Community outreach

Sheena’s Place is committed to raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with eating disorders. In addition to providing group-based support to people affected by eating disorders, we provide community education and outreach through training and workshop opportunities.

What’s offered?

Sheena’s Place offers trainings and workshops that are typically 45 minutes to 2 hours in length, including time for questions and group discussion. Due to COVID-19, all trainings and workshops are currently taking place online. Learning goals vary depending on the audience. For example, mental health and health care practitioners will learn:

  • How to recognize the signs and symptoms of eating disorders and disordered eating;
  • How eating disorders and disordered eating are connected to aspects of identity, including race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and body shape/size;
  • How to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for people with eating disorders and disordered eating;
  • Where to refer clients/patients and how to learn more.

Why learn about eating disorders?

  • Eating disorders are very common mental health challenges. It is estimated that 2.7 million people in Canada meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder.
  • Eating disorders are incredibly harmful to physical and mental health. They have the second highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses (after opioid addiction) and can cause many negative health outcomes.
  • Contrary to popular belief, people of all backgrounds and demographics develop eating disorders. Eating disproportionately impact people of colour, people who identify as LGBTQ+, and people who experience food insecurity.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated eating and body image challenges for youth and adults. Current wait times for eating disorder treatment programs in Ontario are at an all-time high.
  • Research demonstrates that public awareness and education is an effective eating disorders prevention strategy.

Who have you provided this for?

We have delivered trainings and workshops for many universities, colleges, and organizations across the Greater Toronto Area. This includes:

  • The University of Toronto
  • Ryerson University
  • George Brown College
  • Women’s College Hospital
  • Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities
  • Planned Parenthood Toronto
  • Street Haven Addiction Services
  • Private and public elementary and high schools across the GTA

Is there a cost?

Sheena’s Place is a community mental health charity that provides all group support services free of charge to participants. We receive no annual government funding and rely on private donations to keep our doors open. For outreach trainings and workshops, we request an honorarium based on presentation length, number of attendees, and ability to pay.

Interested in learning more?

For more information about presentation content, cost, and availability, contact our Program and Outreach Coordinator (Kaitlyn Axelrod) at kaxelrod@sheenasplace.org or 416-927-8900 ext.330.