National Epilepsy Week 2010

Sunday 13 to Saturday 19 June 2010

The official dates for National Epilepsy Week 2010 have changed. National Epilepsy Week 2010 will officially take place from Sunday 13 to Saturday 19 June. Please note that this change is for one year only! The dates will revert to the third week in May from 2011 onwards.

Why the date change?

You may be aware that the Joint Epilepsy Council (JEC) is the umbrella organisation for all the epilepsy organisations in the UK. Epilepsy Action, in conjunction with JEC, has changed the dates in recognition of the general election. A new UK parliament must be elected by 3 June so all media activity at the end of May will be dominated by the elections. Members of Parliament (MPs) will be focussed on elections, rather than an epilepsy campaign so our political activity would be ineffective.

We believe these revised dates will bring several advantages. Parliament will have ended for summer before the election and will not meet until the Queen's Speech. Epilepsy organisations can then take advantage of an extended quiet press period no longer dominated by parliamentary news. In addition, new MPs will be looking for opportunities to gain favourable coverage in their local press. This will make it easier to secure the support of these new MPs, and any existing MPs, before they are officially sworn in.

I've already arranged an event for May

We appreciate that this may cause some concern but we are sure you will understand the reasons. Please note that we have moved Out in the Open Walks and The Big Eat to coincide with 13-19 June. However, if you have already booked dates or a venue during May because this is the most convenient or traditional time, there is no need to worry! Just let our events team know so that we can send out your event pack earlier. Please call 0113 210 8800 or email events@epilepsy.org.uk

Theme for the week

We are pleased to announce that the theme for National Epilepsy Week 2010 is "young people”. More details will be posted in the New Year so please check this page again soon.