SUTHERLAND Shire has been identified as an area of "high need" by the state's peak organisation for people with an eating disorder.
The Eating Disorders Foundation found the shire did not have adequate support systems in place for sufferers and their families and has responded by establishing the Sutherland Shire Recovery Support Group.
It describes the group as a "safe and understanding environment to discuss [sufferers'] difficulties, grief and pain as well as to validate positive choices and to encourage and inspire change".
The group will meet on the third Wednesday of each month at a shire location made known only to attendees.
A forum for the family and friends of people with an eating disorder will also be held by the foundation on Monday at Sutherland District Trade Union Club, Gymea, from 7pm to 9pm.
Speakers will include Kogarah-based psychologist Sandi Hill and two shire girls who have recovered from an eating disorder and work for the foundation.
Places are limited for the forum and support group. To register, call Annalise Pippard or Greta Kretchmer on the foundation's helpline: 94124499.
More details: www.edf.org.au and for additional mental health support call the SANE Australia helpline on 180018SANE (1800187263).
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