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

September 2022 Newsletter

In this issue...

  • Message from the Chair
  • How to tell the school about your child's eating disorder
  • Connect before you direct
  • This is hard and skills can help: DBT skills to enhance family communication
  • Men of FEAST: Video on communicating with your loved one with an eating disorder
  • Upcoming support meetings

Message from the Chair

Hi everyone and welcome to spring – snow in Christchurch this week has given me some doubts but I’m sure it will get better soon!

Kaye Adams and I were fortunate to be able to attend the ANZAED conference in Sydney in early August, and it was an extremely worthwhile few days reconnecting with colleagues from around the world. There were an incredible number of great presentations and we were able to learn a lot about the past few years, the impact of Covid and the outlook for the future of Eating Disorders.

Important themes were:

  • The significant increase in the prevalence of EDs is a global phenomenon.
  • Similarly, pressure on services is equally a global problem with demand outstripping supply and long wait lists reported in many countries.
  • There is a strong recognition of the need to have lived experience people involved in treatment plans – both as peer supporters and also in supporting carers.  
  • Australian agencies have adapted to the growing demand in by introducing new ways to deal with the growing wait lists, and providing some help to affected individuals.

We were able to hear about the success of some of the programmes that Australian agencies have been running to upskill carers and provide them with access to information in a variety of different ways. I am hopeful we will be able to import some of those programmes into New Zealand and are working with our colleagues to make that happen.

Whilst it was disheartening to hear about the significant increase in the prevalence of EDs, it was also incredibly uplifting to speak to so many great people who are rising to the challenge. It gave both Kaye and me a lot of confidence and inspiration that will help shape the role of EDANZ over the years ahead.

Tim Boyle
Chair, EDANZ



 

How to tell schools about EDs

How to tell the school about your child's eating disorder

From Eva Musby

Tips to get your child's school to support your child while they have an eating disorder. The 504 plan is for the US but the template will be useful wherever you are in the world. 

Read more



 

Connect before you direct video

Connect before you direct

From Eva Musby

This 10-minute video gives examples of things you might say to "Connect", which will then make your "Direction" more effective. It means your child is more likely to feel loved and accepted, less stressed, more trusting, and more receptive to following your trustworthy guidance. 

Watch the video




 

FEAST Webinar

This is hard and skills can help: DBT skills to enhance family communication

From FEAST

A skills-based Webinar 

When: 19 October 2022, 10am EDT (next day 2am NZ time)

When your child is struggling with an eating disorder, it's normal for the entire family to feel like they are walking on eggshells. No topic feels safe. Why is everything that I say suddenly triggering? How can I help them recover when I don't even know what to say? 

In this presentation, Dr. Parks will help us to understand WHY it is difficult communicating through an eating disorder and give specific TOOLS to help you as you navigate towards recovery.   

More info / register




 

Men of FEAST video

Men of FEAST video: Communicating with your loved one with an eating disorder

From FEAST

A six-minute video around learning the value of listening, empathising and validating.   

Watch video




 

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.

We alternate monthly between evening and daytime meetings.

Upcoming 2022 Dates:

  • September: Monday 19th, 7pm-8.30pm
  • October: Friday 21st, 12pm-1pm
  • November: 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' – 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.




Did you know, we receive no regular funding?

Many families have told us they consider our support to be essential and life-saving. However, we are a volunteer organisation and rely totally on donations and grants to provide our services – many of which are currently self-funded. 

Demand for our services has reached unprecedented levels, but sadly donations are down as the pandemic has hit Kiwis hard over the past two years.

If you can, please consider donating to EDANZ

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. 

Make a Donation