South Australia and the Northern Territory are the only states in Australia that do not receive Government funding to support children and families living with epilepsy. 85,000 people live with epilepsy in South Australia and Northern Territory combined.

There are over 52 types of seizures and over 1% will pass away from SUDEP(sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) every year. The Epilepsy Centre continues to provide support and services to those affected funded solely by private donations.

Epilepsy can be a devastating condition to manage and the support The Epilepsy Centre provides to the community is an absolute necessity.

The suicide rate among youth living with epilepsy is 25% higher than the general population, due to difficulties in securing employment, maintaining friendships and holding a driver’s license. It is a life of uncertainty, confusion, isolation and embarrassment which no one should have to endure. Epilepsy can affect anyone at any age.

Epilepsy is not just falling to the ground and shaking. A seizure can kill.

The Epilepsy Centre is a professional organisation committed to providing quality services to people living with epilepsy and improving community awareness and attitudes throughout South Australia and the Northern Territory. The team at The Epilepsy Centre have been helping people for over 40 years and we work continuously to raise awareness of epilepsy in the community to reduce stigma and create a more welcoming and inclusive society.

Our key services include:

Counselling

Advocacy

Epilepsy Management Support

Care Plan Development

NDIS Support

Home and Residential Care Visits

Employment Support

Resources

Workshops

Clinics

Epilepsy Training for Families, Schools and Workplace

In hospital Support

Collaboration and networking with other agencies

Risk Assessments

Epilepsy First Aid Training

Emergency Medication Training

Annual Camps

Epilepsy Education for - Schools, Workplaces, Sports Groups, Disability and Support Workers, Community Organisations, Family and Friends

The cost of service delivery is incredibly high yet we strive to go above and beyond to supply children and families with necessary medical equipment designed to protect people from their seizures. For over two years The Epilepsy Centre has donated almost 60 Seizure Monitors to children in need. These monitors are placed on the child's bed and can detect movements similar to seizures, which then sounds a loud alarm to alert loved ones. Each seizure monitor costs $1000, which most families can not afford. We have also donated equipment such as Oximeters, life jackets, ice vests, helmets and specially designed wheel chairs.

Our mission and vision is to improve the welfare of people with epilepsy and their families in South Australia and The Northern Territory.

We aim to:

Educate the public to accept persons with epilepsy as equal citizens and encourage greater public understanding

Remove any discrimination from persons with epilepsy and/or their families

Advise and help persons with epilepsy, and their families

Represent persons with epilepsy in being accepted with education authorities and all employer organisations

Promote and provide information on epilepsy by way of pamphlets, advertising, films, articles, discussion and lectures to public and professional groups and the community

Support research programmes and seminars into medical and social aspects of epilepsy

Government funding would enable us to employ additional full-time nurses, social workers and counsellors to manage the enormous workload. These workers would help reduce hospital admissions, give families and individuals much needed support, train schools and workplaces and help improve community understanding

- effectively ending the appalling stigma associated with seizures.

It's time to recognise that epilepsy is indeed a Chronic Health Condition and to provide much-needed funding for The Epilepsy Centre.

For more information please visit: www.epilepsycentre.org.au or

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