In this issue...
- Message from the Chair
- Webinar – Coping through the Holiday Season with an Eating Disorder
- Five questions you might have about Christmas with an eating disorder
- What caregivers should know about CBT and DBT
- Upcoming support meetings
I think it is fair to say that 2021 has been a tricky and challenging year for many of us, but I hope that everyone can still manage to reflect on the past 12 months and find something to celebrate as we near the festive season. This time of year can be extremely challenging and stressful for those who are supporting loved ones with eating disorders and so focusing on the positives of this period are important – be it more time with extended family, small gains in treatment plans or even just seeing the joy of Christmas morning in young children – taking time to be thankful for even the smallest things is good for us all.
I was privileged to attend the parliamentary select committee on mental health this week and to have the opportunity to listen to presentations by Rebecca Toms and Nicki Wilson. Both spoke with passion and commitment about the challenges that we face in improving access to care in New Zealand, and the committee members responded with understanding and genuine interest in solving the problems. I believe we have some strong allies in that group who are totally committed to listening, understanding, and then doing what they can to improve access to services and treatment for those suffering from an Eating Disorder. It was a small but very important step to be recognised at that level and to find people in the leadership group of this country who can help us achieve our goals.
It also closed out a very successful year of advocacy by the EDANZ team where we have made significant gains in recognition and representation right across the health spectrum. Our voice, which represents each and every one of you, is being heard more often and listened to more regularly by decision makers and I get a sense that we are making progress. I hope this will translate into action in the New Year and we will see some of the improvements we have been advocating for start to emerge.
I would like to thank the EDANZ team for their incredible work during 2021, where we have seen an unprecedented increase in the need for our support. Our small group of volunteers give so much time and so much hope to those in need, and I continue to be honoured to be part of such an incredible and hard-working team.
The resources in this newsletter focus on the upcoming festive season and the challenges it presents for those dealing with eating disorders. I hope they are useful as you prepare for Christmas, and can help with making this time of year memorable and enjoyable. Please remember to look after yourselves and your loved ones with kindness and compassion – and let’s look forward to a brighter 2022.
Wishing you all the best
Tim Boyle
Chair, EDANZ
Webinar: Coping through the Holiday Season with an Eating Disorder
From Eating Disorders Victoria, Australia
Tuesday, 14 December 2021 at 7.30pm-9pm NZDT
Navigating Christmas social gatherings, food, and for some, the experiences of loneliness or isolation, can be challenging. This event is designed for people in recovery from an eating disorder. Carers and the general community are also welcome.
Details can be found here:
Five questions you might have about Christmas with an eating disorder
Christmas can be a difficult time for people with eating disorders. Here are some insights and tips for dealing with the challenges of the festive period.
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/your-stories/five-questions-about-christmas-eating-disorder/
What caregivers should know about CBT and DBT
From FEAST
A webinar about the different types of eating disorder treatment. This can be watched via this link:
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.
We alternate monthly between evening and daytime meetings.
Last meeting for 2021:
December: Friday 17th, 12pm-1pm.
2022 dates:
January: Monday 17th, 7pm-8.30pm
February: Friday 18th, 12pm-1pm
March: Monday 21st, 7pm-8.30pm
More information can be found on our website Parent/Carer Support Groups page
Remember: EDANZ helpline is open throughout all Covid 'traffic lights' and the holiday season – 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.
