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Edition 43, 2021
Hi Friend,
There is a lot happening here at Epilepsy Tasmania.
We are pleased to advise of exciting progress with Primary Health Tasmania to improve the pathways that will help GPs easily refer individuals and families to our services.
I would personally like to invite you to have a say in our future directions - Epilepsy Tasmania is looking for 2 new volunteer Board Members, particularly Tasmanians who have a keen interest in the health sector and/or a lived experience of epilepsy. Please email me if you or someone you know are ready for a new role.
If you are one of our valued volunteers, then please check your inbox soon as we will be emailing you an important short survey.
Do you like jigsaw puzzles? Read more below to find out how you can challenge yourself and support a great cause - Tasmanians with epilepsy!
And... save the date of 24 Oct because the 2021 Mount Barrow Challenge will be on again! More details to follow in our next edition.
Wendy Groot, CEO Epilepsy Tasmania.
L to R Hobart team: Colin, Shirley, Sheralyn, Elizabeth, Wendy.
Goodbye Sheralyn
Sheralyn, our Volunteer Coordinator, is retiring!
During her three years here, Sheralyn has done a wonderful job developing our new volunteer program and has helped many people become part of our volunteer work force.
Sheralyn has also ensured our Epilepsy Connnect peer-support phone service successfully matches volunteers to people living with epilepsy for support and someone to talk to.
Sheralyn will be missed around the office and we all wish her a happy retirement. She certainly has created a long list of things to be doing!
Thank you Sheralyn on behalf of all those you have touched during your time with us. We wish you all the very best.
Funding Available for Child Care Providers & Early Childhood Educators
Early Childhood Educators and Child Care Providers can apply for funding assistance if they are providing care for a child diagnosed with epilepsy and need to increase their skills and knowledge.
To apply for this funding, please contact Inclusion Agency Tasmania on 6230 6840.
Then book your personalised epilepsy training with our staff at Epilepsy Tasmania on 6344 6881.
Challenge Yourself!
The Puzzle People, a specialist puzzle shop in the beautiful town of Richmond, is hosting a Puzzle Challenge on the 25th of September to raise funds for Epilepsy Tasmania.
Photos left are a sample of the puzzles they are putting together for the day, however, the brown paper wrapped around some will be a surprise!
Want to be part of the fun? Register on their Facebook page or call them on 03 6237 0088.
Research Shows That Mindfulness Can Reduce Seizures
The burdens of having epilepsy are multifold and while medical therapies aim to modify the progression of epilepsy, psychological treatments for people with epilepsy (PWE) aim at reducing psychiatric comorbidities, improve coping, as well as quality of life.
Substantial evidence showed that psychological interventions (i.e., cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based therapies) were effective in improving psychological well-being and seizure control among PWE.
Among the range of psychological therapies, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly used to alleviate physical and psychological suffering in people with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and epilepsy.
As a major component in MBIs, ‘‘mindfulness” has been operationalised as a training of mental process including cultivation of self-awareness, non-judgmental observations, and acknowledgement of bodily states, emotions, thoughts, and other sensations in the present moment.
Epilepsy Tasmania delivers NDIS-eligible services for people with epilepsy in areas where the NDIS has already rolled out. However, before we can assist you, you will first need to make sure that Epilepsy Tasmania services, such as epilepsy training, are included on your NDIS plan. You will need to do this at your NDIS planning session.
If you require assistance to prepare for your NDIS planing meeting, please complete our website Contact Form and we will be in touch to help you. Visit our NDIS website page for more information and a downloadable service planner.
If you have already included epilepsy training in your plan, please tell us so we can register you for epilepsy training and claim the cost against your NDIS plan.
Dr Aaron de Souza is a highly qualified neurologist, neurophysiologist and physician. He trained at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences -the pre-eminent centre for neurology in South Asia - and is currently a staff specialist in Neurology at the Launceston General Hospital.
Dr De Souza provides holistic medical care to many Tasmanians living with epilepsy and very kindly agreed to be in one of our new videos about the condition.
Knowledge Builds Confidence
"After completing my epilepsy training with Emma, I am feeling much more confident in my ability to provide support during and after a seizure. It was all very daunting until I attended this session!" Epilepsy Tasmania Training Participant
“Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought life would be like, and learn to find joy in the story you are actually living."
Rachel Marie Martin
Epilepsy Tasmania is a not-for-profit community organisation improving the quality of life of Tasmanians with epilepsy, and those around them, through education, coordination and support.
