Body Esteem Program (BEP)

We offer a safe space for individuals impacted by eating disorders to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing, and provide hope that recovery is possible.

The programs are facilitated by peer workers who have lived experience of an eating disorder and subsequent recovery. They share their knowledge, and experience where appropriate, to enhance support. All peer workers receive ongoing training and professional supervision.

Our model of care is based on self-help. This means participants set their own goals, take personal responsibility for learning and make changes at their own pace.

The following programs are open to all genders.

Anorexia/Bulimia Nervosa Group

A 20-week guided program for people aged 18+ experiencing Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa, to develop a healthier sense of self and body image.

Cost: $350, or free for Health Care Card holders.

Binge Eating Disorder Group

A 20-week guided program for those aged 18+ experiencing Binge Eating Disorder, to develop a healthier sense of self and body image.

Cost: $350, or free for Health Care Card holders.

Youth program

An 8-week guided program for youth aged 16-20 years, who are experiencing Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating disorder, or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders. This program focuses on eating disorder education, creating a positive sense of self, and exploring recovery and motivation to change.

Cost: free of charge.

To refer a client or yourself, please download and fill in our Youth Referral Form and send to bep@luma.org.au.

Online Program

A 12-week guided program for people aged 18+ who are experiencing Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating disorder, or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders. The program is designed to offer support to those living in rural and remote regions, or for those who experience barriers to attending in-person services. Online modules are completed individually and discussed during fortnightly peer support sessions.

Click here to find out more and/or register.

Cost: $150, or free for Health Care Card holders.

Supporters and Carers

If you are a family member, friend or carer of someone experiencing an eating disorder, it’s important for you to feel supported and well-resourced. Our services are designed to help you navigate the journey with the person you love or care for.

The programs will give you information, resources and psychoeducation around the nature of eating disorders, and provide opportunity for you to feel understood, validate and empowered to continue in your vital role as an ally.

We offer three options for supporters:

  • PESP one-day workshop: Parent/Partner Education and Support Program (PESP) is a one-day informative workshop for family members, partners, friends and carers who have a loved one with an eating disorder. 
  • Youth Carers/Support Program: We deliver four informative sessions specifically for parents and carers while your child, or a young person you are supporting, is going through our Youth Program.
  • Monthly Coffee Meetings: An opportunity to connect with other supporters face-to-face, who have/had a loved one experience an eating disorder. This conversation-led group meets on the last Monday of each month and is facilitated by our peer workers.

Dietitian appointments

Our dietitian appointments will help you create healthy, long-term and enjoyable solutions to feeling better in your body. Our passionate dietitian brings 30 years’ experience, to help you create meaningful and sustainable lifestyle changes, at your own pace. If you are enrolled in one of our Body Esteem Program listed above, this service is free of charge.

Explore our dietitian service.

If you have the following experiences, our programs may benefit you:

  • Thinking about food and eating all day
  • Feeling as though you are not allowed to eat
  • Feeling guilty after eating
  • Regularly bingeing on food
  • Vomiting after eating
  • Using laxatives or diet pills
  • Feel the need to constantly exercise
  • The number on the scales determines your mood
  • Difficulty in accepting your body/appearance

Speaking about these experience can be uncomfortable due to:

  • Feelings of shame
  • Believing someone with an eating disorder looks a certain way
  • Feeling that no one will understand
  • Thinking you are over-reacting
  • Do not want to worry your loved ones
  • Believing you need to figure it out on their own

Our programs are a safe space to share your experiences with people who understand.