March was a month focussed on increasing epilepsy awareness
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Edition 41, 2021
Hi Friend,
Epilepsy Awareness Month this March was an array of events, fundraisers and activities. We had buildings lit up all over the State and Penguin's penguin was dressed in a beautiful handmade outfit. Some photos of the month are collated below and there are more on our Facebook page. Thank you to all Tasmanians who participated.
Our seizure first-aid training came into good use during the Starry Starry Night Purple Party at Hobart's Town Hall and we were able to quickly assist one of our guests who experienced an unexpected seizure (sadly just a part of life for people who live with this condition).
There was some good media coverage about epilepsy throughout the month and if you missed it I encourage you to read my Talking Point published in the Mercury newspaper.
Our Just Go Purple suite of resources will remain available throughout the year to help you with epilepsy-related educational activities, reading lists and fundraising.
Take care,
Wendy Groot, CEO Epilepsy Tasmania.
Take Part in Tasmanian Epilepsy Research
Epilepsy Tasmania has released two new quick surveys to ensure it hears and represents the voices of Tasmanians affected by epilepsy. We encourage you to complete and pass these links on to other people.
Survey for Tasmanians who have epilepsy: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CN5S59J
Survey for family and friends: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FMGJZB5
Take Part in National Epilepsy Research
Belinda, a PhD research student from the University of Sydney, is running two online epilepsy studies approved by the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (SCHN) ethics.
You can help her!
Study 1: Recruiting adults with epilepsy (aged 18 and over) with the aim to investigate confidence using mathematics and numbers -https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b7OSxgRP3r7zePH
Study 2: Recruiting parents of children aged 8 -17 with epilepsy, which is to investigate factors that relate to the development of academic skills -https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dcKrsOKTduKD8G1
Tasmania's Epilepsy Smart Schools
Epilepsy Tasmania was recently asked to participate in the Tasmanian Principals Conference and its Speed Networking sessions. Many principals engaged with us during the conference and more schools have expressed an interest in becoming Epilepsy Smart.
Strahan Primary School recently held an epilepsy awareness day, their final requirement to become an Epilepsy Smart School. Congratulations to you all!
The North-West Support Schools in Burnie and Devonport have also just held their epilepsy awareness days so are now proud to be Epilepsy Smart.
Huonville Primary School will hold their epilepsy awareness day on the 4th May (perhaps it will have a Star Wars theme too - May the Fourth Be With You!) and will then also be an Epilepsy Smart School.
Penguin's penguin went purple during March for Epilepsy Awareness Month! Thank you to everyone at Penguin for your support !!!!
Our Friend Isa
For quite a number of years now, Isa has been raising awareness and funds to help support Tasmanians with epilepsy. This year is no exception and in fact, Isa's achievements just keep getting bigger and better.
Working with the Howrah Sandford Parish, Rokeby Neighbourhood Centre, Five Star Weight Watchers, and her Line Dancing (Friday Group), Isa's efforts have resulted in a very much appreciated donation that we have some exciting plans for over the next few months - stay tuned!
Thanks to our Friends and Hobart co-workers at the Brain Injury Association of Tasmania (BIAT) who came along to our 'Paint and Sip' fundraiser during Epilepsy Awareness Month at the Archaica Schola art studio.
A great night was had by all (not to mention some lovely nibbles and wine!) and as you can hopefully see, our paintings were inspired by Van Gogh's 'Starry Starry Night'.
Did you know? Epilepsy has a close relationship with traumatic brain injury and other brain disorders. It can cause neural damage by itself, and epilepsy is a risk factor for a traumatic brain injury through a fall or violent convulsion. Epilepsy can also result from acquiring a brain injury.
Epilepsy caused by a brain injury does not usually start with a severe seizure. It may begin with absence seizures categorised by memory loss, attention problems or other subtle symptoms that may not be recognised as a seizure.
Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia is proud to host RAZZAMATAZZ – A FREE SHOW For Special Needs & Disadvantaged Kids from in and around Devonport, Burnie and Launceston.
This variety show features Australia’s top performers, we have juggling, magic and good old-fashioned humour designed to entertain and inspire.
This year’s show will be being streamed online from the 1st to the 9th of May. It can be watched anytime and even multiple times during these dates.
The 40-minute show is suitable for audiences of all age.
To get your free access code, email Aliza or call 1800-306-005: Devonport: devonportidfa@gmail.com. / Burnie: burnieidfa@gmail.com /Launceston: launcestonidfa@gmail.com
“When you arise in the morning think what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love...”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
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.
