An innovative plan to raise awareness of epilepsy in primary schools in parts of Northern Ireland is being launched on Monday (March 3) by the national charity Epilepsy Action.
The ‘Epilepsy Awareness In Schools’ project urges primary schools in Belfast, Londonderry, Enniskillen and Omagh, to register for free training sessions on epilepsy awareness.
Richard Edgar, of Epilepsy Action, said: “Epilepsy is four times more common in children than diabetes, affecting 57,000 young people in the UK. Studies show that these children are an educationally vulnerable group, at risk of underachieving and being bullied.
“We believe training sessions, like the ones we are offering, are vital in ensuring the future is bright and full of opportunity for children with epilepsy.”
The training sessions cover basic first-aid for the most common seizures, key facts about epilepsy, how epilepsy affects learning and behaviour and addresses stigma issues.
The training sessions are free and schools can sign up for them by contacting Epilepsy Action on 0113 210 8800 or emailing redgar@epilepsy.org.uk.