Connect with others
Talking with people who understand can make a big difference. These communities and groups are run by trusted organisations, with trained people looking after them.
Talk to others with lived experience
- Butterfly support groups
Free online and in-person groups for people with an eating disorder or body image concerns, and for carers. Run by trained facilitators.
- ReachOut online community
A safe, moderated forum for young people aged 14 to 25 to share and get support.
- Beyond Blue forums
Moderated forums for adults about mental health, including eating and body image.
Talk to someone today
- Butterfly Helpline: 1800 33 4673
Free, confidential support by phone, webchat or email, 8am to midnight (AEST/AEDT), 7 days.
- Butterfly webchat
Prefer to type? Chat online with a trained counsellor.
- headspace
Mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25, online, by phone and in centres.
For family and friends
- Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA)
Support, peer groups and resources for parents, partners and carers.
- Butterfly carer support
Groups for carers, and the helpline is for family and friends too.
- Eating disorder first aid guidelines
How to notice the signs and talk to someone you’re worried about (Mental Health First Aid Australia).
What happened to the forums?
The RecoverED forums from 2015 have closed. A safe eating disorder forum needs trained moderators around the clock, so for now I recommend the communities on this page.
You can still get in touch with me to share tips, ideas or your story.