Eating Disorder Community Groups

Body Peace Canada is a free online resource for anyone in Canada aged 14+ who is living with an eating disorder or concerned about their relationship with food, body, and/or exercise. Connect with a trained Peer Mentor for individual support, join a Peer Support group, check out the videos, worksheets, live workshops, and other resources. Body Peace Canada is powered by Eating Disorders Nova Scotia. Visit here to learn more.

• Peer Support Groups: Welcoming, pro-recovery spaces to share strategies and challenges in a supportive environment. The virtual groups are facilitated by trained Peer Mentors. Body Peace Canada currently offers Peer Support Groups for Adults, Young Adults, Individuals Ages 40+, Trans, Non-Binary and Gender-Diverse Folks, and Members of BIPOC Communities. Register once, then join whenever you’d like.
• Mentoring Program: Matches you with a trained Peer Mentor for one-on-one recovery support. Meet on your terms, go at your own pace, and explore what is important to you.
• Informational Materials: Explore their videos, worksheets and check out their free, live workshops. Not sure if you have an eating disorder? Take their short quiz to help you understand your risk, and provide next steps.
  
  

Eating Disorders Nova Scotia is a community-based organization that offers a range of supports including free weekly workshops, Peer Support training and consulting, and services from Dietitians and Therapists (available in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador). Visit here to learn more.

• Peer Support Programs: These are available across Canada through Body Peace Canada.
• Family Peer Support Group: Meets monthly via Zoom and is open to anyone in Canada. Led by trained parent peer supporters, the groups are an opportunity for peer-to-peer sharing, support, education, guidance, encouragement, and hope.

The Looking Glass Foundation strives to support individuals struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating by providing various support programs for people in Canada ages 14+. Visit here to learn more.

• Online Peer Support: Regular, anonymous, message-based group chats for individuals ages 14+. Facilitated by trained moderators.
• 2SLGBTQIA+ Online Peer Support: Bimonthly chat-based support group for individuals who self-identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Facilitated by volunteers who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+.
• Binge Eating Online Peer Support: Bimonthly chat-based support group for individuals who experience binge eating.
• Personal Recovery Space: A private digital forum for individuals ages 14+ that offers 24/7 personalized and flexible support. It is often described as "a journal that writes back."
• Hand in Hand: A peer mentorship program that pairs individuals ages 16+ with a volunteer for regular in-person or virtual support.

NIED exists to give hope and support to individuals with an Eating Disorder and their caregivers.  They do this by developing and sharing educational resources and information, conducting or participating in research, and taking action to address the needs of Canadians impacted by Eating Disorders. Visit here to learn more. 

• Resources for youth, adults, and caregivers/loved ones.

Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta (EDSNA) is a community-based, non-profit organization that serves as a hub for people 18+ in Alberta who are affected – directly and indirectly – by eating disorders. In addition to providing information and guidance, EDSNA runs support groups in Edmonton and Calgary, as well as on an online platform. All groups have a small associated fee which can be waived if there is financial hardship. Visit here to learn more.

• Online Support Groups: Participants can expect information, coping strategies, building connection, and peer support. Groups are facilitated by trained eating disorder professionals and typically 6-9 weeks in length.
• Caregivers Support Group: Online drop-in group for parents, partners, friends, siblings, and/or loved ones. Sessions are a blend of peer support and education with a focus on helpful language, opportunities to practice open communication skills, and establishing ways to support yourself and your loved one.

Calgary Silver Linings Foundation bridges gaps in accessibility and care of eating disorders in Alberta by offering support groups for teens (12-17), adults, and caregivers/loved ones, as well as a library of video resources that provide information, communication approaches, and relapse strategies. Support groups are offered online, in-person, and through a hybrid format. All groups require registration and take place over the course of several weeks. All groups have an associated fee but financial assistance is available if needed. Visit here to learn more.

