A new service, the ACT Eating Disorders Clinical Hub, has launched today so Canberrans can better understand, navigate, and access eating disorder services.
The Hub will help people build the skills, information and support needed to manage their eating disorder at home or in the community, before their condition escalates and requires acute inpatient treatment. It strengthens coordination between services to better support people's needs.
Minister for Mental Health Emma Davidson said the Hub will better coordinate and connect people with eating disorders, their carers and families with support services across the Territory.
"Canberra has a wide range of services dedicated to supporting people's needs, but it can be challenging to navigate. The ACT Eating Disorders Clinical Hub is a central intake point so people can be referred to services that best support their needs and to help manage their condition," Minister Davidson said.
"Coordination of resources, services and expertise across the ACT means people experiencing or impacted by eating disorders will have better access to support including assessment, treatments and programs, advice, education, training, services, referrals and networking for clinicians.
"The Hub is made up of multi-disciplinary mental health professionals who support recovery through person-centred care - connecting people with services that best support their individual needs and circumstances."
As stated by David Quilty, ACT Director of Eating Disorders Families Australia:
"The ACT Eating Disorders Clinical Hub will have a central role in ensuring that Canberrans with eating disorders and their families and carers have timely access to the multidisciplinary support that meets their individual needs.
"Navigating the various unconnected elements of the health system can be a daunting challenge for people with eating disorders and their families and carers. The Hub should enable greater coordination across the system and more efficient referral to the most appropriate care providers under the stepped model of care."
As stated by Ms Alex Cobb, ACT Eating Disorders Clinical Hub Service Coordinator:
"Anyone can contact the Hub to make a referral for themselves or someone else with an eating disorder. The Hub is also available to provide advice, support and training for people and clinicians working with people with eating disorders as required."
