Arrimage Estrie
Arrimage Estrie is a Sherbrookebased organization focused on encouraging the development of a healthy and positive body image for people all across the Estrie administrative region. Now in its sixth year of operation, the regional community organization runs programming three seasons of the year, closing down in the summer time due to a lack of necessary funding.
“People associate Arrimage Estrie with eating disorders, but it is so much bigger than just that,” said Julie Witty Chagnon, Executive Director of Arrimage Estrie. “Healthy body image is an issue for everyone and it is important to support it.”
According to Witty Chagnon, Arrimage Estrie puts a focus on promoting the idea of there being all kinds of bodies and advocates an anti-diet approach to eating based on listening to the signs of hunger and enjoying the experience. The group also aims to better inform the general population about the importance of a positive body image, Although the organization has, in the
past, offered workshops in local high schools, the group works mainly through workshops aimed at popular education, information kiosks, and support groups.
“We have men and women and everyone from students to 60 year old women.” The director said, explaining that although services for people with eating disorders are available through the health and social services network, there is no organization closer than Quebec City or Montreal that offers the same kind of support and information services that Arrimage does.
Witty Chagnon added that despite the funding challenges that Arrimage has to overcome every year, the organization manages to work with a broad spectrum of individuals across a wide array of needs. In 2017-18, 1,119 people participated in 51 education workshops held by the organization on topics ranging from hypersexualization, to body image and steroid use in men as well as pop-culture pressure, eating disorders, and diet-avoidance. The group was also present at a number of public events and festivals including Sherbrooke’s Canada Day celebrations, the Concerts de la Cité concert series, and the fete du lac des nations.
Arrimage works on a membershipbased system, where all are welcome to participate in workshops and activities but those who pay a membership fee of $5 per year to help support the organization can access other activities for free. This past year the organization drew the support of 311 members and was able to turn that support into direct intervention for 265 people in need of help.
Altohugh the organization works primarily in French, the Director said that there are a few workshops and services available for English speakers.
“It really is for everyone,” she said, adding that Arrimage Estrie does not have a specific target group that it works with and anyone can come for resources or help if needed.
For more information on Arrimage Estrie and its mission check out http://arrimageestrie.com or call 819564-7885.