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Years in the making, a new London eating disorders clinic for university and college students is opening next week but still trying to raise money to support the work it will do.
The Harbour, named to evoke a safe haven for people working to address eating disorders, is opening at Western University’s Research Park on Wednesday, the culmination of years of effort by the London-based Eating Disorders Foundation of Canada.
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“We’re trying to fill a huge gap here. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s so needed,” said Dr. Robbie Campbell, a London psychiatrist and founder of the registered charity.
“We’re starting slowly and then building from there.”
The referral-based program for Western and Fanshawe College students will provide comprehensive, outpatient supports to clients, including medical and psychological care.
The Harbour will also have nutrition counselling, recreational therapy, including art groups, and a space for clients to eat and prepare meals in a safe and supportive environment, Campbell said.
The foundation is working to reach its $250,000 goal for the project and is holding a launch event and fundraising concert at the London Music Hall on Oct. 23.
“We’d love for people to come to the event and support us, make a donation or bid on a silent auction item, it all helps,” Campbell said, adding the foundation is also seeking corporate sponsorship or government funds to support The Harbour.
The Oct. 23 launch event will feature a performance by Revolution Rock Revue, a band that plays hits from Canadian music icons including Bryan Adams, the Tragically Hip and Neil Young.
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The Harbour will treat all types of eating disorders, Campbell said, adding many patients do not fit into a single diagnostic box. When it’s fully up and running, the program hopes to see about 100 clients a year.
While societal focus on mental health care is increasing, there are limited options in the community for treating eating disorders, Campbell said. Eating disorders are often complex to treat, coincide with other mental health issues and require a mix of medical and psychological care, he said.
“There’s no pill, there’s no quick fix,” Campbell said. “One size does not fit all. It’s so individualized.”
Access to eating disorder treatment for adults in London has historically been mired by long wait lists for care, Campbell said.
The Harbour will focusing on Western and Fanshawe students for now but is expecting to accept other young adults in the London-area as it expands, Campbell said.
IF YOU GO
The Harbour Benefit Concert
What: A concert and fundraising event to launch The Harbour, a new eating disorder clinic for London university and college students
When: Wednesday Oct. 23
Where: London Music Hall, 185 Queens Ave.
Time: Doors open at 7 p.m., Show at 8 p.m.
More information: www.edfc.ca
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