House of Hope invites community to support growing need for eating disorder recovery

Over the course of 24 years, Mark and Gay Forbes tried every available support service to help their two daughters who live with eating disorders.

They learnt that the support their family needed simply was not available. And sadly they learnt that, in this, they were not alone. In just those very first endED gatherings it became clear that Mark and Gay’s story was all too common.

There is a growing number of male and females who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, as so much more needs to be done.

Mark and Gay, with the help of many local Sunshine Coast businesses established Australia’s first live-in residential eating disorder facility in Mooloolah Valley, Wandi Nerida.

Since then, endED purchased a nearly 3-acre property in Woombye, called the House of Hope, to continue to support those experiencing an eating disorder as well as their loved ones; a home-like environment with allied health spaces to support those who need it.

Unfortunately there has been an increase in those who have an eating disorder post Covid and endED needs further financial support.

“We are launching the ‘150Club’ with a free event on Thursday 13th November at 3.30pm at endED’s House of Hope in West Woombye, where stories will be shared,” said Mark.

Mark said people will be able to join and connect with other like-minded businesses.

“We also encourage you to bring a business friend to see what it’s all about. There will be with refreshments provided, and attending this event will also provide the opportunity to be the first to tour the village project across the road which will showcase the short-term accommodation and community garden.

“We are inviting all local corporate and local businesses to attend the event, hear the stories of lived experience from a carer’s perspective.”

Businesses can help by donating $150 per month to continue to support the endED team to make a positive difference.

The fundraiser will occur on Thursday 13th November at 3.30pm.

There are approximately 57,000 people directly impacted by an eating disorder on the Sunshine Coast. • See www.ended.org.au.

Mark and Gay Forbes.