Epilepsy Wales
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Epilepsy Wales
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EPILEPSY WALES "Out of the Shadows - The work of Epilepsy Wales"
WHAT IS EPILEPSY? The term epilepsy covers the many different types of seizure that are caused by a temporary state of abnormal activity within the brain. The tens of millions of neurons in the brain are each connected to about 6,000 others and transmit information with bursts of electrical energy. This is usually well organised, but sometimes the brain becomes too excitable. This leads to areas going out of control (too many cells firing together) and a seizure occurs. This abnormal firing activity can last for seconds to minutes and then the brain starts to return to its normal functioning state. Anyone can have a seizure and in fact one in 20 people will have one major one during their lives – two thirds of them never having another. Epilepsy is formally defined as a tendency to have recurring seizures and these take many forms, depending on which part(s) of the brain are affected. They may happen once a year, or many times a day. Epilepsy is not an illness or disease. Most people with epilepsy will have their seizures well controlled with medication For all people affected either by the diagnosis of epilepsy and its consequences or for those people whose epilepsy is not fully controlled, information and support is available through Epilepsy Wales. WHAT DOES EPILEPSY WALES DO? Epilepsy Wales was set up as a charity in 1986 to help people with epilepsy in Wales, their families and carers. EPILEPSY WALES HELP LINE The telephone and web-site help line are the first points of contact for most people seeking help, advice or information. It operates during normal working hours from Monday-Friday and we are seeking funds to offer a service in the early evening and week-ends. The service will eventually be fully bi-lingual. FIELDWORKERS Our Fieldworkers, unique to Epilepsy Wales, are the ‘front line troops’ of the organisation. They help people with epilepsy, their families and carers in a direct, confidential manner. Making Contact - with people needing help and advice, through clinics or within the community Giving advice and information – about epilepsy and the services and support available Overcoming problems – being experienced by people with epilepsy, because of their epilepsy Establishing networks – of contacts in the voluntary and statutory care sectors Raising awareness – in the general public, care workers, teachers, employers etc., about epilepsy and its effects Promoting Support Groups – of the families and carers of people with epilepsy TRAINING Epilepsy Wales undertakes more formal training sessions for social workers, care professionals, educators, employers and employees. Epilepsy Wales also arranges Awareness Days – in any venue - library, supermarket foyer, college, leisure centre. Any venue that will attract the public so that we can help raise the awareness, help people to understand more about epilepsy, and, just as importantly, dispel the many myths and arrest the stigma aimed at people with epilepsy. “I can deal with my epilepsy, but not your attitude to it” VOLUNTEERING PROJECT The project aims to support people with epilepsy in their home and community setting, using volunteers trained in epilepsy causes, treatment and control and in basic counselling. Our volunteers can help end the sense of isolation felt by many people with epilepsy. As many of our volunteers either have epilepsy or have a close connection to the condition, they understand the barriers sometimes faced by people with epilepsy. Our volunteers also undertake administrative, IT or helpline duties, assisting at training sessions or manning the many Epilepsy Advice Centres and Support Groups. EPILEPSY AWARENESS IN SCHOOLS / COLLEGES The Fieldworkers raise awareness about epilepsy amongst educators and, through them, school children and students.
PARTNERSHIP WORKING Epilepsy Wales is continually forging partnerships and working together with other voluntary and statutory organisations, with the Welsh Assembly Government and with the neurologists, epilepsy specialist nurses and GPs with special interest in the promotion of providing a first class service for people with epilepsy.
Contact Epilepsy Wales P O Box 4168 CardiffCF14 0WZ e-mail: epilepsywales@aol.com or ring the helpline: 0800 228 9016
Epilepsy Wales Registered Charity: 1059067 Company limited by Guarantee: 3262144 |
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HELPLINE
NUMBER: 0800 228 9016