Projects

Outside Looking In

The aim of this project is to collect evidence that the current system for eating disorders is inadequate and to develop stategies that will enable us to effectively advocate for change as consumers of eating disorder services.
The aims and objectives of the project are:

  • To build the capacity of The Butterfly Foundation to advocate for appropriate models of care for Australians with eating disorders
  • To effect positive change in the eating disorder service system for the benefit of eating disorder sufferers and their families
  • To raise awareness to increase tolerance, support and understanding in the community.

The intended outcomes of the project are:

  • To be in a position to change the system by aquiring knowledge of the existing system. Use of evidence, data, research and samples of good working models in order to support our aims and objectives.
  • Elevation of eating disorders as a major mental health issue in need of review and change.
  • Becoming an active community group, increasing our capacity and power to effect change through political activism.
  1. We represent consumers and carers who are committed to ensuring that the government and community recognize the seriousness of eating disorders, particularly amongst young people so that the risk of death, or growing into chronic adult mental health patients is reduced or eliminated
  2. Our policy is to work collaboratively with existing organizations and health providers currently working with eating disorders and mental health
  3. As an independent community and consumer group we stand on the outside looking in thus are well placed to assess and critique the existing provision of services and to influence the government to effect systematic change. We are committed, passionate and prepared to tackle the existing service system.

Our 'Friends of Butterfly' is part of this project, as we aim to harness the voice and the passion of the community to effect the intended change.
If you would like more information on 'Friends of Butterfly' and how you can join, please go to 'Become a Friend of Butterfly'

 
Listen Up

The Butterfly Foundation recently partnered with Orygen Youth Health and Beyond Blue to launch this campaign about youth mental health. ‘Listen Up’ is a campaign to put youth mental health on everyone’s agenda.

The Butterfly Foundation thought it incredibly important to be involved in this campaign as those people suffering from eating disorders often get forgotten about in the general mental health arena. Anorexia Nervosa is the third most common chronic illness for young women in Australia. More education, awareness, treatment and support is needed!

The ‘Listen Up’ launch was held on April 4th 2006 at Federation Square with over 600 young people in attendance. The Butterfly Foundation had a very popular stall with young people encouraged to write a positive self esteem and body image comment on a butterfly card which they then pinned to life-size statues. Young people also participated in a human maze, mask making, handball competition and hip-hop dancing. CEO Claire Vickery was interviewed by SYN FM and the day was officially launched by “Neighbours star” Carla Bonner.

Website www.listenup.com.au.

Positive Self Esteem & Body Image Comments

  • Have butterflies in your spirit, not your tummy
  • Everyone’s perfect. Pretty as a butterfly- love everyone
  • It’s your inner beauty that makes your outside beautiful
  • Self love is the best thing to have
  • Beauty is not just on the outside it is also within
  • Reach for you dreams
  • All my class is great and I love teaching them
  • If your not happy- get creative