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Jan Clarke wins 2023 Startup Gippsland Pitch Showcase with groundbreaking online eating disorder support service called Door 2

Jan Clarke, founder of Door 2, a groundbreaking online eating disorder support service, won the 2023 Startup Gippsland Pitch Showcase.

By news@gippsland - 17th October 2023 - Back to News

Jan Clarke, Startup Gippsland 2023 Pitch winner and founder of Door 2. There is emotion in her eyes and strength in her voice, "It's all about listening and giving people a voice. Door 2 is about hearing the 'inside' experience and helping people to articulate their own experiences and to lead their own recovery," she said.

Jan Clarke, founder of Door 2, a groundbreaking online eating disorder support service, won the 2023 Startup Gippsland Pitch Showcase

Innovative eating disorder treatment

Headquartered at Jan's Drouin West property, Door 2 is an online eating disorder support service which is gaining renown for its innovative, inside out approach to treatment. The name comes from a discussion in which the traditional treatments to eating disorders were described as "what's behind door one" while the approach of listening to the inside experience was "what's behind door two."

The name stuck. With 40 years' experience in developmental education and a recognised expert in the field of eating disorder treatment, Jan's journey began with her family's battle to save her daughter Bronte from the grips of her eating disorder.

Being thoroughly dissatisfied with the approaches to treatment in Australia, and after four and a half years of treatment in Canada, Jan set about finding a more effective approach that was focused not on control and confinement, but on listening and empowerment.

Listening to recovery

Jan said, "I really sought to understand from the inside out, by talking to people, and to get them to tell me about their 'inside' experience. We started a little drop-in centre. We rented this little house in Malvern, Victoria, chucked a little pencil case on the table and a couple bucks for tea and coffee, and it was just myself and one other person. It was just a small place to run a little hub from. Six weeks on and it was a mosh pit. Word spread that there was a place where people could go and be listened to, where you are heard, where you are seen."

That humble hub quickly grew and became the Bronte Foundation, providing face-to-face treatment, education and support to families across Australia, as well as school and community education programs. In 2007 the Foundation was acquired by a major health network and in 2008 Jan semi-retired, continuing to consult across Australia but on a limited one-on-one basis.

Retired pioneer's vision

In 2016, Jan - now fully retired - relocated to her ideal home on a scenic farm in Drouin West. "I went into a retirement filled with cows, puppies and ponies," says Jan. Unable to completely sit still, Jan continued to reach out in the local community, seeking opportunities to put her skills and knowledge to work. Eventually her thinking turned towards online platforms.

"My thinking was, was it possible to really engage with people as distressed as the people I work with, but do it online, remotely?" says Jan. "Could that actually work? And then in 2019, I discovered Women in Gippsland, and I had coffee with a woman who said there's this place starting up soon, called Startup Gippsland, and you need to talk to them. So, I did."

Jan took part in Startup Gippsland's inaugural incubator program. Through that process Jan began to develop the kernel of an idea for an online eating disorder treatment service. "It was half-baked back then," she admits. "It was not fully formed."

Online healthcare success

Toward the end of 2019 a mother rang Jan to tell her about her daughter, Audrey - a young woman who, after six years of mainstream treatment had relapsed, and the family were in the fight of their life to save her.

For a time, Jan and Audrey worked one-on-one and in person and took advantage of the sanctuary that Jan's Gippsland farm provided. This treatment, based on listening, trust, and agency for Audrey to lead her own recovery, proved successful and soon Jan was again receiving requests from other families in similar situations.

It was at this point that Jan refocused and began to revisit the online concept, experimenting first with FaceTime and then Zoom. Not long after, the pandemic hit and everything shut down. Like many people, says Jan, "I Zoom-ed through 2020." That experience in 2020, and the wider acceptance of telehealth that followed, convinced Jan that an online model could succeed.

Startup success: Door 2

In 2021 Startup Gippsland offered a tech accelerator program, and Jan signed up. Her progress, however, was interrupted by the shock of a bowel cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Jan managed to continue the program online despite the setback and, via Startup Gippsland, she collaborated with her mentor - David Humphries of Avocado Creative and Tiny Gardener - to develop the concept more fully, including a proposed pilot launch program.

That concept was Door 2, and it would win the 2021 Startup Gippsland pitch showcase for just-beginning innovative businesses. Door 2's pilot launched with 12 families and ran for an initial six weeks. At its conclusion, it was evident that the project was viable: all participants wanted to continue and word began to travel organically, driving more requests to join. Looking for a way to make the program scalable and sustainable longer term, it was decided that Door 2 would explore a membership model.

Gippsland's founder of the year

In June 2023, Startup Gippsland put out a call to existing Gippsland businesses who already had a well-developed model but who were looking to expand via tech innovation. Jan returned and pitched her expanded Door 2 model at the 2023 Startup Gippsland Pitch Showcase in June. Door 2 won and Jan was recognised as Founder of the Year.

That award has seen Startup Gippsland provide support for Door 2 to scale their offering, and ultimately reach and help more people. Just some of the supports include business planning and advice, research and development assistance, coding expertise and Amazon credits.

Global impact and growth

Door 2 has since worked with the likes of the Royal Children's Hospital, employed several successfully recovered participants as psychologists and mentors, launched a podcast, hosts weekly webinars and continues to grow their core support services inside Australia as well as internationally.

