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Butterfly Foundation

Butterfly Foundation is the national charity for all people in Australia impacted by eating disorders and body dissatisfaction, as well as for the families, friends and communities who support them.

Vision and mission

Vision:

All people in Australia can live free of eating disorders and negative body image.

Mission:

Butterfly Foundation work to prevent eating disorders and body image issues from occurring, to ensure that the best possible treatments are available, and that appropriate care and support is there for those affected.

How Butterfly Foundation can help

Butterfly changes lives by providing innovative, evidence-based support services, treatment, and resources, delivering prevention and early intervention programs, and advocating for the needs of anyone affected by body dissatisfaction or an eating disorder.

They highlight the realities for those seeking treatment for recovery and advocate for improved access to effective, affordable care. Throughout their work, they also emphasise the critical importance of prevention and early intervention strategies in limiting the development of — and suffering from — negative body image and eating disorders.

Butterfly operates a National Helpline that provides support over the phone, by email, and online, reaching around 23,000 people each year. The Helpline is staffed by trained counsellors experienced in assisting with eating disorders and body image concerns. They also offer a wide range of programs for service providers and recovery groups, including a residential treatment centre — Wandi Nerida — located in Queensland.

Information lines / help lines

  • Butterfly’s National Helpline: 1-800-33-4673 (100-ED-HOPE) is open 8am – midnight (AEST/AEDT), 7 days a week

Recommended links

This information was originally published on healthdirect - Butterfly Foundation.

Last reviewed: October 2024

Information from this partner

Found 16 results

Body image explained - Butterfly Foundation

Body image is a feeling state created by numerous factors. Whatever your appearance, every person can enjoy & deserves a positive body image.

Read more on Butterfly Foundation website

Boosting body image - Butterfly Foundation

Creating body satisfaction, acceptance and self-confidence, will look and feel different for everyone. There is support for you along the way.

Read more on Butterfly Foundation website

Weight Stigma - Butterfly Foundation

We live in a diet culture that can be harmful to our body image. We’re here to tell you that health can exist on a spectrum of body sizes.

Read more on Butterfly Foundation website

Supporting positive body image - Butterfly Foundation

One of the most empowering ways to support development of positive body image, is to show what a healthy body image looks like.

Read more on Butterfly Foundation website

Concerned about someone you know? - Butterfly Foundation

It’s not easy to discuss eating disorders. Here are some tips to help you offer support to your child, family member, or friend.

Read more on Butterfly Foundation website

Eating disorders explained - Butterfly Foundation

Everyone’s experience of an eating disorder is unique. Eating Disorders aren’t a lifestyle choice, or a cry for attention.

Read more on Butterfly Foundation website

Anorexia Nervosa - Butterfly Foundation

Anorexia is a serious, potentially life threatening mental illness. Click here for a fact sheet on Anorexia Nervosa.

Read more on Butterfly Foundation website

Binge eating disorder - Butterfly Foundation

Binge Eating Disorder is a serious mental illness characterised by regular episodes of binge eating. Click for a fact sheet.

Read more on Butterfly Foundation website

Bulimia Nervosa - Butterfly Foundation

Bulimia Nervosa is a serious, potentially life threatening mental illness. It is paramount to remember bulimia is not a “lifestyle choice.”

Read more on Butterfly Foundation website

Disordered eating - Butterfly Foundation

Disordered eating is a disturbed and unhealthy eating pattern that can include restrictive dieting, compulsive eating or skipping meals.

Read more on Butterfly Foundation website

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