With one in 25 Australians diagnosed with epilepsy, would you know what to do if someone needed your help?

On Tuesday 10 October, Epilepsy ACT will hold community training in ‘Understanding and Managing Epilepsy’ and ‘Administration of Emergency Medication’ at Grant Cameron Community Centre in Holder.

“This is training that could save a life and definitely creates a safer community for people living with epilepsy,” says CEO of Epilepsy ACT, Fiona Allardyce.

“If you work with 25 people, have kids in a school with more than 25 people, or have more than 25 friends on Facebook, you are bound to know someone with epilepsy.”

The training is free for those diagnosed with epilepsy, their family members, or carers. 

For teachers, friends, colleagues, disability workers and support workers, it costs $100 for the introductory course and $180 for both courses.

“The stigma associated with epilepsy is often worse than the condition, so people are probably not likely to let you know unless you bring it up – and no one should go it alone,” says Ms Allardyce.

Epilepsy can develop at any stage of life, but it is more common in children, adolescents and people over 60. With more than 60 types of epilepsy, every person’s experience with seizures is different and its impact on lives can be devastating. 

“This training gives you the knowledge to assist anyone with epilepsy. Everyone should have this knowledge, but they just don’t know they need to have it,” says Ms Allardyce.

The training is facilitated by Epilepsy ACT’s support worker and educator Ashleigh Gold, who is a former nurse and former teacher.

Ms Allardyce says people consistently come away from the training with a stronger knowledge of what different seizures look like, the impact of epilepsy on someone’s life, as well as an increased confidence in being able to support someone with epilepsy and in understanding an Epilepsy Management Plan.

The community training takes place on 10 October 10am-1pm at 27 Mulley Street, Holder. 

Bookings are essential and can be made by emailing [email protected] or calling 6287 4555. Epilepsy ACT also takes training into workplaces, schools, and organisations.

You can also support Epilepsy ACT’s efforts by joining (or donating to) the Walk for Epilepsy at walkforepilepsy.org.au anytime until 25 October.

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