Eating Disorders Nova Scotia opens first-ever physical space

Eating Disorders Nova Scotia breaks down barriers and walls – at their first-ever physical space.

A breakthrough moment for Eating Disorders Nova Scotia (EDNS) happened Wednesday as community members gathered at their brand new in-person space in Halifax.

“This is going to be a real hub for healing, so many people are impacted by eating disorders across the province and we really know that healing happens in community when you are able to connect with others and feel safe and supported and seen,” says Shaleen Jones, EDNS Executive Director.

The team has been chatting with the community about what they want to see from the space and what will be helpful to them.

Jones says the idea is to transform this home into a multi-purpose space that’s not clinical but warm and welcoming for people, and to feel like a home away from home.

“Our staff will have offices upstairs and we will have space for our peer supporters to meet with folks to have that one-on-one connection. We will have cozy spaces for them to meet, we have a space upstairs that we will fill with comfortable couches and folks can do our peer support groups in that space and do a clinical group,” adds Jones.

In the main part of the house, the space will have a kitchen and will run a food program, cooking program.

The goal for the organization is to create a space where food is celebrated.

“And then we have some fun things too, some mindfulness programming, some yoga work, some art programs so we are really excited,” says Jones.

This is a milestone for the organization since it currently operates virtually, and this is the first physical space they’ve ever had. It’s a critical step forward to expand access for Maritimers seeking help from EDNS.

“Virtual care is great for some people but not for all people, especially youth. So having a low barrier of physical space in our biggest city in the province is a very positive thing to see,” says Brian Comer, Nova Scotia Addictions and Mental Health minister.

Jones says about one in ten Nova Scotians live with an eating disorder and a challenge they see is that many don’t seek the care they need.

“We know that recovery is possible, and people do heal from these illnesses and that healing happens in the community so to be able to come and gather and connect with others it’s going to be very transformative,” says Jones.

Jones explains there has been a significant increase in those living with an eating disorder, she says the numbers haven’t quite gone back down to pre-pandemic numbers and are still elevated.

“I have been having conversations with Shaleen for a number of years within the provincial government and I was very happy to support them with our community wellness framework. I know this organization has been working really hard for today and the Walker Wood Foundation was a huge part in why this was possible,” says Comer.

The ‘Walker Wood Foundation’ approached EDNS in January with a project they had in mind.

“It’s because of their gift that we are able to purchase this home and do the renovations,” says Jones.

To have a space like this, means so much to people like Estelle who didn’t have a place like this to turn to when she moved here from the Philippines and was at her lowest.

“I didn’t know how to navigate the healthcare system. I found it quite confusing. So just seeing the name of the space and having a sign at the door and walking in to inquire about what do you offer and then talking to people and asking them what they know and then that would have helped. It would have helped me access resources a lot quicker,” says Estelle, an Eating Disorder Nova Scotia peer mentor.

Estelle became a peer mentor with EDNS and says she is so grateful to now be able to provide support to others and share her own personal experience.

“When I ask myself what would make me feel fulfilled in my life, and this is what it is, helping people,” adds Estelle.

This team works to not only break down these barriers but build up relationships in the community and their end goal is to provide the resources people need to recover.

For those looking to get involved in this project, EDNS welcomes housewarming gifts and have an online gift registry.

“We have identified supplies that we need, you know throw pillows, and cozy blankets and art supplies and cooking materials, so if folks want to take part in the gift registry, they can take part that way and follow along. They can sign up for our newsletter on our website and stay in touch,” adds Jones.

Their plan is to open their doors to the public between December and January.

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