• Youth Support Group: Topics may include, but are not limited to body image, social media, isolation, and emotional regulation. The facilitator will adapt the content based on the needs of the participants. Parental consent for youth’s registration is required.
• Adult Support Groups: Groups comprise of skill-based learning and peer support from week to week. Facilitated by trained professionals.
• Adult Psychoeducational Groups: Sessions are a combination of peer support and education, and facilitated by trained professionals. Topics may include medical aspects of eating disorders, skills-based learning to physiologically resist restricting, bingeing or purging.
• Art Therapy Group
• Mindfulness and Restorative Yoga Group 
• Parent & Loved Ones Workshop: Psychoeducation and peer support facilitated by an eating disorder therapist. Small group setting allows participants to learn and share but also to cover topics or questions that are specific to their own situation.
• Peer Mentoring: Tailored, informal and non-judgmental support for participants ages 17+ from someone who has recovered from an eating disorder and completed special training.

Embody equips British Columbia parents and professionals with trusted resources to support young people before they develop an eating disorder. It provides tools and resources to address disordered eating, body image, mental health, weight stigma, and self-compassion for children and youth of all ages. Visit here to learn more.

• Resource Centre for youth, adults, parents/caregivers, and educators

The BC Children’s Kelty Eating Disorders website helps people of all ages find resources and information for every stage of the eating disorder journey, as well as locate programs and treatment centres in BC. There are also clinical tools, resources and training for health professionals working in the field of eating disorders. Visit here to learn more.

• Resource Library: For people of all ages, including individuals struggling with an eating disorder and the family, friends, and professionals supporting them.
• Peer support for Caregivers: Available through the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre for parents and caregivers of children and youth up to age 24, who are concerned about an eating disorder. Connect with a Parent Peer Support worker to learn more about personalized peer support, navigating the mental health system and accessing information and resources in BC.

The Looking Glass Foundation strives to support individuals struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating by providing various support and treatment programs for people in Canada, ages 14+. For BC residents, services available include individual counselling and residential care. Visit here to learn more. 

• Online Peer Support: Chat-based support group for participants ages 14+ at any stage in recovery. Facilitated by volunteer moderators.
• 2SLGBTQIA+ Online Peer Support: Bimonthly chat-based support group for individuals who self-identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Facilitated by volunteers who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+.
• Binge Eating Online Peer Support: Bimonthly chat-based support group for individuals who experience binge eating.
• Personal Recovery Space: Private digital forum accessible 24/7, with volunteer mentors offering empathetic, flexible, and confidential support to individuals ages 14+.
• Hand in Hand: Peer mentoring program with volunteers meeting weekly with participants ages 16+.
• Bridge the Gap: Affordable one-to-one therapeutic support for individuals ages 19+. Provided by practicum students from accredited BC universities, and overseen by a Registered Clinical Counsellor who is accredited to supervise.
• Residential Care: A 14-bed residential treatment facility for youth (ages 16-24) providing 24/7 care and support by a multidisciplinary team of medical and mental health professionals.

VIVED is a grassroots organization committed to advocating for action that will improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by disordered eating and eating disorders.  Visit here to learn more.

• Advocacy
• Peer Support:  Weekly drop-in group for individuals ages 18+ who struggle with eating disorders and disordered eating. Offered in-person and virtually via Zoom. While based in Victoria, virtual sessions are open to folks outside the region.

WHC Provincial Eating Disorder Prevention & Recovery Program is a government funded, community-based treatment program at Women’s Health Clinic in Winnipeg. Their program is for all genders: women, men, trans, and non-binary people. Women’s Health Clinic also provides consultation through telephone and email to families and health care providers (mental health, primary health, allied health professionals) in rural Manitoba. Visit here to learn more.

• Group-based Treatment: A combination of group counselling, individual counselling, and nutritional counselling for people ages 18+.
• Workshops: Open to anyone ages 16+. Topics may include body image, perfectionism, emotional eating, mindful eating, anxiety, incorporating a non-dieting approach to wellness.
• Workshops for Family, Friends and Partners: Psychoeducation, peer support, and resource navigation for caregivers and loved ones ages 16+.
• Family, Friend, or Partner Coaching Session: Connect with a counsellor to explore issues and struggles, and learn more about eating disorders, recommended strategies, resources, and referral processes. Open to anyone ages 16+.

The Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (EDFNL) is a leadership advocacy group dedicated to providing support for individuals with eating disorders, and support and education to their families and caregivers. Additional resources offered includes Emotion Focused Family Therapy training for professionals and digital access to books for individuals affected, families, and professionals through a partnership with the provincial library. EDFNL holds information sessions to provide information on eating disorders and details regarding their support services. Visit here to learn more.

