Campaigning in Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland and Epilepsy Action Cymru

Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Take epilepsy action

I’d like to start with a huge thank you to everyone who came to our launch of Take epilepsy action at Belfast City Hall. The event was attended by volunteers from all over Northern Ireland, and several of our busy nurses. Sue Wild also telephoned our volunteers to make sure they had everything they needed for the launch. After the launch event, a small group of our launch volunteers and I spoke with Lord Mayor Niall Ó Donnghaile. The Lord Mayor showed a real interest in Take epilepsy action, and in the longer term, removing stigma about epilepsy in Northern Ireland.

Neurological Conditions Network

The Public Health Agency recently set up a Neurological Conditions Network in Northern Ireland. Several members of the Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance (including Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland) were asked to investigate how the network should work and what it should do.

As part of this work we carried out the 'Speak out for change experience survey' earlier this year. The findings from this survey have been included in a new report, and were presented at a workshop in Cookstown on 19 October 2011. From our survey findings we detailed twelve recommendations on how to improve the experience of people living with neurological conditions. These include the following.

• Carrying out an audit of care plans for people with neurological conditions .(To find out what percentage of people with a neurological condition have a care plan)
• Clear pathways. (So it is clear which health professional or service a person should be referred to, to receive specialist care, or help with a specific issue)
• People must be helped to become expert patients. (People who are fully informed about their condition can better manage their condition and make informed choices about their care and treatment).

Watch this space

Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland is in the process of developing the All Party Group on epilepsy, at the Northern Ireland Assembly. We are leading this work on behalf of the Joint Epilepsy Council. As a first step we have asked Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from all political parties to join the All Party Group. So far the response from MLAs has been quite positive.

I’ll bring you more on this next time.

Morina

Epilepsy Action Cymru

The Wales Forum will Take epilepsy action

The Wales Forum has made Epilepsy Action’s Take epilepsy action campaign its priority for campaigning in 2012. The forum would like to see a number of Take epilepsy action events held across Wales. Keith Skivington is vice chair of the council of management and chair of the Llanelli Branch. He will co-ordinate all the Take epilepsy action events throughout Wales.

Keith held his first Take epilepsy action event in Llanelli on 9 November. With the support of the Llanelli Branch a whole day of activity was organised, including first aid demonstrations at 9.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm. 

The Wales Forum would like all branches in Wales to get involved and support this campaign. To do so, the branch should speak to Keith. The branch should also get permission from their local council to hold a take epilepsy action awareness day in the city centre.

If you are one of our campaign supporters in Wales, you can find out more from your local Epilepsy Action Cymru Branch. If you haven’t got a local branch, you can you get in touch with Keith to organise events near to you. Keith can be contacted on 01554 776 719 or email him at keithskivington102@live.co.uk

Ann

If you would like to get involved in any of our campaigns contact campaigns@epilepsy.org.uk or 0113 210 8800.