In a venture set to improve local services for Tasmanians recovering from eating disorders, TRED has merged with Australia’s leading voice on eating disorders, the Butterfly Foundation.
Tasmania Recovery from Eating Disorders (TRED), was established by Jo Cook in 2011, after being diagnosed with anorexia in her early 40s, and was Tasmania’s first community support service for adults with eating disorders.
In 2017, there are one million Australians living with an eating disorder, and in many instances, they also present with a co-morbidity such as anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive traits.
Utilising the significant resources and strong branding of the Butterfly Foundation, this merger will allow for the development of significant new advocacy and assistance projects designed specifically for Tasmanians and their families confronting an eating disorder.
Mrs Cook said there was still a lot of work to be done to improve services for Tasmanians recovering from an eating disorder and she was looking forward to leading the Butterfly Foundation’s growth in Tasmania.
“Primarily this merger will allow us to increase investment in local services and utilise the Foundation’s national advocacy expertise and experience to affect real change in the Tasmanian health system,” said Mrs Cook.
“Since we set up TRED six years ago, we have worked closely with local families and individuals to improve and develop new pathways to recovery.
“With no Tasmanian in-patient services and the recent loss of psychiatry training accreditation at the Royal Hobart Hospital, there is still however much to be done to assist Tasmanians recovering from eating disorders.”
Rhi Hamilton, a young Tasmanian who has worked closely with Mrs Cook over the past few years, said TRED had been instrumental in her journey to recovery and now leads a healthy and full life.
“For me, TRED knitted everything together,” said Ms Hamilton.
“From setting up doctor’s appointments and support groups to working directly with my family, Jo helped me understand I wasn’t alone, and guided me to where I am today.
“The direct, personal support TRED provided was critical to my recovery and it’s great to hear this important service will be available to more Tasmanians through this joining of forces.”
Butterfly Foundation CEO, Christine Morgan said she was thrilled to join forces with the Tasmanian support service, having worked closely with Mrs Cook on a number of Tasmanian and nationally relevant projects since 2013.
“Butterfly has built a strong relationship with the team at TRED over a number of years, culminating in TRED’s latest contribution to the National Eating Disorders Agenda,” said Ms Morgan.
“Butterfly values TRED’s expertise and local knowledge and will invest in this to ensure Tasmanians who need treatment, support and care for an eating disorder have appropriate advocacy, and access to a local health system that includes the diversity of services and support required.”
Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact Butterfly’s National Support Line on 1800 33 4673 or [email protected]
Butterfly Foundation CEO, Christine Morgan