SWSPHN has commissioned a primary care eating disorders support program, on the back of data showing an estimated 4.02 per cent of the South Western Sydney population are living with an eating disorder (Prevalence of Eating Disorders by Primary Health Network report, Deloitte, 2019).
Most of those with an eating disorder experienced binge eating (1.86 per cent), followed by a non-specified eating disorder (1.54 per cent), bulimia nervosa (0.49 per cent) and anorexia nervosa (0.12 per cent).
The estimated prevalence rate of eating disorders in South Western Sydney exceeds the national average of 3.97 per cent.
In July, successful tenderers One Door Mental Health and Community Links (Wollondilly and Wingecarribee) began service delivery of the Primary Care Eating Disorders Supports Program and ReClaim respectively.
The services are a 15-month pilot and provide an eating disorders model offering care coordination, evidence-based therapies and capacity building.
Both the Primary Care Eating Disorders Supports Program and ReClaim can provide multidisciplinary care, and link young people to a psychiatrist, dietitian and mental health professionals, who will work together to provide support for the client.
Treatment includes early intervention to treat and manage the onset of symptoms, and supporting those with an existing diagnosis of an eating disorder by managing long-standing symptoms.
One Door’s Primary Care Eating Disorders Supports Program focuses on the 12 to 25 years age group only. Community Links’ ReClaim is open to all ages, however, it has a focus on the 12 to 25 years age bracket and also recognises 10- to 18-year-olds as a priority cohort.
The main difference between the two services is their referral process.
One Door
You can self-refer to the Primary Care Eating Disorders Supports Program.
One Door also accepts referrals from various stakeholders, including GPs and community health organisations.
Referrals are made via Campbelltown headspace, which is operated by One Door Mental Health.
Call Campbelltown headspace on 4627 9089 or email headspace.campbelltown@onedoor.org.au
Find out more about One Door via its website or call 1800 843 539.
Community Links
You can self-refer to ReClaim by contacting the Community Links mental health intake line on 0455 104 104 or via email on mhintake@communitylinks.org.au
However, you will also need to visit your GP to obtain either an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan or Mental Health Treatment Plan before sessions can commence.
GPs can refer clients to ReClaim through SWSPHN’s Central Intake.
Find out more about Community Links via its website or call 4683 2776.



October is Mental Health Month and is a chance for everyone to come together to focus on mental health, learn about stigma and create safe, caring communities.