The Butterfly/Southern Health Day Program

The Butterfly Foundation is proud to be in partnership with Southern Health in opening Australia's first publicly funded day program for young people with eating disorders. The day program is a community based specialised service providing client centred holistic support and intervention to individuals and their families who are suffering from eating disorders.

The program offers a high level of structure and support with experienced staff providing individual, group and family therapy. Initially, individuals attend the day program 5 days per week from 9.30am-3.30pm with families being involved and supported where appropriate. All aspects of an individuals life are adressed including nutritional rehabilitation, normalisation of eating behaviour, correcting dysfunctional attitudes towards eating and weight, body image issues and relapse prevention. The program also teaches broader skills in areas such as problem solving, interpersonal skills, anxiety management and relaxation techniques. Educational support and co-ordination with schools is also provided.

The day program is located in the Melbourne suburb of Malvern.

Individuals wishing to access the day program must:

  • Live in the Southern Metropolitan Region of Victoria as defined by the catchment area for Southern Health
  • Be aged between 12 - 24 years
  • Present with a diagnosis or behaviour consistent with a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa or Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
  • Be motivated to attend the day program and participate in the therapy provided including goal setting, treatment planning and reviews

The day program does not accept referrals directly. All people wishing to access the service must first contact the Southern Health Triage Service on 1300 369012.

Please note that The Butterfly Foundation does not facilitate access for sufferers and carers to the Day Program. We please request that you ring the Southern Health Triage number for further information and access to the program.

For further information regarding the day program please email the Program Co-ordinator Sara Dobson at sara.dobson@southernhealth.org.au.

To express an interest in offering volunteer support please contact the day programs clinician Georgina Roberts at georgina.roberts@southernhealth.org.au

 
Invitation for referrals with signature (PDF) 55.04 kB