• Bridge to Hope Education and Support Group: For families and caregivers. Focuses on both learning from medical and health professionals and from peer support.
• Family and Caregiver Education Session: Professionals who have expertise in the area of Eating Disorders speak to families and caregivers around their role in care.
• Emotion Focused Family Therapy Workshop: For families and caregivers. Focuses on learning and practicing specific skills to support loved ones – regardless of their age.
• Parent and Sibling Support Groups: Opportunity for facilitator-led peer support for people supporting someone with an eating disorder. Parent group requires attending Bridge to Hope Education and Support Group as a prerequisite.

Eating Disorders Nova Scotia is a community-based organization that offers a range of supports including free weekly workshops, Peer Support training and consulting, and services from Dietitians and Therapists (available in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador). Visit here to learn more.

• Peer Support Programs: These are welcoming, pro-recovery spaces to share strategies and challenges in a supportive environment. A variety of Groups and Mentoring are led by their trained Peer Mentors and are available through Body Peace Canada.
• Family Peer Support Group: Meets monthly via Zoom and is open to anyone in Canada. Led by trained parent peer supporters, the groups are an opportunity for peer-to-peer sharing, support, education, guidance, encouragement, and hope.
• Therapist Services: Open to Nova Scotia residents ages 16+ living with an eating disorder or disordered eating. (Also available to New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.) There are associated fees, but Eating Disorders Nova Scotia offers partial subsidies for those experiencing financial barriers.
• Dietitian Services: Individualized care for people of all ages in Nova Scotia who are experiencing eating disorders or disordered eating. (Also available to New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.) There are associated fees, but Eating Disorders Nova Scotia offers partial subsidies for those experiencing financial barriers.

The Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA) is a not-for-profit, registered charity, community-based organization servicing Windsor-Essex County. Since 1983, they have been committed to the provision of specialized treatment, education and support services for individuals affected directly and indirectly by eating disorders. BANA's health promotion initiatives include facilitating presentations in schools and to community groups, sports organizations and clubs, as well as in business settings. Visit here to learn more.

• Intake Services: Centralized intake assessments for new client inquiries and referrals for residents of Windsor and Essex County, in partnership with the Teen Health-Windsor Essex Community Health Centre. Youth will be referred to community partners for appropriate treatment.
• Individual Therapy Sessions: Outpatient services for people ages 20+. Clinicians provide individual treatment, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Enhanced for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) or an abbreviated version of this therapy (CBT-T). Offered in-person and virtually.
• Intensive Outpatient Program: Provides group therapy, individual therapy, and meal support for people ages 16+, in partnership with Windsor Regional Hospital and Windsor Essex Community Health Centre, Teen Health site. Program is run virtually and in-person. Individuals interested in service can contact intake and will be screened for suitability.

Body Brave is a community-based organization providing support for people ages 14+ and treatment for people ages 17+ that is free of charge or covered by OHIP. Body Brave’s model of care varies depending on your needs and preferences. After registering for their online platform, you can access the Recovery Support Program and book a clinical intake appointment to determine whether their treatment groups are suitable for your situation. Visit here to learn more.

• Online Self-Guided Recovery Support Program: Evidence-based self-reflection activities, peer support, screening tools, self-monitoring tools, and a library of pre-recorded support sessions and workshops.
• Treatment Groups: Evidence-based treatment programs for individuals ages 17+, 10 weeks in length and include skill-building and insight development. Limited to 15 participants and requires a strong commitment.
• Drop-In Groups: Weekly drop-in treatment groups for individuals ages 17+, each week covering a different topic relevant to recovery and featuring rotating facilitators. No commitment to long-term group participation required.

Danielle's Place, a part of Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) in Halton Region, provides prevention and early intervention programming for youth between ages 8-17 struggling with disordered eating, as well as services and support groups for their families/caregivers. A referral, which can be obtained through ROCK's central intake line, is required to access certain offerings for youth. Additional walk-in counselling services for youth and families is accessible through ROCK. Visit here to learn more.

