Virtual and local events happening for Eating Disorders Awareness Week

“We are hoping to continue to break down these stereotypes of who people think can be affected by an eating disorder. This will in turn bring down barriers for those seeking support.”

Adds Marlies van Dijk, Executive Director of the Silver Linings Foundation, “We are seeing that eating disorders are increasingly being recognized as a mental illness and not an issue of vanity. We are advocating for more education and support services for youth and families which are currently lacking in Alberta.”

Events for the week are taking place in Edmonton, Calgary and virtually, with other recognitions taking place. For more information and to register, visit edsna.ca.

Landmark Light-Up – Landmarks across Alberta will shine in purple to mark Eating Disorders Awareness Week

· City Hall – Lethbridge – February 1, 2023

· City Hall – Red Deer – February 1, 2023

· Municipal Centre – Okotoks – February 1, 2023

· The Galleria Trees – Calgary – February 1 – 7, 2023

· Calgary Tower – Calgary – February 2, 2023

· High Level Bridge – Edmonton – February 3, 2023

· Epcor Tower – Edmonton – February 3, 2023

Lighted Up Prayer Event – February 1, 3:30 – 5:30 PM:

· “Lifted Up” is a virtual gathering for Christians to come together in prayer in support of Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

Eating Disorders and the Black Community: A Brief Overview and Discussion – February 1, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

· Join the Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta’s Acting Executive Director Angie Mellen and Social Worker Mo Bamuwagun for the kick off to Eating Disorders Awareness Week and Black History Month.

Eating Disorders in 2SLGBTQ+ Folks: A Brief Overview – February 2, 6:30 – 8:30 PM:

· Join the Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta’s Acting Executive Director Angie Mellen and Registered Psychologist Vanessa LaPrairie for a virtual presentation on Eating Disorders in 2SLGBTQ+ Folks.

Eating Disorders: What did youth, families and clinicians tell us? February 2, 4:00 – 6:00 PM:

· In 2022, the J5 Design Firm interviewed and held workshops with youth, families and clinicians about the current state of eating disorder support in Calgary. Come and join us to find out about their journey, their recommendations and how we can influence change to improve the lives of people with this mental illness.

Hope in Motion – February 7, 7:00 – 9:00 PM

· Join the Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta and Registered Dietitian and Yoga Instructor Rachel Tu for a supportive yoga session to decompress and close out Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Virtual and local events happening for Eating Disorders Awareness Week

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