Elena Kelareva, Program Director of Startup Gippsland says it's been wonderful to be able to support founders like Jan to turn their ideas into reality. "From just an idea, Jan has created something that's changed the lives of people all around the world," says Elena. "We're very proud of Jan's achievement, and we look forward to helping many more local entrepreneurs to change the world from right here in Gippsland."

Inspiring local innovation

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Annemarie McCabe hope's Door 2's success with Startup Gippsland's support will inspire other local businesses to bring their innovative ideas to life. "Door 2 is such a wonderful success story, and it is a great reminder of how much untapped expertise, imagination and innovation can be brought to life with the right support."

"Startup Gippsland is an invaluable resource and one that we are proud to support alongside our fellow Gippsland Councils. It puts cutting edge startup support right here on our doorstep. This business would not have existed without Startup Gippsland," says Jan. "It was access to people in the program, and to my mentor David Humphries that pointed me in the right direction and continued to provide support essential for me to keep on going," says Cr McCabe.

Door 2 is currently working with more than 200 people, providing online treatment and support - all from Jan's Drouin West farm where she still lives with her puppies, ponies and cows. For more information about Door2, visit Door 2 website or find them on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about Startup Gippsland and how they can help bring your innovative idea to life, visit Startup Gippsland website.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
  A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities.
• Metung mother Lily Martyn establishes foundation supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families across Gippsland
  Metung mother Lily Martyn has launched Do It For Foundation Gippsland, supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families. The foundation has connected 95 East Gippsland families seeking support, understanding and practical solutions.
• Meet the Makers connects local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland and other council updates
  Meet the Makers will connect Bass Coast and South Gippsland producers, makers and hospitality businesses for networking, collaboration and new opportunities.
• Danny O'Brien says Nationals' Bill will strengthen agricultural land protections, safeguard and recognise Gippsland farms as strategic asset
  The Nationals' agricultural land Bill would strengthen protections for Gippsland farms, recognise agriculture as a strategic asset, require impact assessments and consultation, and ensure food security is considered before major developments.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• Councils begin planning for renewable energy growth across Wellington and South Gippsland communities
  Wellington and South Gippsland councils have begun a major renewable energy planning project, backed by $4.7 million, to prepare communities for future growth through housing, infrastructure, employment, services and economic development.
• Darren Chester demands urgent Labor investment to fix dangerous Princes Highway and Gippsland arterial roads
  Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
  Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  New nurse-to-patient ratios have passed Parliament, with Gippsland hospitals reclassified, but workforce shortages and funding pressures raise concerns over implementation and patient care.
• Darren Chester blames Labor-Greens timber shutdown as Maryvale Mill job losses hit Gippsland workers and families
  Federal MP Darren Chester says 84 more Maryvale Mill job losses stem from Labor-Greens forestry policies, urging state and federal governments to fund an economic transition plan for the Latrobe Valley.
• Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
  Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation.
• Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
  Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.
• The Nationals' $5 Better Roads Plan promises pothole repairs and long-term maintenance across neglected Gippsland road network
  The Nationals' $5 billion Better Roads plan would tackle Gippsland's deteriorating roads, repair one million potholes, restore preventative maintenance and establish Better Roads Victoria for improved standards.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• Darren Chester congratulates Maffra student Jaxon Marshall on National Youth Parliament selection representing Gippsland in Canberra
  Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra.
• Coalition seeks crossbench support to scrap Labor’s forestry carbon credit method
  The Coalition is urging crossbench Senators to reject Labor’s Improved Native Forest Management carbon credit method, warning it overstates emissions savings, threatens forestry jobs and reduces timber supply.
• New Bairnsdale worker accommodation nears completion, boosting healthcare workforce capacity across East Gippsland communities
  Bairnsdale new 28-apartment healthcare worker accommodation is nearing completion, providing affordable housing for up to 32 staff and strengthening regional health services while supporting local jobs and investment.
• Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities.
• The Nationals unveil $40M plan offering health workers incentives to fill critical regional jobs across Gippsland and Victoria
  The Nationals propose $40 million over four years for a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering eligible regional health workers up to $10,000 for relocation, accommodation and professional development.
• Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.
• Darren Chester welcomes CBA Branch commitment, calls for stronger long-term regional banking protections across Gippsland
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while seeking stronger long-term protections for face-to-face banking services.
• Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support.
• Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
  Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30.
• Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
  Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is.
• Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
  The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028.
• Latrobe Mayor slams government's community safety funding decision, demands urgent support despite region's higher crime and social harm rates
  Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Darren Chester met Latrobe Health Assembly representatives to discuss tackling youth food insecurity, poor nutrition and regional health priorities
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is exploring funding for a Latrobe Valley initiative involving local health and education organisations to provide free healthy meals twice weekly, addressing student hunger, poor nutrition and wellbeing.
• Moondarra Reservoir gains new pathway and native garden beds, enhancing recreation, accessibility and Aboriginal cultural connections
  Gippsland Water has completed a new pathway and native garden beds at Moondarra Reservoir, improving visitor access, enhancing recreation and incorporating local flora, Aboriginal cultural information and community collaboration.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester welcomes Mallacoota students to Parliament House during Canberra visit, discussing democracy and the role of elected representatives
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester welcomed Mallacoota P-12 College students to Parliament House during their Canberra visit, discussing Federal Parliament, democracy and the role of elected representatives.
• Wellington Shire Council retains three-bin waste system as landfill waste falls, delivering savings and supporting long-term waste management
  Wellington Shire Council will retain its three-bin kerbside waste service after landfill waste fell more than 40 per cent, reducing disposal costs and supporting lower household waste charges.