Epilepsy Action, the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy organisation, is hosting an event to support the families of people with epilepsy. The aim of the event is to help people understand epilepsy, and showcase a travelling photography exhibition called “I am more than epilepsy”.
The event will take place on 7 July from 10.00am until 1.00pm at Scarborough Library, Vernon Road, Scarborough.
This event will include two speakers – Tim Vasey from Disablement Action Group, and Dr Merran Toerian from the Department of Sociology at York University. Tim will be talking about changes to benefits and Dr Toerian will talk about her research regarding patient involvement and neurology services. Visitors will get the chance to view the photo exhibition. Plus, they can have their photo taken and be included in future displays.
The exhibition was created to illustrate some of the areas in which change is still needed. By improving understanding of epilepsy, it is hoped that needless fear of the condition will be reduced and that the stigma that is sadly sometimes still associated with it will be combated. So far it has been exhibited in Birmingham, Manchester and London.
Exhibition curator, Tom Robinson, said: “In completing this exhibition, we made every effort to ensure that it was as representative as possible of all individuals with epilepsy. We are very grateful to all participants who spared their time to talk to us, let us take their photo and shared details of their lives and experiences with us. If you feel that your story may be able to add a new dimension to the project, we would be eager to hear from you.”
Cliff Challenger, north England manager for Epilepsy Action, said: “Our photo exhibition is intended to demonstrate that there is more to people’s lives than their epilepsy. We realise epilepsy can be very isolating for people so we wanted to give people a chance to meet and chat with others in a friendly and modern atmosphere.
“We are inviting people with epilepsy to contribute to, and become part of, the exhibition by having their photo taken on the day. This is not compulsory but we are hoping the exhibition will grow and travel to other cities in the UK.”
The event is free and there is no need to book. For more information, please call Cliff Challenger on 01274 640064 (mobile: 07843 359 714). Alternatively, you can email cchallenger@epilepsy.org.uk
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.
Epilepsy Action’s Scarborough Branch meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Yorkshire Coast Enterprise Centre, Auborough Street, Scarborough, from 7.30pm.
For further information about the work of Epilepsy Action, please visit www.epilepsy.org.uk or call the Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050.