Tasmanians living with eating disorders to get boost from TRED merger
15 August, 2017 ̶ Butterfly Foundation, Australia’s leading national organisation for eating disorders, proudly announces the merger of Tasmania’s eating disorders organisation, Tasmanian Recovery from Eating Disorders Foundation (TRED), with Butterfly today at Parliament House.
Butterfly Foundation’s Chairman David Murray AO said Butterfly Foundation’s merger with TRED is an investment in Tasmania’s future delivery of nationally consistent treatment locally.
“We have been impressed by TRED’s steadfast commitment to delivering community-based support services over the past six years, and we are looking forward to increasing this commitment through direct access to Butterfly’s national services within ED HOPE, and enhanced capabilities for TRED’s support and psycho-education services.
“We are also looking forward to working closely with government and the health sector to identify the necessary investment in local services across the Tasmanian health system so that the necessary multi-disciplinary treatment is available locally,” said Mr Murray.
TRED’s merger with Butterfly comes on the heels of the Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt’s commitment to delivering a Medicare response for eating disorders for all Australians. This commitment will be significantly enhanced by the recent prioritisation of eating disorders in the implementation of the 5th Mental Health Plan ratified last week at COAG.
“The Federal Health Minister has laid the groundwork for a significant commitment in response to the needs of 1 million Australians. This commitment is the first step in a necessary and long-overdue investment in the health system for eating disorders, one that will provide a 5:1 benefit to cost to Australia.”
With 1 million Australians with an eating disorder, and only 25% of this number known by the health system, the delivery of nationally consistent evidence-based treatment and support is critical.
Butterfly Foundation CEO Christine Morgan is committed to working closely with TRED’s Founder Jo Cook when she joins the Butterfly Board as a non-executive director.
“Butterfly will steadily increase treatment and support programs locally while we continue to support the volunteer delivered community-based support groups that have often been the lifeline for Tasmanians suffering with an eating disorder,” said Ms Morgan.
Currently Tasmania’s eating disorders clinical and support services are extremely limited and need attention so that Tasmanians have the support and services they deserve.
Butterfly is proud to boost TRED’s local response for people living with an eating disorder by working closely with local clinical and allied health professionals to identify and build capacity. It will build upon TRED’s expertise and understanding of the Tasmanian system to enhance Butterfly’s investment in Tasmania.
“Delivery of treatment and support services for eating disorders relies on a well-trained and supported local multi-disciplinary workforce. Butterfly’s merger with TRED will help Tasmania respond to the workforce training framework developed through Butterfly’s leadership of the NEDC. This will underpin the new level of capacity required,” concluded Ms Morgan.
Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact Butterfly’s National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 or support@butterfly.org.au
For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14
