EATING Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) 2023 is taking place from Monday 27 February to Sunday 6 March.

EDAW is an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope, support and visibility to individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

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Coffs Harbour community worker Doris Rake (Cowan) has supported the spirit of the campaign by sharing her story, literally, by giving away her book ‘My Passion Became My Obsession’, an autobiographical account which tells the tale of her journey through anorexia and managing her health into the future.

Today Doris manages her mental health and focuses on providing services to the community.

She was nominated, and is now a finalist, for the Coffs Coast International Women Of The Year award to be announced on Wednesday 8 March.

“My focus is on homelessness and easing the mental health issues associated with not having a home in individuals and families, as well as helping people internationally as a support for eating disorder sufferers and their loved ones,” Doris told News Of The Area.

“Eating Disorders cause the highest mortality rates of all mental health.

“With the fast approaching Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I would like to offer my services to any community member and their loved ones suffering with this issue,” she said.

Through her own lived experience with having suffered from anorexia nervosa later in life, Doris can tap into her eight-year journey which may offer hope that recovery is possible.

An important part of Doris’ renewed vigour for a healthy future, beyond her past life with an eating disorder, is her community charitable works.

Doris is passionate about helping the community with her volunteering within the 3R’s (Rest, Refuel, Recover) Group which she founded.

She has worked tirelessly with a goal to open the 3R’s overnight homeless shelter in Coffs Harbour.

“This much-needed shelter would assist in easing the mental health issues that arise from not having a roof over your head.

“It has been challenging to find a suitable location for this start-up.

“We have a team of eager community and professional volunteers that I have sourced, all eager to support the 3R’s project.”

In 2023 the 3R’s Group will be offering the chance for other like-minded people to become involved in the continual fundraising events and many behind the scene tasks to propel this project into action.

“Look at the current housing crisis that the Coffs Coast is facing; we need to keep the momentum up to source a location for the shelter,” she said.

For more information on help with eating disorders and/or the 3R’s homeless shelter, please contact Doris on 0411428761 or via email at dmcowan01@gmail.com.

By Andrea FERRARI