Open Space - Men and masculine (masc) people online support group

EDV is launching a new online support group for men and masculine (masc) people who are navigating eating disorders and body image concerns. 

This group offers a supportive and affirming space to share experiences, connect with others, and navigate the shame and stigma often associated with these struggles. 

The group runs over four sessions, and you’re welcome to attend all or just drop in for one. Come as you are—no pressure, no judgment.  

To participate, you'll need to be connected to a GP. This is an open group run fortnightly, delivered online via Zoom.  

When do the groups run and what are their themes?

All Open Space support group sessions run 6:00 - 7.15pm. The dates and themes for each fortnightly session are as follows:

• Monday 3 November: Exploring masculinity

• Monday 17 November: Body image

• Monday 1 December: Shame and stigma

• Monday 15 December: Barriers to treatment 

Please note: To attend. you'll need to register for each session and registrations for subsequent support group sessions open 48 hours following the last event.

What is involved? 

EDV Online Support Groups are led by facilitators who have lived experience with an eating disorder. Groups give people the opportunity to draw upon the support, experience and skills of others facing similar issues.  

Each session will run for 75 mins, including a short break when needed. Sessions will have a topic/theme which will be used to guide the discussion. Group participants are also able to raise other questions, thoughts, ideas or issues that they would like to discuss. 
 
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

• 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 facilitator

Richard (he/him)

Richard is a Mental Health Social Worker at Eating Disorders Victoria. He co-facilitates the Enduring Eating Disorders (SE-ED) support group and assists with other peer support groups as needed. In collaboration with EDV and as part of his PhD research, Richard is exploring Men and Eating Disorders: Stories of Recovery.

He is passionate about supporting the eating disorder community, including those affected by a loved one’s illness. Through his research and clinical work, he advocates for timely, inclusive care and aims to eliminate barriers to treatment across gender, age, and background.

Where are groups held?

Groups are held online via Zoom.  Please ensure you have a quiet safe space where you are not overheard by others. The link is sent to participants via 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 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! 

Contact

For further information, please contact our Lived Experience Program team, via 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.