The Plymouth branch of Epilepsy Action, the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy organisation, is holding a conference on Saturday 28 March to support people affected by epilepsy in the area.
The event will take place from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the Copthorne Hotel on Armada Way, Plymouth. There will be a variety of interactive workshops happening throughout the day. The event starts with a workshop on ‘managing your medication’ by epilepsy specialist nurse, Debbie Coker and a talk from Dr Sadler, consultant neurologist at the Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust.
The event will follow with a demonstration from Simon Anderson at Support Dogs, on the benefits support dogs can have for people with epilepsy. There’ll also be an interactive presentation on music and epilepsy run by musician, composer and chair of the North Devon branch of Epilepsy Action, Guy Stoker.
Guest speakers will include Ross Jowett, Director of Training Solutions South West and vice chair of the Plymouth branch of Epilepsy Action, who will be speaking about his own experience of living with epilepsy. Emma Williams from the Matthew’s Friends charity will also be speaking, and doing a cookery demonstration. Matthew’s Friends provides information about the ketogenic diet, which is sometimes used to treat children with very difficult-to-control seizures.
Mark McDaid, Epilepsy Action regional services manager for South West England, says: “It would be fantastic if people in the region could come together for this event. The conference is open to everyone and will be of particular benefit to those living with epilepsy and their families and carers.”
Places at the conference are limited, so to avoid disappointment book your place now by contacting Jackie Kemp on 0113 210 8800.
Epilepsy Action has an extensive network of branches throughout the UK. Branches hold regular meetings and offer a variety of social events and informative talks and discussions relating to epilepsy. Meetings offer the opportunity for people to share their experiences of living with epilepsy and also raise awareness of the condition in the local community.
Last year alone, Epilepsy Action directly helped over 686,500 people through a range of services, including its advice and information centre and Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050. For further information about the work of Epilepsy Action please visit www.epilepsy.org.uk