10. SECTOR RELATIONSHIPS Eating Disorders Queensland (EDQ) places a great deal of value on our relationships with other service providers within the sector. This ensures better service provision for clients through warm referrals and greater knowledge of the range of services available to clients and their families / key support people.
82. Service partnerships ensure the sharing of information and builds a strong service sector. Forming strong partnerships with other related services in the eating disorders area ensures that information and knowledge is shared across the sector. This results in a stronger and more informed sector as we all work together to provide quality services to survivors and their loved ones. There are a range of ways in which these partnerships can be developed including: •
Providing education and training to workers.
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Offering reciprocal training across services.
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Presenting at national and international conferences.
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Building relationships with universities and other research institutions.
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Training employees and students who will work across the sector.
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Involvement with stakeholder advisory groups.
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Co-facilitation of groups and workshops with other related services.
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Being a part of national alliances such as Eating Disorders Alliance of Australia.
83. Service system integration enhances positive outcomes for clients. Well-developed relationships across the sector ensure more positive outcomes for clients. Building relationships with workers and their organisations, both within the eating disorders sector and more broadly, ensures a well-developed understanding of the nature of services provided and creates a clear pathway for referral.
11. ADVOCACY AND SOCIAL CHANGE Eating Disorders Queensland (EDQ) places a great deal of value on our relationships with other service providers within the sector. Community education, advocacy and social change are all part of Eating Disorders Queensland’s (EDQ) commitment to preventing the development of eating disorders and encouraging early access to the appropriate treatment and support. This includes: • • • •
Taking part in mental health forums and events. Making educational visits to schools. Attending and presenting at conferences. Media appearances.
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Guest speaking at forums. Contributing to professional working groups. Holding public awareness events on a regular basis. Lobbying policy makers and governments.
Social media is an important part of EDQ's approach to advocacy and social change. We maintain an active presence on social media and online platforms, ensuring our content targets a range of audiences. We undertake regular online awareness and advocacy campaigns, using social media to reach a wide audience, prompt discussion, and ideally mobilise change.
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