Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Why Access to Care Matters

Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental illnesses. In Canada, more than 1.7 million people experience an eating disorder at any given time, including an estimated 1.4 million youth. Despite how common these conditions are, only about 25% of young people receive the care and support they need.

Across Canada, eating disorders continue to be significantly undertreated. Research shows major gaps in access to specialized services, especially outside major urban centres. For youth in smaller or rural communities, long travel times, limited local programs, and lengthy waitlists can make getting help incredibly challenging. Without timely support, symptoms often worsen and become more complex, leading to poorer long-term health outcomes.

At The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs, we continue to see rising demand for mental health services. Over the past year, self-reported concerns related to disordered eating have more than doubled.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week reminds us that eating disorders are not choices. They are complex, multifaceted mental health conditions that require understanding, early identification, and specialized intervention. By reducing stigma, speaking openly about these illnesses, and ensuring youth know where to turn for support, we can help close the gap between need and access.

At The Grove, we are committed to meeting young people where they are with no barriers, close to home, and with the compassion and care they deserve.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their relationship with food, body image, or self-esteem, reaching out early can make a meaningful difference. The Grove is here to help.

Programs That Support Youth: HER Circle

Based on the needs identified through our intake process, young people may be referred to HER Circle—a psychoeducational group created by CMHA Waterloo Wellington clinicians and offered through The Grove. HER Circle supports female-identifying youth in Grades 6–10 who may benefit from a safe, empowering community of peers.

This program helps youth build self-esteem, explore their strengths, and better understand themselves and their relationships. During the 8 week course, youth will explore: Psychoeducation to help understand and identify emotions and thought patterns, self-esteem development supported by peers, discussions on social media safety and its impact on self-image, and more.

HER Circle is led by a mental health clinician and a member of our wellness team. The program rotates between Grove sites based on community need. Referrals can be made by Grove staff, schools, or community partners, with The Grove completing the intake process.

Alongside HER Circle, our skills and well-being drop-in programs incorporate food positive conversations during lunch hours and scheduled programming times. These sessions help youth build healthy relationships with food and learn practical skills such as how to prepare meals and fuel their bodies in supportive, balanced ways.

Referrals for more complex needs with Eating Disorders or other mental health concerns are also available through The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario.