How we help
Butterfly is here for anyone in Australia impacted by an eating disorder or a body image issue. We’re committed to helping you find support—whether it’s for yourself, a friend, family member, client, or anyone else you care about.
Our Helpline is not a crisis line and we cannot provide medical help. If you or someone you know is in crisis please call one of the following:
Police & Ambulance: 000
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Butterfly National Helpline
The Butterfly National Helpline offers free and confidential support for anyone concerned about eating disorders or body image issues. Our specialist counsellors offer non-judgmental support over the phone, by email and by online chat including:
- Information about eating disorders and body image
- Information and resources about treatment, care and support
- Referrals to health practitioners who understand eating disorders
- Counselling
We’re open 8am –midnight (AEST/AEDT), seven days. Call, chat or email now.
Support groups
You don’t have to face your journey alone. We have support groups for people experiencing disordered eating, eating disorders and body image concerns, as well as for anyone who cares about them. You can get support, guidance, and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
Butterfly’s Virtual Support Groups are facilitated by trained peer facilitators who have lived experience of an eating disorder themselves.
Our Webchat Support Groups are facilitated by specialist counsellors from our National Helpline.
Support programs
Our support programs are for:
- Anyone experiencing disordered eating, an eating disorder or body image concerns
- Friends, family and partners of someone experiencing an eating disorder or body image concerns.
Butterfly’s Virtual Support Programs and Webinar Workshop for Carers offer support, guidance and the tools to deal with challenges and to help with recovery. They’re designed to work best alongside other treatment or support you may be receiving.
Helping you get treatment
The first step to recovery from an eating disorder or body image issue is often seeing a health professional, such as your GP.
Butterfly’s Referral Database includes a directory of experienced health professionals who understand eating disorders and body image concerns, and who can help you in your recovery.
Residential Recovery
Butterfly runs Wandi Nerida, Australia’s only specialist residential eating disorder recovery centre. The model of care is based on the work of Carolyn Costin as described in her book, “8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder”. Open to people from all over Australia, Wandi Nerida believes that anyone with an eating disorder can fully recover.
Not sure where to start?
Or haven’t found a service that’s right for you?
Contact the Butterfly National Helpline for help.
