Eating Disorders in Australia...The Problem Is Not Just Funding, It's Culture

Eating disorders are a significant mental health concern in Australia, affecting individuals across various ages, genders, and backgrounds. As a 6'5" white male who was once 68 kg, I can attest to its impact on people you might not expect. While funding for treatment and support services is undeniably important, the challenge extends beyond just allocating financial resources. The cultural approach to how this funding is utilised plays a crucial role in effectively addressing the issue.

 Australia has seen increased investment in mental health services over the years, with government initiatives [lack of a better word!] aiming to improve access to care for those with eating disorders. However, despite these financial commitments, many individuals continue to face obstacles in obtaining timely and effective treatment. This discrepancy suggests that simply pouring money into the existing system is not sufficient.

 The transformative power of integrating lived experience into service provision is key. We must advocate for the inclusion of individuals who have personally navigated mental health challenges into the workforce. After all, lived experience workers offer insights that cannot be taught in a classroom; our contributions can lead to more empathetic and effective support systems. Out of one of my talks, my first talk actually, we spoke about the funding of community eating disorders concierge, people with lived experience who families, carers and those suffering with this illness can talk too and seek peer support from (it was well received) rather than waiting months to see 'a professional'.

The culture within mental health services, and the culture of funding bodies, often priorities clinical expertise over personal experience. This approach can create a disconnect between service providers and those seeking help. By valuing and incorporating lived experiences, services can become more person-centered and responsive to individual needs.

 Smaller, grassroots organisations play a pivotal role in addressing eating disorders at the community level. These groups are typically more agile and can tailor their approaches to meet the unique needs of their communities. They often provide specialized programs, peer support, and education that larger organizations may overlook. They may not have the fancy marketing, strategic plans, or CEOs in suits and ties promoting them and slapping buzzwords like "co-production" and "co-design" across them, but they know what they're talking about—why? Because they live it.

 Investing in these organisations can lead to innovative practices and more accessible support for individuals struggling with eating disorders. They can serve as a bridge between formal treatment services and the community, offering a more holistic approach to recovery.

 Redirecting a portion of funding from large institutions to support grassroots organisations and lived experience workforces will enhance the overall effectiveness of interventions. This strategy not only diversifies the types of support available but also fosters a culture that values different perspectives and approaches.

 By empowering smaller organisations and individuals with lived experience, we encourage the development of services that are more attuned to the actual needs of those affected by eating disorders. This can lead to better engagement, increased trust, and ultimately, more successful outcomes.

 Addressing eating disorders in Australia requires more than increased funding—it calls for a cultural shift in how we perceive and utilise that funding. By embrcing the insights of lived experience and supporting grassroots initiatives, we can create a more inclusive and effective framework for treatment and support. It is through this balanced approach that we can hope to make meaningful progress in combating eating disorders nationwide.

Money is not the problem, culture is.

R and H

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