Butterfly Foundation, the national charity for Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, has launched a critical resource in Arabic to target multicultural populations.
‘Let’s Talk Eating Disorders: Support and Resources in Arabic’ was developed to increase awareness and encourage help-seeking among local culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Through the new initiative, the organisation is hoping to support communities where risk of developing an eating disorder and access to treatment may be even further impacted by stigma, cultural attitudes and beliefs towards mental health, body image and food, as well as the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities and the pervasive Western body and beauty ideals.
“Eating disorders do not discriminate and access to information or support should not be limited by the language someone speaks or their culture,” Butterfly Foundation chief executive Dr Jim Hungerford said.
The foundation’s Melissa Wilton said the new resource would break down barriers.
“For many communities, the risk of developing an eating disorder and accessing treatment may be even further impacted by stigma, cultural attitudes and beliefs towards mental health, body image and food, as well as the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities and the pervasive Western body and beauty ideals,” she said.
“With these bilingual and translated resources we hope to help break down these barriers and ensure that Australia’s Arabic-speaking community have access to the support they need for identifying and getting help for these complex and potentially life-threatening mental illnesses.”
With the resource backed by The Midwinter Ball Committee, Butterfly hopes to secure further funding to produce resources for other multicultural populations.
Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact:
Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or visit www.butterfly.org.au to chat online or email, 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEST/AEDT).
Eating Disorders Victoria Helpline on 1300 550 23
For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14