• Discussion-/Activity-Based Group Programs:  For female-identifying and non-binary youth (ages 8-17). Designed to engage participants in discussion about topics such as media messages, body image, and self-esteem, and creative activities like painting and jewelry-making.
• Queer and/or Trans Youth Group: Focuses on the historical and social influences that can impact queer and trans youth (ages 13-17), their body image, body perception, identity and relationship with food. Utilizes group-oriented peer-to-peer discussion and strategy-building activities to encourage body acceptance.
• Family and/or Individual Counselling via ROCK: Access to therapeutic conversation and assistance in connection to other services if needed. Open to families with children (ages 0-17) and for youth ages 12+ to access independently and/or with support people.

Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre is a community-based organization in Ottawa. They offer a number of support programs, which can help people ages 17+ who are in treatment or have already sought treatment transition through recovery. They also deliver community education. All programs have an associated fee unless otherwise indicated, but Hopewell offers to discuss alternative options if there are financial barriers. Visit to learn more. 

• Art Therapy Group: Facilitated in collaboration with Ottawa Art Therapy. Offers a space of self-discovery through art-making; working towards increasing creative and emotional tolerance, and beginning to shift perspective and encourage true expression and processing. Each session is guided by themes and directives, and supplies are provided.
• Yoga Group: Led by trauma-informed yoga instructors with experience in eating disorders. Opportunity to connect with and honour your body through gentle and mindful movements, develop self-compassion, acceptance, and a feeling of empowerment. Each session explores a different theme.
• Peer Support Groups: Facilitated by trained Hopewell volunteers who have experience and/or education in group facilitating and/or in the area of eating disorders. Facilitator will consider the needs of its group members to focus on a different topic in each of the eight weeks.
• 2SLGBTQ+ Support Group: Peer support that is led by queer, non-binary facilitators. This group focuses on exploring topics unique to queer identities and eating disorder recovery.
• BIPOC Support Group: Led by a BIPOC facilitator, this group offers a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming space where individuals from the BIPOC communities can come together to explore and share their unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs in navigating eating disorder recovery.
• Mentoring Program: Helps support individuals (ages 18+), who are transitioning from eating disorder treatment back into their daily lives or who are looking for this type of extra support through their recovery process. Involves some type of interaction on a bi-weekly basis between Mentor and Mentee over a six-month period.
• Friends & Family Support Group: Provides parents and caregivers with essential tools and skills to support a loved one through recovery, and opportunity to connect with others. Facilitated by Anchor Psychology.

Sheena’s Place is a community-based organization located in Toronto. They offer free group-based support to individuals ages 17+ and to families and friends affected by eating disorders, by providing a wide range of professionally-facilitated support groups and services. Sheena's Place holds information sessions regularly to provide further details regarding the group supports offered. Visit here to learn more.

• Support Groups: Offer participants the opportunity to share their stories and help each other in an informal setting. Led by a professional facilitator and semi-structured; the majority of the session will be spent discussing themes raised by group members. Demographic-specific groups such as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQI+, trans/non-binary/gender questioning, disabled and chronically ill, people in larger bodies, neurodivergence, are also offered.
• Skill-Building Groups: Structured groups based on variety of evidence-based modalities with a focus on learning new skills for coping, reducing harm, and creating change.
• Expressive Arts Groups: Opportunity to explore experiences and express feelings through various art mediums, including: painting, drawing, writing, music, textile arts, and collage.
• Body Image and Movement Groups: Focuses on exploring the individual’s relationship to the body, and invites a more nurturing and connected mind-body experience.
• Nutrition Groups: Structured groups that focus on developing knowledge and skills for nourishing the body and increasing comfort in the kitchen. Most programs offer a combination of practical cooking and food preparation skills, as well as education about food and nutrition and psychoeducation.
• Family, Friends, and Partner Support Group: Opportunity for family members, partners, and friends to explore the experience of having a loved one with an eating disorder, seek support, share resources, and gain new information and insights.

Anorexia and Bulimia Québec (ANEB) is a non-profit organization based in Pointe-Claire, Montreal that provides support to individuals ages 13+ with eating disorders and their loved ones. All services are available in both English and French. Open groups are free to attend, and closed groups have associated fees. Immediate support is available through their helpline, text, and chat services. Visit here to learn more.

