How we help
Butterfly is here for anyone in Australia impacted by an eating disorder or a body image issue. We’re committed to helping you find support—whether it’s for yourself, a friend, family member, client, or anyone else you care about.
We work with governments, partners and philanthropic organisations to fill the gaps in existing services and trial new models of support, care and treatment.
If you or someone you know is in crisis
Our Helpline is not a crisis line and we cannot provide medical help.
If you or someone you know is in crisis please call one of the following:
Police & Ambulance: 000
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Butterfly National Helpline
The Butterfly National Helpline offers free and confidential support for anyone concerned about eating disorders or body image issues. Our specialist counsellors offer non-judgmental support over the phone, by email and by online chat including:
- Information about eating disorders and body image
- Information about and referrals to treatment, care and support
- Referrals to health practitioners who have been screened for an understanding eating disorders
- Counselling
- Free online support groups and skills programs for people caring for someone with an eating disorder
We’re open 8am –midnight (Sydney time), seven days. Call, chat or email now.
Helping you get treatment
The first step to recovery from an eating disorder or body image issue is often seeing a health professional, such as your GP.
The Butterfly National Helpline has a database of health professionals who understand eating disorders and who can help you take the first step towards your recovery.
Support for carers and people experiencing or recovering from an eating disorder or body image issue
By reducing isolation and inspiring hope for recovery, support groups can be an important part of the recovery journey
Face-to-face support groups
Small groups with limited numbers and prior assessment, currently virtual face-to-face via Zoom:
Free online support groups from anywhere in Australia
Online chat-style groups open to anyone who identifies as suitable for the following:
- Recovery support groups for anyone living with an eating disorder
- Carer, friend and family support groups
- Support groups for young carers, families and friends
Do you need guidance or tools for dealing with an eating disorder or body image issue? Butterfly offers programs to build recovery skills that complement other treatments you may be receiving.
- Face-to-face recovery programs, currently in Tasmania or NSW – small groups via Zoom due to COVID-19
- Face-to-face carer programs in Tasmania and NSW, small groups via Zoom due to COVID-19 that offer support skills to friends and families of someone experiencing an eating or body image disorder.
- Online programs for carers, accessible from anywhere in Australia with unlimited numbers, webinar styel.
- Support for those in Gippsland, Victoria
Wandi Nerida: Australia’s first eating disorder recovery residential facility
For those most in need of both psychological and physical care, this centre is due to open in early-mid 2021 to patients from across Australia.
