Epilepsy Action's West Midlands Forum is holding an advice and information meeting on Saturday 31 October with a view to forming a new branch in Wolverhampton. The branch would support people living with epilepsy in the area.
The event, which is funded by the Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, will run from 1.00pm to 4.00pm at Friends Meeting House, Summerfield Road, Wolverhampton. Its aim is to encourage people affected by epilepsy to come along and pick up useful information and meet other people affected by the condition. Epilepsy Action is also hoping to recruit any volunteers who may be interested in helping to run a branch in Wolverhampton.
Speakers at the event include Epilepsy Action regional services managers, Mark McDaid and Julie Clark, and Chair of Epilepsy Action West Midlands Forum, Beryl Sharlot. They will discuss the benefits of local branches and the West Midlands Forum. The forum works to raise awareness and understanding of epilepsy, and supports existing and developing branches in the region.
Michele Harper, secretary of the Epilepsy Action West Midlands Forum, said: “The meeting is an ideal opportunity for anyone who has epilepsy or an interest in the condition to find out more. People will have the opportunity to meet others affected by epilepsy, share their experiences and find out what support is available locally. We want people to leave happy in the knowledge that they are not alone.
"We are also setting up an Epilepsy Action branch in Birmingham. The branch is developing well and members are already gaining confidence, enthusiasm and a better understanding of epilepsy. We now want the same for people in Wolverhampton." For more information about the meeting, please contact Julie Clark, regional services manager for Central England, on 01684 833 834 or email jclark@epilepsy.org.uk
For anyone unable to attend the meeting, or wishing to meet up again, the forum has arranged more meetings. These will be held on Saturday 28 November, Saturday 30 January and Saturday 27 February, all from 2.00pm and 4.00pm. They will take place at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.
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