The Butterfly Foundation globally recognised for leading charge on eating disorder advocacy.

The Butterfly Foundation has received international recognition for its ongoing advocacy and support for people with eating disorders.

The Australian foundation was awarded with the 2019 AED Meehan-Hartley Leadership Award for Public Service and Advocacy at this year’s International Eating Disorders Conference which was held in New York today.

The award was presented in recognition of the foundation’s former CEO, Christine Morgan, who advanced health system reform, increased funding for people with eating disorders and influenced the greater recognition of eating disorders as the serious mental illnesses that they are.

Speaking to Mamamia, Mitch Doyle, the Butterfly Foundation’s consumer and carer coordinator, said the recognition was “incredibly humbling”.

EXCITING NEWS ????
Today, our wonderful @CMorgan265 and Butterfly received global recognition for leadership and advocacy in eating disorders at the International Eating Disorders Conference. THANK YOU to @aedweb, our sector partners and most importantly our incredible community.

— Butterfly Foundation (@Bfoundation) March 16, 2019

“Having experienced an eating disorder for 14 years, and advocated for myself and others, it is incredibly humbling to see Butterfly and Australia being recognised on an international level,” he told Mamamia.

“Not only do the recent policy changes signify a positive evolution in the eating disorders sector, they also send a powerful message to those struggling, and their carers, that they are being heard from a government level and action is being taken to reduce their suffering.”

Kevin Barrow, who recently joined the foundation as the new CEO, also commended the exciting news.

“I am so proud to have joined an organisation that has been recognised as significant in advancing the eating disorder agenda through influencing public policy, government advocacy and in its service to the community,” he told Mamamia.

“A huge congratulations and thank you to Christine and team, our sector colleagues and the community for their passion, dedication and ongoing commitment to changing the landscape of eating disorders in Australia. Collaboration has been the key to where we are today and will lead us into the future.”

You can find out more about The Butterfly Foundation’s progress in eating disorders here.

For help and support for eating disorders, contact the Butterfly Foundation‘s National Support line and online service on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or email atsupport@thebutterflyfoundation.org.au. You can also visit their website, here.