The National Eating Disorders Strategy 2023-2033 is now live!

The National Strategy is a call to action and a roadmap for people who care about and are responsible for improving Australia’s response to eating disorders.  

It is a tool to help people at all levels and in all settings to work in a coordinated and sustained way to achieve a full and coordinated system of care for all.

Based on a depth and breadth of knowledge and ideas from people with lived experience, clinicians, researchers, governments, community providers, service development leaders and public health experts across Australia, the National Strategy is designed to guide sector development and policy development for the next decade. It is a system-building strategy.

Purpose

To articulate the key components, standards and actions that are required to achieve an effective, equitable and coordinated system of care that meets the needs of people experiencing or at risk of eating disorders and their families/supports and communities.

Vision

• Eating disorder care is embedded in the health systems of all states/territories and regions.
• People experiencing or at risk of eating disorders and their families, supports and communities can access an effective, equitable and coordinated system of care.
• The prevalence of eating disorders is reduced, and recovery outcomes and quality of life are improved.

What is included in the National Strategy?

The focus is on defining what is needed in an effective, equitable and coordinated system of care for eating disorders, and on feasible, grounded steps for building it.

The Strategy articulates key components, standards and actions that are required to achieve an effective, equitable and coordinated system of care that meets the needs of people experiencing or at risk of eating disorders and their families/supports and communities.

The National Eating Disorders Strategy provides a clear formulation of the full eating disorders system of care and sets out minimum standards and priority actions to guide system change. In recognition that workforce development is a critical enabler of system change, the National Strategy also sets out workforce minimum standards and priority actions. Outcome evaluation support is also included.

How do I access the National Strategy?

Access the full document here or by clicking on the green box on the right side of the webpage.

Specific content has been developed for each element of the Stepped System of Care: Prevention, Identification, Initial Response, Treatment, and Psychosocial and Recovery Support, as well as Workforce.

How will the National Strategy be actioned?

NEDC will be actively supporting the implementation of the Strategy with collaborative sector initiatives, consultation, and resources. We invite you to read and use the Strategy - read it all or go straight to a specific area of interest in the system of care. How are the standards and actions relevant to your setting/s and responsibilities?

How will the National Strategy be evaluated?

An evaluation resource has been developed by NEDC to support implementation of the National Strategy. This evaluation tool has been developed for service leaders, commissioners of services, implementers and local champions. It provides a menu of options for identifying progress indicators, setting outcome goals and measuring the impact and effectiveness of service/program changes implemented based on the standards and actions outlined within the National Eating Disorders Strategy. 

Access the National Strategy Evaluation Tool here.

How can I keep up to date with implementation of the National Strategy?

You can sign up to be a member of NEDC here. Membership is free. You will receive monthly communications from NEDC about the National Strategy as well as other projects and sector developments.

If you have questions about the Strategy or would like to discuss its implementation in your context, please reach out to our team via nationalstrategy@nedc.com.au