EpilepsyYoung people with epilepsy from eight European countries are in Sligo this week to swap ideas and receive training in how to organise projects to improve the lives of people living with the condition.
Proposals from the Irish delegation include setting up a task force of young Europeans to visit South Africa to try to dispel some of the myths and stigma about epilepsy there. They are also proposing to organise a conference for women with epilepsy focusing on health-related issues of specific concern to women such as pregnancy and childbirth.
The Epilepsy Youth in Europe seminar will bring 30 young people together over six days at the Institute of Technology in Sligo.
Organisers decided to hold the event in Sligo because of the success of a year-long course specifically for people with epilepsy "Training for Success", run by the institute in conjunction with Brainwave, the Irish epilepsy association.
Course manager Honor Broderick said that over the week young people would receive training in how to start and run a project, how to submit proposals and apply for funding.
The next Training for Success course starts on August 22nd and that applications were now being taken. Funded by FÁS, it emphasises independence and a positive attitude to epilepsy. The course also teaches life skills and personal development encouraging young people to become experts in their own condition. It can be used by young people as a stepping stone to third-level education since it includes a foundation course.
A number of former students of the course have since graduated from degree courses. Applicants are not required to have formal qualifications and places are allocated after interviews. There are no fees and students are paid a FÁS training allowance.
More information available from 071-915 5303.