If you find that your city doesn’t have an Epilepsy Support Group, you could be the change that your city needs! Ask your doctor/neurologist or nearest Epilepsy Foundation for their help and advice! You could create your very own support group for those diagnosed with epilepsy of all ages in your very city or even take it state-wide!
LETS GET STARTED!
Start With A List Of Goals
Goals are breadcrumbs that lead to success. In coming to the decision that you want to create a support group for those who have epilepsy, begin with an idea of how you want things to go. Decide your goals and missions within the group. Consider activities you’d like to include!
Assemble Supporters
Get in touch with your doctor/neurologist and nearest Epilepsy foundation. Your nearest foundation will be happy to connect you with a social worker or psychologist, where you will be able to hash out your plan for a group.
Assign A Coordinator
Its a great idea to assign a caring, compassionate, understanding and knowledgeable individual who will manage your support group. Consider someone who has a good knowledge and history with Epilepsy. Perhaps a doctor, psychologist etc.
Nail Down Strategy
Consider WHEN and WHERE the group will meet. Set a schedule that can be agreed upon by everyone. If donations and funds will be considered, and funds are hard to come by, get in contact with the nearest foundation to ask for their assistance or advice.
Spread The Word!
Have flyers and other types of publications made and pass them out around town. Ask local shops, schools, Newspapers, hospitals, doctors offices etc. to post your flyers.
Start Your First Meeting
When it comes to your first meeting, take notice of the positives and negatives of the first meeting. It may start off rocky, it may go better than expected! Don’t feel dissapointed if it didn’t go as well as expected. Its your first meeting. It will continue to get better. In taking notice of the negatives, jot down what not to do in the next meeting. In taking notice of the positives, jot down a note to keep that aspect involved.
Suggest Important Information & Resources
After regular meetings have been established, gather as many important resources as you can for the group to have and discuss. Important resources could include practicing seizure drills, advocacy acitivites all members can participate in, discussing medications and helpful tools to manage seizures, doctors and neurologists that you could speak with etc.
Become Involved In City Programs
Most cities have many activities and programs offered to the community. Meet others within your city and spread the word about your group. You might be surprised to discover who knows about Epilepsy, knows someone with Epilepsy or is in need of education on the matter!
CONGRATULATIONS!
You’ve created your very own Epilepsy Awareness Support Group! 🙂 You’ve done a very good thing for your community and Epilepsy Awareness as a whole!
