General Information
The Eating Disorders Association of South Australia (EDAsa) is a not for profit community organisation established in 1983 with the aim of providing information and support to people with eating disorders, their friends and families as well as to better inform the community of the effects of these conditions. Today, EDAsa continues to respond to the needs of the community including individuals experiencing eating disorders, their parents, partners and supporters. EDAsa also advocates for systemic change by working on projects and programs that raise awareness of eating disorders in the community to improve prevention, increase early intervention and promote recovery and rehabilitation from eating disorders. EDAsa has recently expanded its community projects by supporting the development of BEDAG (Barossa Eating Disorders Action Group) and the DEBI project.
History
The Eating Disorders Association of South Australia formerly operated as the Anorexia Bulimia Nervosa Association, Incorporated (ABNA). ABNA was established in 1983 by Mrs. Joyce Williams. Joyce's vision was to provide support and understanding to people experiencing eating disorders, as well as to their families, friends and partners throughout the stages of recovery. Joyce also advocated for quality treatment services that provided humane and stepped care approaches to meet people's needs during different stages of recovery. Despite her own distress as a parent of a young woman experiencing anorexia nervosa, Joyce decided to organise ABNA to change things for other people in a similar situation to herself in the future. At this time, there was limited public knowledge about treatment options, hospital-based interventions and how family members could help somebody they loved. Following advocacy and pressure by ABNA and community members, some dedicated treatment programs for people diagnosed with clinical eating disorders were established in the public health system for South Australia. These specialist programs were a first for South Australia and two continue today; the Weight Disorders Unit at Flinders Medical Centre, and the Blackwood Community District Hospital.
History
The Eating Disorders Association of South Australia is managed by an honorary Board of Management, comprising of people who have both personal and/or professional abilities in a variety of fields, including dietetics, business, psychiatry, media relations, arts, information technology, psychology and social work, combined with an understanding of advocacy for people with these conditions. Board members are elected for a period of two years. The Board of Management is responsible for managing funding, personnel, policy direction and service priorities of the organisation. Daily operations are managed by the Executive Team, which includes the Chairperson, the Honorary Treasurer and the Coordinator.
Aims
The Eating Disorders Association of South Australia is a membership-based organisation with two main aims.
- To support people directly or indirectly affected by anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other related eating disorders.
- To reduce the incidence and severity of disordered eating in our community, particularly among young people.
Vision, Purpose and Mission
- We are committed to providing a respectful, understanding and safe atmosphere for both people experiencing eating disorders and their supporters.
- We are dedicated to educating the community and providing a variety of resources for both lay-people and professionals alike.
- We are aware and active in addressing socio-cultural attitudes and stereotypes that foster size and body shape discrimination.
- We envision and work toward creating a society that values and accepts people of all sizes and shapes.
Funding
The Eating Disorders Association of South Australia receives funding from the Mental Health Unit, a division of South Australia's Department of Health. However, donations from the community, special grants, bequests, philanthropic and charitable trust grants help us to expand our projects and programs in the community. We welcome members of the community who would like to donate time or money, or to arrange a fundraiser for the organisation. We accept cash, cheques and credit cards. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.