Open Chat online support group October 2026

This peer-led support group offers a warm and understanding space to explore the challenges of navigating an eating disorder in a shared environment. 

The intention of this group is to create new conversations around our experiences, with a focus on recovery, relationships, values and connecting as a group.

You’re welcome to join one session or come to all four, depending on what feels right for you. To participate, you'll need to be connected with a GP. Come as you are—no pressure, no judgment.  

This is an open group run monthly, delivered online through Zoom.  

When do the groups run?

All Open Chat support group sessions run on the third Tuesday of the month from 6:00 pm to 7.15pm.

What is the theme of the group?

The theme for this session is:

• Who are you beyond the Eating Disorder?

• What helps you think clearly?

  • Questions from eating disorders & other shadowy companions

To attend, you'll need to register each month. Registrations for subsequent support group sessions open around 2-3 weeks before the next session.

What is involved? 

Open Chat is facilitated by EDV lived experience/consumer peer workers. These groups give people the opportunity to draw upon the support, experience and skills of others facing similar issues.  

Each session will run for 75 minutes. Sessions will have a topic/theme which will be used to guide the discussion.

Groups will run with a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum of 15 participants. Participants need to register to attend. Registrations close 4 hours prior to the event.
 
Who can join? 

• Participants need to reside in Victoria, Australia

• Participants need to be 18 years of age or over

• Participants must be connected to a GP

• Participants must read and acknowledge the group agreement when registering.

We welcome people to attend these groups at any stage of their wellness and recovery journey.

About our facilitators

Bridget (she/her) is a Peer Worker & Team Leader at Eating Disorders Victoria. She facilitates Open chat and is a backup facilitator for the SE-ED online support group. She has extensive experience in lived experience roles across community and mental health settings. Bringing her lived experience of an eating disorder & intersectional identities (LGBTIQA+ and disability) into her work. She works relationally with participants and aims to create a space where you can be your authentic self, feel understood, and can reflect on & explore new ways of seeing your experience. She is interested in the 'other story' beyond diagnostic labels, to make space for the parts & narratives that sometimes go unheard. Outside of work Bridget enjoys photography (digital and film), board & video games, is currently teaching herself the Lyre Harp & growing her abundance of half-finished craft projects.

Sophie (she/her) is a neurodivergent Peer Worker with a lived experience of an Eating Disorder. Sophie comes from a background supporting adults, children and families through Counselling and Play Therapy. Some threads she brings from this experience into her Peer Work include a capacity to create and protect safe spaces, and bringing a genuine warm, respect and positive regard for the individuals she is supporting. Sophie is a proponent of self-determination, self-agency and advocacy in the recovery journey. She always learns so much from the wisdom of the participants she meets and is struck by their bravery, resilience and strength.

When not working in the peer space, Sophie is a mum and can be found gardening, going to family friendly gigs, starting hobbies then dropping them within a week, and occasionally dabbling with music.

Where are the groups held?

Groups are held online through Zoom.  Please ensure you have a quiet safe space where you are not overheard by others. The zoom link is sent to participants through email approximately two hours prior to the group. Please check in your junk inbox if not received.  

Please note: the group will be closed 15 minutes from the start time to ensure respect for the group, as per group guidelines.

We honour your time and the time of our facilitators. If we need to change the date or cancel a group for any reason, we will endeavour to give you as much notice as possible to minimise inconvenience. Please check EDV's website for any updates.

How do I register for the group?

Please register for the group through humanitix. Please note you can register for the group up to 4 hours prior to the group start time. We are unable to accept registrations after this time.

If you are no longer able to attend the group, please kindly cancel/refund your ticket through humanitix so another participant can attend the session. Refunds are available up to 1 day before the session before the event. If you are unable to refund your ticket, such as on the day of the event, feel free to make contact with us through the email listed below.

How do I join online?

You will receive an email with the information on how to join two hours before the event. Please check your email, your junk email and any other email addresses that you might use. If you do not have an email then please contact us. The information you provide to Eating Disorders Victoria is for the purpose of contacting you about this event.

Cost

Free to join! 

Common questions about groups:

Do I need to have my camera on during the group?

Participants must have their camera turned on during the session. Further details around when your camera can be turned off during the session are listed in the group agreement. If, for some specific reason, you are unable to have your camera on during the session, we ask that you email or call to discuss this at least 2 business days in advance.


How do I communicate my support and accessibility needs?
For support or accessibility needs, please fill in the accessibility section of the registration form on humanatix preferably 2 business days prior to the event. All accessibility & support needs are reviewed by the team prior to approving them. These needs could include strategies for dealing with poor Wi-Fi, having needs such as requiring a break in the session, needing to bring an interpreter to communicate or other accessibility or support related needs. We will let you know if we are unable to meet your accessibility or accommodation needs before the group by contacting you through email.

What if I'm a family member or support person of someone living with an eating disorder? Can I join the group?

Please note this group is for participants identifying as living with an eating disorder. This group is not for those identifying as a family member/support person of someone living with an eating disorder. If you are a family member or support person, please visit the Eating Disorders Victoria webpage to see other resources and supports that are available.

Contact

For further information, please contact our Lived Experience Program team, through e-mail at livedexperienceprogram@eatingdisorders.org.au 

If this group is sold out please join the waitlist to be notified of any cancellations or look at future dates for availability. To join the waitlist, please press 'Tickets' and select 'Join Waitlist'. 

If you require any support or information prior to the event, please contact the EDV Hub on 1300 550 236 or Submit a query online.