Students dealing with eating disorders, body image issues and similar dilemmas can find support on Wednesdays in Counselling and Accessibility Services, room F2010-5, starting January 12.

Hope's Garden, a support centre in London, will be hosting the group. Those interested in attending do not have to be diagnosed with an eating disorder, and the group is not a treatment group. "It's for providing general support and information, coping skills," said Jerilyn Hurwitz, a counsellor at Fanshawe College. "Eating disorders cover such a spectrum that it's hard to generalize people in categories. People struggle with different (issues)."

Some examples of topics covered in the group include learning to deal with stress, writing activities, art therapy and establishing self-care.

"It's going to be in a safe space," said Hurwitz, adding that the group is usually small. The intimate, private setting of the group can be helpful for some people struggling with issues that may be difficult to talk about, she added. Students can drop in and do not need to register in advance for the group, nor do they have to attend regularly if that doesn't suit their schedule.

Hope's Garden initiated the support group last year at Fanshawe. Both the college and Hope's Garden are aiming to make it an ongoing program if funding and attendance allow for it, explained Hurwitz. While Hope's Garden runs their own groups out of their downtown location, they added Fanshawe's campus because they felt students would feel more comfortable attending in a familiar setting, she said.

While no formal surveys were conducted to follow up on last year's attendees, Hurwitz received positive feedback from the group's leader, Gill Yealland, a registered art therapist. "There were a few regular people who seemed to benefit from it," said Hurwitz.

For more information on the groups, contact Jerilyn Hurwitz at jhurwitz@fanshawec.ca or 452- 4430 x3995 or visit Hope's Garden online at www.hopesgarden.org

The group runs on Wednesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in room F2010-5 and begins January 12.