Today, the Association provides support, reassurance, advocacy, referral, and accurate, concise information to people with epilepsy, and promotes understanding of epilepsy, through education and increased community awareness.
The Epilepsy Association [ACT] Inc services the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding areas. The Association is governed by a Committee of Management. Grants from government and government bodies play important roles in funding the Association. The Association is accountable to local and federal governments; its members; and the community. The Epilepsy Association [ACT] Inc is an affiliate of Epilepsy Australia Ltd.
* Our Services
Information on epilepsy
A wide range of books, pamphlets and information sheets, videos, kits and other items are available for individuals with epilepsy, families, friends, carers, service providers, employers and the general community. A lending service is available for short periods of time.
Counselling and personal support
Experienced staff are available to assist with issues such as current policy on driving; workplace discrimination; life-style strategies; and support for parents and carers. This is a free community service, with your right to privacy and confidentiality, understood and respected.
Community Education
The Association provides responsive information and education services to community Organisations; health and welfare groups; businesses; education providers; students; and any other group where a need is identified.
Education and support programs are conducted in schools, providing students with a more enlightened attitude towards epilepsy, and informing teachers of the signs, treatment and management of the many different types of seizures.
We provide lectures for various professional and community groups, first aid instruction, and workshops.
We conduct community and parent information sessions with guest speakers, on all aspects of epilepsy care, and provide support networks for people with different types of epilepsy.
Children's education program
World of Trivia is an educational program for primary school students, where students learn about epilepsy in a fun-filled environment. World of Trivia not only tests general knowledge, but provides students with the opportunity to participate in community service, by fundraising for the Association.
Epilepsy links
The association liaises with affiliates of Epilepsy Australia Ltd and international epilepsy associations. If you are travelling overseas or moving interstate, the Association can assist, by providing you with contact names and addresses of support networks.
Comprehensive support
The Association adopts a comprehensive care approach to epilepsy management, and offers a referral service to other government and non-government health, disability and education Organisations for people with epilepsy.
* How you can help
Becoming a member
The Epilepsy Association [ACT] Inc is dependent on community support, so that it can continue to assist people with epilepsy throughout the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding areas.
Becoming a member of the Epilepsy Association [ACT] Inc is easy. Just contact our office for a membership form.
Membership entitles you to:
vote at general meetings of the Epilepsy Association [ACT] Inc;
to the various benefits and privileges that may be publicised as being available to members from time to time;
invitations to scheduled seminars, educational programs and social events.
Membership also give you access to our reference library. Our qualified library worker is dedicated to keeping abreast of the latest updates in epilepsy.
Becoming a donor
While government grants play an important role in funding our Organisation, the provision of basic services is heavily reliant on fundraising, through donations and special events. Your donation will enable us to improve the quality of life for people living with epilepsy, through our many services.
There are several ways you can become a donor. You can make a deferred gift or bequest in your Will to the Epilepsy Association of ACT Inc. A donation, no matter how small, is an investment in the future, ensuring that our work will benefit future generations of people living with epilepsy. A commemorative gift is a donation that marks that special occasion – birthday, anniversary, Christmas, birth, or graduation. All of these special occasions can be celebrated with a commemorative gift.
Or you can ‘gift’ your time. Become a volunteer, and see first hand, how our Organisation works, and how valuable our work is.
Every gift makes a difference.
* EPILEPSY FIRST AID
What to do
Step 1
- Stay calm
- Time the seizure
- Roll the person on their side to help with their breathing and allow excess saliva to drain from the mouth
- Remove any hard objects
Step 2
- Do not restrain the person’s movements
- Do not force anything into the mouth
Step 3
- Offer support and reassurance after the seizure
- Allow the person to rest until they have fully recovered
- Call an ambulance if:
- The seizure last more than 5 minutes
- One seizure follows another
- The person is injured
- The seizure occurred in water
- It is the person’s first seizure
- The person has diabetes
- The management plan indicates that it is required
* Contact Details:
The Epilepsy Association (ACT) Inc
27 Mulley Street
Holder ACT 2611
Mail Address:
PO Box 3744
Weston ACT 2611
Telephone:
6287 4555
Fax:
6287 4556
Office hours:
9am – 4pm Monday to Friday.
Our counsellors are available for appointments outside these times, if required.
The Epilepsy Association [ACT] Inc
is a not-for-profit, self-help
Community Service Organisation
formed in 1982 to provide services
for people with epilepsy,
their families and the community.
