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Aceda convenes a range of open support groups. Some groups are offered for individuals experiencing eating disorders. You do not have to have a diagnosis to attend this group.
There is also a group for a person supporting someone close to them who is recovering from an eating disorder. This group is open to parents, partners, siblings and friends of people with eating disorders.
Aceda support groups are offered as an adjunct to individual treatment, medical care and family therapy. They are not intended to be a substitute for individual medical care or psychological counselling.
Support groups offer:
■ Mutual support
■ Self help strategies for recovery and relapse prevention
■ Information about services and resources in South Australia
Eating Disorders Recovery 'iGroup'
The support group is facilitated by Loraine House and Susan Ross-Taylor ACEDA Support and Referral Officer. The facilitators of the support group for people with eating disorders all have a deep understanding of body image/eating issues and are very passionate about working in this area. This support group offers a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment for people to share, and discuss behaviours, feelings and thoughts associated with having an
eating disorder and/or body image issues. Each group focuses on a weekly topic and is ever changing. Sometimes topics are carried over from week to week.
Every Wednesday morning, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and
Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday evening, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (excluding public holidays) Cost: Gold coin donation is appreciated RSVP is necessary as numbers are limited.
Friends and Relatives Support Group
The support group is facilitated by Loraine House and Susan Ross-Taylor ACEDA Support and Referral Officers. This support group offers friends and relatives of people with an eating disorder a chance to share, and gain hope, support and encouragement from each other. The group is free for ACEDA members. A gold-coin donation is requested of non-members on attendance. You may attend the group once or many times.
2nd Monday of the month, 5.30pm to 7.00pm (excluding public holidays)
Cost: Gold coin donation for non-members RSVP is necessary as numbers are limited.
Questions and Answers about support groups:
Who runs Aceda support groups?
Paid staff and volunteers of the Association lead Aceda support groups. Support group leaders have personal and professional knowledge about the recovery process and skills in running groups. Aceda group leaders are responsible for ensuring the groups remains a safe and respectful setting for participants to share views, exchange information and receive support that promotes recovery and self-care.
If I attend do I have to talk?
Aceda understands the struggle many people have in attending a support group, especially on the first occasion. All members are entitled to pass and not contribute during the opening round.
Can I bring someone with me?
One support person is welcome.
I am thinking about attending your support group, what do I do?
If you are considering attending a support group:
■ Discuss your plans with your primary therapist or a key support person who knows you well and understands your needs if you are accessing treatment or counselling services.
■ Or feel free to contact the leader of the Aceda support group you are interested in attending so you may ask further questions about your specific situation.
Are there times when support groups are not recommended?
Aceda support groups are not recommended for:
■ Students wishing to distribute surveys or observation studies for school assessments.
■ People who are medically unwell without external medical supervision.
■ Coercing a young person or an adult into treatment.
Is there a cost for attending a support group?
No, however a gold coin donation is appreciated.
Is your Recovery Support Group a psycho-educational program?
Our support groups are not run as structured psycho-educational groups because they are not closed groups. This means people can attend one or as many groups as they choose to attend. However, the group invites presenters who may teach strategies to help people develop different skills for coping with stress and managing problems in life. The ‘Recovery Support Group’ run at Aceda offers mutual peer support, promotes recovery and relapse prevention for people who identify themselves as struggling with eating disorders or significant body image issues that are affect everyday functioning, physical and psychological wellbeing.
I am not ready to come to a support group yet, but how to stay in touch?
If you are not ready to attend a support group now but think you may like to in future, email
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to be placed on the ‘Recovery support group’ email list.
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Eating Disorders 
