Services

SERVICES

The Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria provides support for people living with epilepsy and their families to help them live better lives.

• access to Australia’s most extensive epilepsy library collection and resources with more than 2,600 books, videos, DVDs and journal articles on epilepsy and related topics for either browsing, borrowing, photocopying or purchase
   
• support with literature and reference searches, as well as interlibrary co-operation
   
• provision of up-to-date information and resources on all aspects of living with epilepsy including fact sheets, brochures, DVDs and other resources with some available in community languages

• access to aids and equipment and advice to support people to live independently and safely

• access to, and advice on, epilepsy management plans, seizure diaries and other useful practical materials

• telephone support and referral for people who are not sure what is available to support them in the community and where to get information

• epilepsy counselling and practical support from epilepsy counsellors/educators who understand epilepsy as a medical condition and how it affects physical, mental and social well being

• case management for individuals and their families whose epilepsy proves difficult to control and who face challenges in getting the range of support they need

• hospital visits and seizure clinic participation providing integrated advice and support in partnership with neurologists who specialise in epilepsy at major hospitals in Melbourne and regional cities

• accommodation support and funding for rural Victorians living with epilepsy and their families to help attend epilepsy-related appointments in Melbourne or regional cities.

• creation of individual epilepsy management plans and provision of seizure first aid and diaries to help people manage their own epilepsy and communicate their needs with schools, sporting clubs or in the workplace

• advocacy for and with individuals living with epilepsy who are coping with prejudice and misunderstandings from schools, employers, community organisations and government departments

• in-school support with Student/Program Support Group Meetings and development of health and education plans for children with epilepsy

• self-help and facilitated groups that give an opportunity to talk with someone in the same situation, share experiences, problems and ideas in learning to cope with epilepsy and to enjoy shared activities in the community

• getaways for families caring for a child with epilepsy and for adults living epilepsy to take a break, get some respite, learn about epilepsy, and meet with others experiencing the same issues

• every second year an ecumenical Memorial Service is held for families and friends to acknowledge those with epilepsy who have died including those who have died from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)

• advocacy for and with groups of people with epilepsy who are experiencing prejudice and misunderstanding from schools, employers, community organisations and government departments

• skills in epilepsy care and management including accredited and non- accredited training for schools, the medical and allied health profession, aged care, Home and Community Care (HACC), disability service organisations, government departments and the wider community

• training for emergency management of seizures for families, teachers, employers, health, aged care, Home and Community Care (HACC) and disability support workers who are working and supporting a person with epilepsy who has been prescribed medication to control seizures

• creating Epilepsy Friendly Schools by educating teachers and the next generation of Victorians about epilepsy, incorporating Trivia Challenge, an education program linked to the Victorian Education Learning Standards (VELS) for primary and secondary students to learn about epilepsy

• community awareness and information sessions for diverse community groups, organisations and clubs to raise awareness and understanding of epilepsy

• understanding and managing epilepsy seminars to meet the identified needs of specific groups of people and families living with epilepsy, and the needs of cultural groups, employers etc.

• self management programs to enable people with epilepsy and their families to work together with their health provider and gain a greater sense of control of their epilepsy

• psycho-social research to understand more about the psychological and social aspects of living with epilepsy

• service delivery evaluation and research to provide an evidence base for the services that we and others provide

• policy reform and review ensuring systemic change and group advocacy for people living with epilepsy at all levels of government and in the community

• a research participant register of people living with epilepsy, and their families, who are willing to take part in social research, which is continually expanded and maintained

• a longitudinal survey to measure the social and economic impact of living with epilepsy using participants from the research participant register to produce a snapshot of needs, perceptions and experiences of people living with epilepsy over a number of years

• opportunities to get involved as a volunteer group/camp assistant, which is a great way to provide practical support to families and adults living with epilepsy so they can take a break from their normal routine and come together with other like- minded people for fun, relaxation, education, support or respite in a community activity or weekend away

• opportunity shop volunteers, who assist in raising funds through any of our opportunity shops in Blackburn, Kew, Parkdale and two Cranbourne stores

• our community educators and peer support program, in which people with epilepsy and their family members can play an active part in using their experience of living with epilepsy to co-present community information sessions with the epilepsy counsellor/educator team or supporting other people living with epilepsy

• volunteer administrative assistants, who provide valuable help and assistance in the office with Trivia Challenge and other events and activities

• sharing your personal story of living with epilepsy as a media ambassador so that others can learn from your experience and hear about the work of the Epilepsy Foundation 

 

Support Nyah and families just like hers by donating to our Christmas Appeal. We need to raise $181,000 to support programs like our emergency medication training.