Northern Ireland's first Drop-In Centre for people with eating disorders was launched today by Health Minister Bairbre de Brun.
Established by the Eating Disorders Association, the centre will open in central Belfast's Bedford Street on July 1.
The Association provides support for people with eating disorders as well as their families and friends.
The minister, speaking at the launch in Parliament Buildings, said: "Eating disorders have one of the highest rates of mortality of any psychiatric illness and are therefore a significant cause of ill health."
A review of services for sufferers of the disorder was recently carried out by her department and was now out for consultation, she said.
"It is appropriate that the Eating Disorders Association should open the Drop-In Centre on this the 10th anniversary of the Association organising itself locally. "Organisations like the EDA can draw upon the direct insight and knowledge of people with primary and secondary experiences of eating disorders difficulty. "The Drop-In Centre will provide an opportunity to share experiences and give valuable support and advice," she added.
The minister's department has provided a grant of almost £20,000 to support the centre this year.