Eating Disorders affect people of all genders, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic class, abilities, races, and ethnic backgrounds. That is why, from February 1st to 7th every year, Eating Disorder groups across Canada unite to commemorate Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) with a national week of action focused on educating the public about Eating Disorders.
It is a time to escalate awareness of the impact of Eating Disorders, the dangerous stereotypes and myths, and the supports available for people living with or affected by them.
EDAW is a collective effort, from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Organizations around the country are set to host local events, light notable landmarks in the colour purple, and engage in public education campaigns.
This year's campaign, Breaking Barriers, Facilitating Futures, aims to focus our attention on under-recognized barriers that people face when accessing care for their eating disorder, which contribute to ongoing cycles of shame and struggle. Our hope is for these educational materials to better inform care providers and healthcare systems of these challenges, and offer strategies borne from lived experience that aim to facilitate future dialogue, healthcare practice, and outcomes that meet the needs of all who are affected.
This year, we're hoping to spread public awareness and education about three main messages:
Help spread this information with people who matter to you and contribute your perspective to the community conversation by using #EDAW2024 on all platforms.
In these two-hour community rooms, people with living and lived experience with an eating disorder will work together collectively to map their journey towards accessing “help”, connect with others across the country who might have similar experiences, and affirm that they are not “too complex”, “too much”, or have “failed treatment”.
The BANA Be Yourself Magazine – is a free, mental health and wellness publication from the Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association.
We are pleased to partnered with NEDIC and service providers across Canada to offer this Special Edition for Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2024.
Follow the link at www.bana.ca/magazine for your online copy today.
We have compiled a list of events happening during EDAW across the country, from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Learn more about events happening near you!
This work would not be possible without the support of our partners around the country.
Please visit their websites to find more information and local support:
Alyssa Stevenson Memorial Trust - Manitoba
Anorexia and Bulimia Québec (ANEB) - Québec
Body Brave - Ontario
BridgePoint Center for Eating Disorders - Saskatchewan
Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA) - Ontario
Danielle's Place - Ontario
Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador - Newfoundland and Labrador
Eating Disorders Nova Scotia - Nova Scotia
Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta (EDSNA) - Alberta
F.E.A.S.T. - Global
Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre - Ontario
Jessie's Legacy - British Columbia
Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre - British Columbia
Looking Glass Foundation for Eating Disorders - British Columbia
National Initiative for Eating Disorders - Ontario
Sheena’s Place - Ontario
Silver Linings Foundation - Alberta
Waterloo-Wellington Eating Disorders Coalition (WWEDC) - Ontario
WaterStone Foundation - Ontario
Women’s Health Clinic - Manitoba