Angela St Baker has struggled with anorexia nervosa since she was a child, facing the ups and downs of the mental health system and often finding herself looking for help that simply wasn’t there.

After not being able to see a way out, she made an attempt to take her own life.

Four years later, she has become a community figurehead and an inspiration to her peers – using her experience as a way to help other young people who are struggling and co-founding her own company to help young people with mental health issues. 

“Doing nothing is not an option for me,” says the 19-year-old.

There are people who have lost their lives falling through the cracks of a broken mental health system.

“I can not and will not forget the people I had to leave behind when I was discharged from the mental health ward. There are people I was in hospital with four years ago who are still there today.

“Even worse, there are people who have lost their lives falling through the cracks of a broken mental health system.” 

Statistically suicide is the leading cause of death in young people in 2020-2022, aged 14-24. Anorexia nervosa also has a high mortally rate, ranking second in deaths related to mental illnesses, with addiction being first.

Founded by St Baker and community advocate Lachlan Hyde, charity the Fairy Wren Movement works in the community to address and reduce stigma surrounding eating disorders and other mental health conditions.

It is named after the Australian songbird as a symbol of hope and courage. The native birds develop strong bonds with their mate and family, signifying the values Fairy Wren says it stands for: togetherness and hope.

I am lucky to have gotten through whereas some do not, I believe everyone can get through.

Anorexia survivor Angus Smith says while the mental health system is OK, it could be better.

“There is definitely a stigma out there that suggests guys cannot get anorexia and it’s just a girl problem… I was fortunate enough to have a good network around me which enabled me to bounce back from two suicide attempts.

“I am lucky to have gotten through whereas some do not, I believe everyone can get through. They just need the support.”

Drawing upon their own lived experience St Baker and Hyde were able to develop three key focuses for the charity; changing the conversation and culture surrounding mental health, through increased understanding in the wider community; changing beliefs and behaviours through running awareness programs in schools and workplaces; and changing policies and practices through advocacy with policymakers and collaboration with government agencies. 

These three focuses have been designed to inspire the wider community to be more aware of eating disorders and mental health conditions as well as the unique challenges faced by those who are suffering.

It claims to be the first charity of its kind dedicated solely to helping young people through policy reform and is funded through grassroots donations and volunteer work. 

The Fairy Wren Movement will officially launch on April 9 with a black tie themed BBQ fundraiser on the foreshore of the Georges River, at Milperra.

Ticket sales go directly to the charity. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.fairywren.org.au or contact info@fairywren.org.au.

Main picture (l-r) Angela St Baker of the Fairy Wren Movement. Supplied.