About Us

Vancouver Island Voices for Eating Disorders had its roots in the Victoria Eating Disorder Peer Support Group that has been running in Victoria since 2015. Some of issues and concerns that we encountered in group led us to the development of VIVED.

We want to keep a dialogue about eating disorders and mental health issues ongoing. We want to spread awareness and create partnerships that help us improve the lives of those struggling with eating disorders.

VIVED was registered as an official non-profit society in B.C. as of September 2018. Our first AGM was held in October 2019 and the decision was made dissolve as a registered non-profit society in B.C. to encourage a flat operating structure and increase accessibility to community members interested in getting involved.

VALUES:
1. Judgment free - we accept all persons with compassion, regardless of where they are at in their journey.
2. Inclusivity - we aim to foster a sense of belonging through acceptance and compassion. We aim to broaden the ideas that surround eating disorders. To be a voice for those whom stereotypes disadvantage. To work from a place of acknowledgment of the intersections in our society that leave some more disadvantaged than others.
3. Respect - our organization endeavors to embody a consistently respectful nature in all aspects of our business. We direct this respect not only towards ourselves and our work, but also towards the individuals, groups and environments with whom we interact.
4. Safety - we aim to create a safe space where people feel comfortable sharing and learning; where vulnerability is seen as a strength. Where there is no fear of further loss, hurt, of unacceptance.
5. Awareness - we aim to create awareness that allows for education, promotes understanding, encourages curiosity, and creates room for compassion.

VISION:
Better awareness
Better access to improved services
Better lives

MISSION:
To improve access to treatment, treatment options, and outcomes.
To create partnerships between patients, families, and professionals.
To raise awareness about eating disorders and mental health.
To shift our cultural attitudes in a positive and healing direction.
To improve the lives of individuals and families living with eating disorders.