May 2011

The Strong Without Anorexia Nervosa (SWAN) Study is evaluating three psychological treatments for anorexia nervosa. Treatment consists of 25 to 40 outpatient sessions over a 10 month period with a Psychologist. Follow this link for more information.

August 2010

Once again, the group was well attended on Wednesday 11th August for Aceda’s “For Your Eyes Only” journal writing group morning.

The group had the opportunity to explore the benefits of journal writing and its therapeutic advantages. Our guest Emma Kate Codrington shared her journey and experiences with journaling during her teenage years, her journals from the last 8 years were passed around and discussed – very inspiring! Emma has published a book of her journal writing and photography entitled ‘Chrysalis: Unravelling Anorexia’.

It is available for purchase via Aceda's online shop (click here)

All the iGroup participants left with some ideas of how to start a journal, the benefits of keeping a journal, a journal and lots of beautiful embellishments to make the journal look attractive. Thank you so much to Foundation Shine for their donation, which enabled us to purchase the journals, and also to Cheryl Gardiner for her kind donation of some beautiful stickers including fairy princesses - thanks Cheryl!

January 2010

Chrysalis - Body Image & Eating Disorders (BIED) Support Program

Aceda is a not for profit organisation that relies on tax deductable donations to expand its services across South Australia.  

We are seeking the support of individuals and companies in a matter of increasing urgency affecting our young people across our state, and our nation.  Support through provision of in-kind services or products, financial support, or strategic support established with stakeholders that see this as being in line with their core values.  With this, Aceda will be able to provide a state-wide and projected nation-wide effective program to more than 40 central and regional locations, to reduce stigma, raise awareness and enable sustainable support services to be provided to those who deal with body image and eating disorders.

Once in a while, the talent and human experience of a single person can convey a message so powerful, that the positive effect on others is measured by the hope that it creates for people that previously had lost all sense of hope itself.  

In partnership with Emma Kate Codrington, a photographic artist with lived experience of eating disorder, Aceda have identified the opportunity of utilising the unique content of her ‘Chrysalis’ exhibition that was launched in partnership with Aceda  in November 2009, as a sensitive and stirring program for awareness and stigma reduction.  The mixture of poetry, prose and photographic representation across the clearly separate themes of the experiences of eating disorder are able to highlight the emotions of all who participate in the exhibition.  There are no negatives or ‘shock and awe’ as this exhibition allows for the acknowledgment that those viewing it will be on their own journey of recovery, or know of someone who is.  

The message is of hope.  The ability for all involved to view, discuss and support those who are directly and indirectly affected by eating disorders.  Through supporting networks across each community involved in these exhibitions, the capacity of the community to deal with body image and eating disorders is raised in a sustainable way.

‘There is increasing concern regarding the prevalence of body image issues and eating disorders in South Australia.  A recent South Australia study that repeated the work of a decade earlier (sic), found more than a two-fold increase in the prevalence of eating disorders among both women and men (Hay 2008).  Eating disorders are associated with substantial morbidity and can have a severe impact on people’s lives.  For females aged 15-24 years bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are the 8th and 10th leading causes of the burden of disease (AIHW 2007).’  (Body Image and Eating Disorders Project Final Report, 2009)

Nationally, the Minister for Youth, the Hon Kate Ellis MP has established the National Advisory Group on Body Image.  Aceda is the peak body in South Australia supporting people experiencing body image and eating disorders and supports the principles of the National Advisory Group.  

Through the use of the ‘Chrysalis’ exhibition being shown in regional areas that are served by their respective regional health areas, the ability to reach out and support communities that currently are not being effectively supported will be met.  This is one of the key issues needing to be addressed through state and national strategies.

I ask you to consider the opportunity of being a stakeholder in this important program and the benefits to you or your company as an active community participant.  For further information on how you can assist, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone (08) 8297 4088.

Wayne Horwood
Executive Officer