People living with eating disorders in NSW can now access specialist residential care with the opening of a new $13.5 million Residential Eating Disorders Centre in Newcastle.
Named Baiyangbaiyaang, an Aboriginal name meaning 'Butterfly - the one who flutters', the two-storey, 12-bed facility in Charlestown is the first publicly funded service of its kind in NSW.
Suitable for people aged 16 and older with a diagnosed eating disorder, the centre provides evidence-based interventions in a nurturing, home-like environment.
Baiyangbaiyaang is designed to bridge the gap between community-based care and hospital admission, offering personalised service for those who are ready to take an active role in their recovery and enhance their quality of life.
Residents may stay at the centre for up to three months, depending on their progress. They will receive individualised support from a multi-disciplinary team of specialists including psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, nurses, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists and social workers.
A range of support and daily wellness activities will help residents increase their independence and continue their recovery journey at home, including psychotherapy, grocery shopping, cooking classes, and gentle movement sessions.
The funding is part of a $63 million Commonwealth commitment to deliver seven eating disorder care centres nationally.
Residential care will begin in the coming weeks, helping provide support for people across NSW. All referrals to the facility must be completed online by a treating practitioner. Admissions will be based on clinical presentation and need.
The centre will complement other eating disorder services across NSW, including local health district day programs and community-based therapies.
Residents and their families travelling long distances to the centre may also be eligible for travel and accommodation subsidies under the IPTAAS scheme.
