EDFA Fill the Gap

Organisation / Service

Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA)

EDFA’s new free Fill The Gap counselling service provides essential access to tailored, online, one-on-one counselling support for carers of those with eating disorders. 

Support is provided via videoconferencing, using professional, lived-experience counsellors to help carers manage and gain the skills to become a more effective part of the recovery team.

Its online delivery means even families and carers living in rural, regional and remote Australia will be able to access the service.

Fill The Gap was also developed to address the lack of, or difficulty in accessing, tailored counselling service for those who are caring for someone with an eating disorder. EDFA understands that carers will often sacrifice their own well-being in order to prioritise the care of their loved one, particularly in times of financial strain or when services are in short supply. However, it is also well known that carers who maintain their own well-being will be more effective supports for the person with the eating disorder. 

EDFA’s new service aims to Fill The Gap by providing free and easily accessible counselling, thus reducing the need for the carer to sacrifice their own mental and physical well-being.

National Strategy Standards and Actions

Treatment

Standard 3: Treatment is person-centred and inclusive of families/supports and communities.

Action 3.1: At every service entry point, treatment services to provide people experiencing eating disorders and their families/supports with psychoeducation, information about treatment options (e.g., private or public, treatment provider, level of care) and how to navigate the system of care. 

Action 3.3: Treatment services to engage families/supports as early as possible in treatment and provide them with specific psychoeducation and support for their own needs

Psychosocial and recovery support

Standard 1: People experiencing eating disorders and their families/supports have access to psychosocial and recovery support services and programs, according to their needs.

Action 1.4: Psychosocial and recovery service providers to ensure that programs and services are available for people experiencing eating disorders and their families/supports.