Do you want to meet other young people with epilepsy?

Do you ever feel that people aren’t listening to what you think about your epilepsy?

Well we can help. Epilepsy Action’s successful Upfront about epilepsy – an event for teenagers aged 12-17 and their families is back!

What’s on offer.                                                                         

This event offers an all day activity based session for you, with epilepsy specialist nurses on hand to answer any questions you have about your epilepsy.

Working with MORE!PRODUCTIONS, you will meet other young people, and swap your stories and experiences. You can take part in music, art and drama activities. As a group you’ll work together to share your experiences with your families at the end of the day.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to love drama or be an actor to take part in the workshop. There are loads of ways you can get involved. If you prefer to not be in the spotlight you might choose to be a sound engineer, script writer, set designer, producer or director.

“Yeah this event is about epilepsy- but that’s not all it’s about. It’s about enjoying yourself too”.

For your parents

Families will have the opportunity to ask questions about epilepsy in a relaxed atmosphere. They will also receive information about epilepsy and education, relationships and treatment.

We had some great feedback from the young people we met last year:

“I was really nervous about coming, but within minutes I was having fun with everyone else”

“Come, enjoy yourself – don’t worry”

“I had a great time, it was lovely to meet people who were so normal and yet also had epilepsy”

“Would I come again? Defo”

If you and your family would like to get involved or for more information contact Leanne Creightonor Nicole Crosby-McKenna on 0113 210 8800 or email lcreighton@epilepsy.org.uk

• More information for parents

Saturday 21 January 2012

This is one event divided into two streams—one for young people with epilepsy and their brothers and sisters, and one for their parents or carers.

Young people aged 12-17 are invited to take part in a ‘Play in a Day’ creative workshop, with More!PRODUCTIONS. Working with other young people, you will produce a short piece of performance about epilepsy and you. Using theatre games, music exercises, acting techniques and technological tools—we will help you tell your story! We will also help you to show others your dreams for the future, what’s ‘getting in the way’ and what support you need. Epilepsy professionals will also be on hand to answer any questions you have.

As parents and carers of young people with epilepsy, you are invited to find out more about epilepsy, meet other families, and share your experiences. The conference is
delivered through presentations and discussion-based workshops. The aim is to empower you to make informed decisions about your child’s care. Topics covered include diagnosis and treatment, managing stress, education and relationships. The day will end with a short performance on epilepsy, which the young people will create during their workshop.

Ticket prices include tea/coffee and a buffet lunch:

• Family ticket (covers up to 2 adults and 2 children) £10
• Single ticket £5

25 workshop places are available to young people with epilepsy aged 12-17 and a small number of brothers and sisters. Places will be allocated on a first come/first served basis, with priority given to young people with epilepsy.

More information and booking.

If the answers are yes, then we’re looking for people like you.

Join us!

We want a number of people to become Young Reviewers. This is your chance to give us your point of view and help us get it right.

What will I have to do to be a Young Reviewer?

One of your parents will need to give us the OK. So, they’ll need to sign a form to say that it’s all right for you to do this. You’ll need to sign one too, saying that you’re willing to help.

What will Epilepsy Action promise me?

We’ll listen to what you tell us. If you think we need to make some changes, wherever possible, we will.

What skills do I need to be a Young Reviewer?

You don’t need any special skills. You don’t need to pass any exams and you don’t need a diploma, but you do need to be interested in epilepsy!

If you are able to fill in a short form telling us what you think about our information, you could be a Young Reviewer.

How do I become a Young Reviewer?

One of your parents need to fill in an application form on our website.

You’ll also needs to have an email address. This is how we’ll send our information to you.

If you have any more questions about becoming a Young Reviewer, send us an email. Here’s the address: youngreviewer@epilepsy.org.uk

We are still running the Upfront event in Leeds on 21 January 2012

Upfront about epilepsy - young people’s creative workshop and family conference 2011. The event for families in the UK.

Do you ever feel as though people aren’t really listening to what you have to say? Are there things that you want to share with your family, friends, even people at school but you don’t because you think they won’t understand? Do you want to meet other young people with epilepsy? And do you want to find out more about how you can manage your condition and the affect it has on your life?

Well we can help. Epilepsy Action’s successful Upfront about epilepsy – young people’s creative workshop and family conference is back!

This event is split into an all-day creative workshop for young people aged 12-17 and a conference for their families and carers.

“Come and enjoy it and express yourself” – Workshop member 2010

The young people’s creative workshop.

Epilepsy Action is working with MORE!PRODUCTIONS, who will deliver their  creative workshop. During the workshop you will work with other young people with epilepsy. Together you will create a short production. This production will tell your story – and it’s an important story to tell…

“This [epilepsy] is a big thing. It’s a change. The future looks different.” Workshop member  2010

You don’t have to love drama or be an actor to take part in the workshop. There are loads of ways you can get involved. For example, you might choose to be a sound engineer, script writer, set designer, producer or director.  Last year we were treated to a rap, teenagers sneaking out to attend parties, a list of dreams and a jingle of wishes for the future. What will you do this year?

Epilepsy specialist nurses will also be on hand all day, to answer any questions you have about your epilepsy.

Some comments from the young people we met last year:

“I was really nervous about coming, but within minutes I was having fun with everyone else”

“Come, enjoy yourself – don’t worry”

“I had a great time, it was lovely to meet people who were so normal and yet also had epilepsy”

“Would I come again? Defo”

Meet MORE!PRODUCTIONS

“Hello, we have been using creativity as a tool to work with young people for the last 10 years. We passionately believe in helping people to tell their stories through whatever creative medium fits best. We have created performances, film, festivals and books. We have worked in a variety of settings, including schools, community and prisons. This will be the second year we have worked with Epilepsy Action”. Beth – MORE!PRODUCTIONS

So what will your families do during the conference?

Parents and carers are invited to share their experiences, and seek advice and information about epilepsy. The conference is an opportunity for your family to talk to the families of other young people with epilepsy. More information about the conference is available at www.epilepsy.org.uk

Places in the drama workshop are strictly limited to a maximum of 25 young people aged 12-17. For more information or to register your interest contact Leanne Creightonor Nicole Crosby-McKenna on 0113 210 8800 or email lcreighton@epilepsy.org.uk

Take a look at the video:

Well, we’ve launched TWO new websites: one for younger kids with epilepsy, and one for teenagers:

You’re already on the teenagers’ site, but take a look at the site for younger kids, it’s called efo. 

National Doodle Day is about having fun while raising funds to help people whose lives are affected by epilepsy. Since the very first National Doodle Day in 2004, over £215,000 has been raised!

If you’re in school, ask a teacher to get an organiser’s pack. Once they’ve have received the organiser’s pack, rhey can get as many students and teachers doodling as possible to be in with a chance of your school winning one of our four prize categories.

Organising and holding a National Tea Break really is a piece of cake! You can hold your Tea Break anywhere and invite anybody along to share in the fun.

Last year we had National Tea Break events all over the UK; from Cornwall to Scotland, at homes and schools or workplaces. So, sign up today!