Students with Disordered Eating can Access Support
Eating Difficulties Education Network (EDEN) has a new central location
The Eating Difficulties Education Network (EDEN) has moved to a new home at 395A Manukau Rd in Epsom, providing easier
access to support services for students. The move also makes it easier for local schools to access EDEN’s health
promotion training and peer education programmes.
Manager Deb Schwarz explains, “Eating difficulties and body image concerns are highly prevalent for young people in New
Zealand and accessing support early is essential. EDEN is the only community based organisation providing early
intervention services for disordered eating in the North Island. Our new location provides easier access for students
because of its proximity to many Auckland secondary schools and public transport access”.
EDEN is taking other steps to make students services more accessible. EDEN now has free support meeting times available
from 7.30am in the morning.
“We hope our new early appointment times will enable students to come to see our EDEN Support Coordinator without
needing to miss any classes”, says Schwarz.
There has also been increasing demand for EDEN’s teacher training workshops during this year. EDEN is holding its next
Nourish Training on the 12th of August at its new home in Epsom. The training is designed for counselors, teachers,
youth workers, and those who are working with young people.
“We want to make it really easy and affordable for those who are working with youth to access and use fun, research
based, health promoting resources. Our training and comprehensive resource pack means we can save them from having to do
hours of extra work and research themselves, and give them plenty of tools to choose from”, Schwarz says.
The Nourish workshop is designed as a smorgasboard of training ideas, information and resources to promote body
confidence, self-esteem & critical thinking for young people. Through creative activities, discussions, a DVD, images & worksheets, young people are able to explore these issues in a variety of learning styles. The activities and ideas can
all be used individually, in small groups, or with bigger groups (there are tips around how to do this in the
Facilitator’s Guide too). For more details contact info@eden.org.nz.
ENDS