National Epilepsy Week 2012

20–26 May 2012

The theme of National Epilepsy Week 2012 is achievement. Here's a quick update on what's happening and how you can get involved.

• Three months free membership of Epilepsy Action
• Tuesday 22 May: Education survey results launched: Schools must do better to support pupils with epilepsy
• Monday 21 May: Read about epilepsy in The Guardian
• Sunday 20 May: Record of Achievement launched
• Edwards 2012
• Support our work by making a donation
• Local events
• Download a National Epilepsy Week poster

Three months free membership of Epilepsy Action

Epilepsy Action is the largest membership organisation in the UK for people affected by epilepsy. Our members get information, advice and support about living with, or caring for, someone with epilepsy. They are part of a movement raising awareness of epilepsy and they add strength to our voice when we are campaigning for change.

To celebrate the achievements of people with epilepsy – an exclusive offer for National Epilepsy Week. Three months free membership of Epilepsy Action when you join online this week.

(15 months for the price of 12 on Standard UK, International and e-membership. Submit online by Saturday 26 May 2012).

Tuesday 22 May: Education survey results launched: Schools must do better to support pupils with epilepsy

A survey reveals that children with epilepsy are not being fully supported in schools, according to teachers and parents. The survey suggests that children with epilepsy are not reaching their full potential, not performing in line with their classmates and regularly miss school because of their epilepsy. 

Of 185 teachers surveyed, most schools said they had at least one pupil with epilepsy in their school. However, of these less than 40 per cent have a written epilepsy policy and over a quarter had not had epilepsy training in the last three years. Almost a third of teachers were not aware that pupils with epilepsy may be entitled to receive extra time in exams. One in six teachers said that either pupils with epilepsy at their school did not have an individual healthcare plan or that they didn’t know if they had one.   Read more.

Monday 21 May: Read about epilepsy in The Guardian

There's a free 12-page epilepsy supplement with copies of Monday's Guardian newspaper. It includes features on issues like education and employment.  Read online. Download a PDF of the supplement.

Sunday 20 May: Record of Achievement launched

Visit our brand new online Record of Achievement to share your achievement; it will only take two minutes to add your story.  You can read about the successes of people with epilepsy everywhere.

It’s a way to celebrate the many things that people with epilepsy do. It can be anything, from remaining seizure free for a day to climbing Mount Everest - whatever you feel is your personal achievement. It’s full of inspiring stories and we can’t wait to read yours! You can upload your achievement throughout the week and don’t forget to share it on Facebook and Twitter. 

Surveys on education and achievement

On Tuesday we’ll be announcing the results of our survey which investigated whether pupils with epilepsy are getting the educational support they need. We’ll be giving advice about the importance of having the correct educational policy and procedures in place.

Edwards 2012

On Thursday and Friday we’ll be celebrating the good work being done in education establishments to support pupils or students with epilepsy.  We’ll be announcing 10 awards across the UK to recognise educational providers which are providing a good supportive learning environment. We want to reward those establishments we believe are going that extra mile to make sure pupils or students with epilepsy have a good learning experience. It could be training all members of staff, holding an assembly to dispel any myths, or a peer-to-peer network to support pupils with epilepsy. 

Support our work by making a donation

You can support National Epilepsy Week through a text donation. If you live in the UK, simply text ACT NOW to 70700 to donate £5 to Epilepsy Action and help support people living with, and caring for, people with epilepsy.*

*Texts cost £5 plus your standard network rate. Epilepsy Action will receive 100 per cent of the donation.

• Other ways to donate to Epilepsy Action

Local events

Hundreds of Epilepsy Action supporters will be taking part in Wonga Walks across the country. Walks will take many forms, whether a long distance walk in the countryside, a short urban stroll after Sunday lunch, a sponsored dog walk or a junior toddle waddle. Most of these will be on the first weekend of National Epilepsy Week.  If you want to do one to raise money for Epilepsy Action, it's not too late to sign up! 

Public Wonga Walks:

Also:

• We'll be holding local advice and information days at various places across the UK.
• On Wednesday evening, our new branch in Llandrindod Wells will be celebrating their launch.
• A photography exhibition, 'I am more than epilepsy', is taking place in Birmingham. There's an event to celebrate the exhibition on the evening of Thursday 24 May.

and many more things... watch this space.

Download a National Epilepsy Week poster (PDF)

We'll be updating this page during National Epilepsy Week as more information comes in. You can also keep up-to-date with what's happening by following Epilepsy Action on Facebook or Twitter

For more information on any of our National Epilepsy Week plans, please contact the PR and Campaigns team on +44 (0)113 210 8800