Forty years of support, connection and hope: Celebrating the National Eating Disorder Information Centre

For forty years, the UHN’s National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) has been a lifeline for people affected by eating disorders. What began in 1985 as an initiative to help individuals and families find trustworthy information has grown into Canada’s foremost nationwide resource for education, outreach and in-the-moment support. Today, NEDIC is a key part of UHN’s Mental Health Program and serves people in every province and territory, offering a compassionate first point of contact for those navigating some of the most complex and misunderstood mental health conditions.

This milestone year is a moment to celebrate NEDIC’s national reach and reflect on the thousands of lives touched by its programs. It is also a reminder that the need for these services is greater than ever. Eating disorders are among the most complex and devastating mental health conditions, impacting more than 1.4 million Canadians. Yet only about 25 per cent of those receive appropriate treatment. These illnesses touch people of every age, gender, and background and carry a heavy physical, emotional and social toll. Without timely intervention, they can lead to serious and lasting health complications. Each year, more than 100,000 Canadians over the age of 15 are diagnosed with an eating disorder, making them the third most common chronic illness among teens.

Together, UHN and NEDIC are working to ensure that every person in Canada has access to the knowledge, support and treatment needed for recovery. This work is only possible because of the support of donors and partners whose generosity enable NEDIC to continue to develop and deliver services to Canadians across the country.

Every day, NEDIC helps people figure out where to turn next. Through Canada’s only national toll-free helpline and live chat service, trained staff offer immediate, confidential support to anyone seeking information, guidance or reassurance. For many callers, NEDIC is the first place they feel heard.

Last year alone, NEDIC provided helpline and chat services to more than 6,400 individuals across the country. Thanks to donor support, NEDIC has expanded its team to help people outside traditional working hours. Over 40 per cent of people reached out during extended evening hours, showing just how important it is to be available when people need support most.

Whether someone is worried about a loved one, seeking help for themselves or simply trying to understand what an eating disorder is, NEDIC provides a safe, judgment-free space. Its team understands that recovery is a deeply personal process. NEDIC’s role is to empower people with the information, resources and encouragement they need to take the next step in their journey.

Along with direct support, NEDIC’s education and outreach programs connect with schools, community groups, health professionals, and families. These efforts build understanding, encourage early intervention, and help break down the stigma that keeps too many people silent. NEDIC has also created innovative tools like JEM™, an evidence-based chatbot launched on NEDIC.ca to provide accurate, Canada-specific information and connect users to resources, particularly for those who may not be ready to speak with a helpline worker or need support outside regular hours. In addition, NEDIC develops culturally informed resources for Black, Indigenous, and other racialized communities and provides materials in multiple languages. Every download means someone is accessing reliable information in a way that honors their identity and lived experience.

Behind NEDIC’s national impact are donors and partners who make this work possible. Philanthropy plays a vital role in keeping services operational, expanding programming and responding to urgent needs. Donor investment also gives NEDIC the ability to innovate, adapt and meet rising demand so that help is available whenever and wherever it is needed. These investments strengthen NEDIC’s ability to bridge critical gaps in Canada’s mental health system. For individuals facing the daily challenges of an eating disorder, timely support can be life-changing. For many, it can be life-saving.

As NEDIC marks its 40th anniversary, its mission remains as urgent as ever. Rates of eating disorders have risen in recent years, and gaps in access to care still exist. With donor support, NEDIC can continue to lead the way in resources, guidance, education and outreach. Every day, NEDIC is saving lives and ensuring that every person affected by an eating disorder has access to the information, compassion and care they deserve.