Introducing JEM

2025 will mark NEDIC’s 40th anniversary.  Since 1985, the important things have remained consistent: we’ve always operated a helpline and, via that helpline, we’ve connected thousands of Canadians to eating disorder treatment and support options. 

Over the years, our services have expanded as our clients’ needs have evolved. In the 2000’s, we moved the service provider directory online so that anyone can use it to find eating disorder care – therapists, dietitians, hospital-based programs, support groups – that meets their specific needs.  In 2012, we sought funding to extend our hours to remain open to 9pm (Eastern time) Monday through Thursday, allowing us to better serve individuals residing in Western Canada. In 2017, we added a live chat option for the helpline in response to demand, especially from youth, for a way to talk to a helpline worker without making a stressful phone call. In 2019, we partnered with BEAT (United Kingdom) for a shared services project which enabled us to, for the first time, offer helpline services on the weekend. That project was such a success that we were able to obtain funding that has allowed us to continue to offer weekend hours.  

We’re proud of the changes we’ve made through the years to meet the changing needs and preferences of our clients. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce JEM™, a chatbot developed by researchers at Monash University in Australia, led by A/Prof Gemma Sharp, and co-designed with people with a lived experience of an eating disorder.   

You can access JEM™ here.   

JEM™ has been designed to facilitate access to some of NEDIC’s most popular resources. NEDIC has developed numerous resources to address specific eating disorder experiences, including different eating disorder diagnoses, the unique experience of 2SLGBTQ+ people, and culturally-specific resources for BIPOC community members. All of those resources are available for free on our website, and JEM™ offers another avenue for clients to find resources which are appropriate for their unique situation.   

Throughout our 40 years, NEDIC has supported thousands of Canadians living with eating disorders. Technology has enabled some changes to our work, like the development of our website and our web-enabled service provider directory. Other changes have been in response to client demand, like the need for live chat and extended hours. We are here to support any individual living in Canada with information which is reputable, current, and accessible. JEM™ is a reflection of those values, offering a low-barrier way to find specific resources for individuals who might not be ready to speak to a person about their struggles.