About NIED
The National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED) is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to the family members and caregivers who support a loved one through an eating disorder. Grounded in lived experience, we walk alongside caregivers from the first moment of worry through every stage of the journey, so that no family faces an eating disorder alone.
What We Do
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Caregiver education. Webinars, workshops, and self-paced learning that help caregivers understand a complex illness and navigate the healthcare system with confidence.
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Peer support and mentorship. Support groups and one-to-one connection that pair caregivers with others who have lived experience, reducing isolation.
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A first point of connection. Timely, accessible support that meets caregivers where they are, whenever a concern surfaces.
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Advocacy and awareness. Strengthening the collective voice of Canadian caregivers, including our work toward a National Eating Disorder Strategy.
Why It Matters
An estimated 2.9 million people in Canada are affected by an eating disorder over their lifetime, roughly 1.4 million of them children and youth. Caregivers are almost always the first to sense that something is wrong, yet they are rarely equipped to know what they are seeing or what to do next. NIED exists to change that, replacing isolation and uncertainty with knowledge, connection, and confidence at every stage.
Vision
Canadian caregivers of those with eating disorders can readily access the resources and services they need and are empowered and equipped to support their loved one's recovery.
Mission
To take action to empower and support Canadian caregivers of those with eating disorders. We will achieve this through education, advocacy, awareness, and connecting current caregivers to those with lived experience.
Values
Authenticity, Empathy, Optimism, Respect, Inclusivity, and Focus.