New Research Released
No images? Click here
Edition 57, 2023
Hi Friend,
Welcome to this edition of Brainwaves.
It might be winter across Tas but Epilepsy Tas is experiencing unseasonal activity. We are really pleased to see more people and services reaching out seeking support with their epilepsy. Our aim is to provide services and support to all Tasmanians living with or affected by epilepsy, and the more support we are giving is a positive reflection on the Team here at Epilepsy Tas.
The National Principals Conference in Hobart was a great opportunity to promote the Epilepsy Smart Australia Program. We hosted an exhibition booth and had many positive conversations. (see photo below).
We are about to launch the National Walk for Epilepsy (Walk 4 Epilepsy) in October. There will be more information coming through our social media platforms, so stay tuned.
Kind regards
Wendy Groot, CEO Epilepsy Tasmania.
This is the link to join the walk with us. There are incentive prizes and more for those walking, riding, swimming.
Good News Story - Focus Group
Liz writes " Thank you to everyone who generously offered to help with our recent Focus Group. We had a fantastic session, with lots of great conversation and suggestions for how to make our new information sheet COVID-19 and Epilepsy as user friendly and helpful as possible. Having resource development input from people with epilepsy, their families and those who support them, is ideal in helping us provide fit for purpose, up to date materials.
When finalised, this information sheet will be added to the Epilepsy Smart Australia website https://epilepsysmart.org.au/ under the resources tab where you can already find a range of topics to browse. We will be running additional focus groups in the future for other topics so please keep an eye on Brainwaves for details of how you can be involved."
Tell us your good news. We would love to hear from you.
New Research Released
Determining the role and responsibilities of community epilepsy in the management of epilepsy.
The aim of this study is to enhance the understanding of the core elements and influencing factors on the community-based epilepsy nurse's role and responsibilities.
Would you like to participate in another Focus Group?
Provide a voice for Australians living with epilepsy by participating in our epilepsy focus group discussion to assist with the development of our suite of information sheets and resources.
The focus group will meet once (virtually via Zoom) for a 60-90 minute discussion where participants will be encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas about Parenting with Epilepsy. Participants will then be asked to review a draft information sheet and provide feedback.
It is required that participants be a person living with epilepsy, be 18 years or older, and be a parent. Participants will receive a $50.00 voucher for their involvement.
For more information and to apply, click below:
Thank you Devonport Rotary
In July we had the pleasure of meeting Peter & Mike from the Rotary Club of Devonport North who presented us with a cheque. This donation makes it possible for the staff to outreach into the Devonport area to provide direct support to people living with epilepsy and those who support them.
Thank you Rotary Club of Devonport North!
Education, Training and Administration
It has been an encouraging past few weeks with repeat referrals coming from some of our amazing Neurologists in Tasmania. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that we are a trusted organisation by the medical profession, as we continue to support those who need us.
If you need Support, Emergency Management Plans, Information, Products, or Peer Support, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 03 6344 6881.
Time is running out to complete our survey.
This survey is for any one who has interacted or received services from Epilepsy Tasmania in the last 6 months, 1st January 2023 - 30th June 2023. This short survey asks a few questions about your experience and satisfaction with Epilepsy Tasmania services.
Your answers will remain anonymous.
We were pleased to attend the recent APPA 2023 National Conference in Hobart as the Tasmanian partners of the Epilepsy Smart Australia Programme (ESAP).
1 in 200 students has epilepsy. This means that every teacher is likely to teach a child with epilepsy during their career.
Here we see Nicole, the Programme Manager from ESAP, with myself, Shirl & Liz from our Hobart Office.
Save this date!
This is our official opening day and welcome to our new Launceston premises.
Our updated signs are in place, so you won't have trouble finding us on the corner of Willis/Boland Streets.
See you on the 18th if not before!
Extra Care during the Winter months
Just a reminder with the winter months there are many extra germs around coming from school, childcare and the workplace. Stomach bugs or illnesses that cause vomiting or other stomach upsets can lead to you becoming dehydrated and you may not be able to take your medications on time due to nausea or other upsets causing the levels in your blood to fluctuate. Dehydration, missing a dose of medication, or not being able to keep medication down can be a trigger for seizures; Adding to this may be lack of sleep and/or fatigue caused by disrupted sleep, which can be another trigger. Please remember to look after yourselves when unwell as there are many triggers here that could cause a seizure.
Download the Epilepsy First Aid Poster for Your Workplace
Place it in prominent positions around your workplace for both staff and customers.
“There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs"
Zig Zigler ~ Author
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.