• Open Support Groups: Drop-in support groups for people ages 17+. Separate available drop-in groups for family, friends, and caregivers.
• Closed Support Groups: Peer support, mutual help, and a focus on providing individuals with tools and strategies for recovery for people ages 17+. Types of groups include general disordered eating, nutrition, sexuality, overeating, and art. Participation requires commitment.
• Closed Family and Caregivers Support Group: Different themes and activities with a focus on developing strategies and tools aimed at reducing the feeling of helplessness. Participation requires commitment.
• Online Chat Support Group: Peer support and psychoeducation for people ages 17+ with each session having a specific theme and guest speaker. Facilitated by healthcare professionals.
• Forum: Provides a place of exchange and encouragement offering hope, support and tools at all hours of the day and night for people directly affected by eating disorders and family, friends, and loved ones. Several ANEB speakers are also present for support.
• Help and Referral Line: Provides support and information on resources and available services to people ages 13+. Open to the general public, not just Quebec.
• Individual Text and Chat Service: Support and information available via texting and live messaging for people ages 13+. Open to the general public, not just Quebec.

Arrimage Estrie is an organization based in Sherbrooke that promotes body acceptance and body diversity, in addition to supporting people living with concerns related to these issues. They offer various support groups to people ages 17+ wishing to improve their relationship with the body and with food. All services are provided in French, with the exception of one Intuitive Eating Group which is offered in English. Groups have an associated fee. Visit here to learn more.

• Art Therapy Groups: Includes creative activities, personal reflections, and discussions. No artistic skill required since the process does not focus on aesthetics of creations, but on their meaning and what they evoke.
• Online Intuitive Eating Groups: Focuses on exploring the 10 principles of this approach, which addresses health and wellness without emphasizing weight management or control. Consists of group discussions and activities, as well as personal reflections and exercises.

Maison L'Éclaircie is a community organization that works with people living with behaviours associated with anorexia or bulimia, ages 14+, in the Capitale-Nationale and Chaudière-Appalaches areas, and also for their relatives. They offer group and individual psychological and nutritional support. They also operate a helpline and chat service, and facilitate prevention workshops, training, and initiatives in the community. Services are only available in French. Visit here to learn more.

• Cohort: This 15-week group consists of 3 blocks to strengthen motivation, provide nutritional education and information on eating disorders, and consolidate learnings. Registration requires an intake evaluation. This program is a prerequisite for other supports and services.
• Individual Support: 25 consultations offered through psychosocial and nutritional support to help reach recovery. This is a follow-up service for participants who have completed the cohort.
• Family and Caregivers Support Meetings: Individualized meetings to provide support and education, and are adapted based on clients needs. Offered on an ad hoc basis, with a maximum of 3-4 sessions per family.
• Family and Caregiver Support Groups: Monthly peer support group offers a space to connect and receive support, with occasional testimonials, speakers, and specific themes. The psychoeducation group is offered through three evenings to learn about eating disorders and how to interact in a helpful way with a relative living with one.
• Helpline: Provides support, information, and resources to the general public, people living with an eating disorder, relatives, and professionals. Available to the whole province of Quebec.

BridgePoint Center for Eating Disorder Recovery operates in partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority as a community-based organization as part of the continuum of healthcare in Saskatchewan. They offer free virtual and in-person recovery-based programming for people who are experiencing disordered eating. Each program includes intensive experiential learning and teaching sessions within a group-based model, individual discussions, and processing of personal experiences. BridgePoint also provides outreach and education services. Visit here to learn more.

• Retreats: Four-day residential programming and/or two-day virtual retreat. Combination of introduction to program philosophy, meal support in community, and small group/individual sessions to provide support and preparation for the ongoing program. This program is a prerequisite for follow-up modules and other online recovery groups.
• Youth Recovery Program: Closed group that operates either as a one-day retreat or as a weekly series for youth ages 12-18. Facilitated by a multidisciplinary team of eating disorder professionals.
• Family Caregiver Program: Rooted in Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, parents and caregivers will learn to navigate and guide their loved ones experiencing big feelings, emotional dysregulation, and/or mental health issues.
• Recovery Support Line for pre- and post-program support.
• Self-Paced and On-Demand Programs: Self-guided educational programming and daily texting subscription. Topics can include practicing gratitude and mindfulness, building a recovery team, and learning more about how to navigate mental health and eating disorder recovery.