/Carer Support Groups page

Remember: EDANZ helpline is open throughout all Covid Alert Levels – please don’t hesitate to contact us info@ed.org.nz or leave a message on the phone 0800 2 EDANZ and we will get back to you as soon as we can. If you are concerned about the safety of someone, please ring 111 or go to the Emergency Department of your nearest hospital.




Please consider donating to EDANZ

We acknowledge times are financially tight for many, but at this time there is also a corresponding increase in demand for our services. As a volunteer organisation relying totally on donations and grants to provide our services – many of which are currently self-funded – your financial support is more needed now than ever before. 

Your donation will enable us to continue our work providing support to families, education to healthcare providers and the community, and advocating for improved access to evidence-based treatment for all affected New Zealanders. 

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