Where do I start?
We’re so glad you’re here. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing an eating or body image issue – or even if you’re not quite sure if that’s the case -we’re here for you.
We support and advocate for all people in Australia impacted by eating or body image issues whatever your age, gender, sexuality, cultural background, religion or disability. Find out more about how we can support you.
Support and information for everyone
Are you worried about someone you know?
It’s normal to feel worried and uncertain with how to talk about eating disorders. Find out more about how to approach someone.
Concerned parent or carer looking for support?
Communicating your concern with your child about eating, body image or dieting behaviour can be difficult. Butterfly offers a range of services that can provide you with skills and information related to communicating with your child.
Are you a teacher or professionals working with young people?
Teachers and those working with young people are often the first to become aware of disordered eating behaviours. We can provide early intervention and prevention skills for professionals working with young people.
Do you need advice about or referrals for a student or client?
Our National Helpline can support professionals with general guidance on eating disorders and service options. Find out how our Helpline can assist professionals like you.
Are you in crisis?
Our service doesn’t provide crisis support or medical help.
If you or someone you know is in crisis please call either:
Police & Ambulance: 000
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Are you looking for support?
Whether you are experiencing an eating disorder or body image issue or know someone who is, Butterfly is here to support you.
Free and confidential: Butterfly National Helpline 8am – midnight (AEDT), seven days.
Are you looking for practitioner referrals, information or resources about eating disorders or body image, or specialist counselling support? Contact our National Helpline or talk to us on webchat.
Join a support group
Connect with and learn from others – for people experiencing an eating disorder or body image issue, and their friends, carers and families.
Join our free online support groups from anywhere in Australia, or our small virtual face-to-face groups, currently for people in NSW and Tasmania.
Learn new skills for recovery – or to help someone else recover
Do you need guidance or tools for dealing with an eating disorder? Our support programs help you build up the skills and strategies you need to deal with the challenges – whether you are a friend of family member, or someone experiencing an eating disorder and wanting to recover.
Find treatment
Search Butterfly’s Referral Database to find health professionals and services with an understanding of eating disorders around Australia.
Contact our Helpline.
What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are serious mental health issues, and there are at least seven different types of eating disorders.
What is body image and why is it important?
Body image can affect how we are in the world and it’s normal for body image to change. Developing and modelling healthy body image can support physical and mental wellbeing, while negative body image can result in harmful thoughts or behaviours.
Share your story
Share your lived experience of an eating disorder or body image issue – or as a carer – with others and read other people’s stories about recovery and about the journey. Share your story, or read the stories of others.
