The first network meeting was held in Dundee on 19 June 2010.  As part of National Epilepsy Week, support groups from across Scotland were invited to come along and join in the first ever National Network for support groups from across Scotland.  The event was well received and it will be an annual event which will grow from strength to strength!  We hope that more support groups will join the network to help support one another.  Epilepsy Link Officer Craig Blair commented “this was a fantastic opportunity for people to come together for the first time to share ideas, concerns and meet other people with epilepsy.  Scotland can be a very isolating place if you feel you are alone.  The network helped by bringing people together”.

The network discussed and shared key issues which affect their support groups. There were excellent examples of how support groups can make a huge difference in their local communities and the variety of work and topics discussed.  The Network will allow groups to share, support and encourage ideas which will benefit all involved.

Here are some comments and feedback from the network meeting:

“very useful and informative, great to exchange ideas”

“good experience and a good chance to voice opinions and ideas”

“very interesting to know how groups choose their topics to discuss”

“well worthwhile, got a lot out of it and lots of ideas, cake was great”

“really helpful, I feel part of other areas now, sharing stories and inspiring ideas”

“it has been a great day. Good to hear from other groups about a whole range of issues. I look forward to meeting up with other groups. From this meeting I will be able to go back to Dumfries and Galloway with a lot of information that will help our group”

“I feel energised now”

If you would like to get involved with a support group or feel you have a group that should join the network please get in touch. You can also find out more about your local support group. Contact Craig Blair Epilepsy Link officer on 0141 427 4911 or email cblair@epilepsyscoltand.org.uk

Have you been touched by epilepsy? Do you have experiences you would like to share with others? We are running a competition inviting people to create animated cartoons to tell their story. You can download the software from http://www.muvizu.com. It is free and easy to use. If you need a bit of help use the online tutorials. We will put our favourite cartoons on Epilepsy Scotland's website, and there will be a £50 prize for the winning entry. The competition is open to anyone in Scotland touched by epilepsy - your own or someone else's. The film should last no more than six minutes. Please send your entry to enquiries@epilepsyscotland.org.uk by Monday 1st November 2010.

Are you a young person aged between 18-25 ish? Epilepsy Scotland is looking for people who would like to be part of a young persons group. The group aims to provide a framework for young people with epilepsy to meet up, to socialise and enjoy life. For further information please contact Craig Blair on 0141 427 4911 or email cblair@epilepsyscotland.org.uk

Teenager Jane Williams helps raise awareness of epilepsy and has been involved wih Epilepsy Scotland for several years. Jane was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 12 years old. Now a student at Strathclyde University, she has developed a blog to share her experiences of living with epilepsy in Scotland today. View Jane’s blog here