A new specialist eating disorder treatment centre has opened in Launceston, the first of its kind in Tasmania.
The Tasmanian Eating Disorder Service (TEDS) facility, named takara narakupa – meaning “walking with kindness” in palawa kani, offers treatment for people with moderate to severe eating disorders alongside offering support for clients’ families.
The federal government contributed $2.5 million towards the $10 million investment, while the state government provided $915,000 plus ongoing operational funding.
“Eating disorders are serious, complex and potentially life-threatening, affecting not only the individual but also their family,” Health Minister Bridget Archer said.
“The Tasmanian Eating Disorder Service is designed to enable Tasmanians experiencing eating disorders to access evidence-based treatment close to home.”
The facility at Westbury Road was built by local contractor Anstie Constructions, refurbishing two existing buildings.
Federal Member for Bass Jess Teesdale said the opening marked “a major step forward for Tasmanians living with eating disorders”.
“This dedicated community-based service will finally give people in the north access to specialised, evidence-based care close to home,” she said.
TEDS state manager Anita Ryman said the service currently supports 365 clients across Tasmania.
The Launceston facility offers individual and group therapy programs, with a therapeutic kitchen central to treatment.
“For the first time, they’ll get treatment in their local community,” Ryman said.
“People won’t have to travel to the mainland to access specialist services.”
The service brings together dietitians, general nurses, physicians, psychiatrists and psychologists under one roof.
“This [kitchen and dining room] is central to our therapeutic mode,” Ryman said.
“This is where we will be working with people to cook and prepare meals, to expose them to regular daily eating.”
“We’ll be offering meal support, whether that’s on an individual level or as a group, as well as running specialist group programs for about more general mental health and wellbeing as well.”
She said the centre means clients get a “wraparound service”.
“So they won’t be accessing a dietician in the community or the GP for medical monitoring. They do that in partnership with us.”
Butterfly Foundation CEO Jim Hungerford said eating disorders leave families across Tasmania grieving lost loved ones each year.
TEDS now operates across Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie, delivering coordinated care across public, private and primary health sectors statewide.
