26 March 2016
Every year on March 26th, people all over the world wear purple and host events to raise awareness of the condition that affects more than half a million people in the UK. International Epilepsy Awareness Day, or Purple Day, aims to stamp out the stigma surrounding epilepsy and highlight the urgent need for improved treatment and care, and greater investment in research.
Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition that can develop at any age and for many is a lifelong condition. Coordinator for North Lincolnshire Green Party, Laura Atkin said “There are over forty different kinds of Epilepsy and in the UK, only 52% of people living with the condition are seizure free. Unfortunately due to lack of funding, further research into the condition and treatments is limited. This lack of treatment imposes a huge financial burden on the NHS. With the right treatment, it is estimated that the percentage of people who are seizure free could increase to 70%.”
Due to the complexity and the many complications that can occur from Epilepsy, North Lincolnshire Green Party believe that it is of great importance to act from an early age so that children have access to the correct support and treatment to develop a healthy life. We strongly believe that it is vital for all teaching staff, child minders, care workers and parents to receive in-depth training on Epilepsy to help them better understand the complexity of the condition and how to provide the correct care based on a child’s individual needs.
According to a YouGov survey, nine out of ten people in the UK would get basic first aid for seizures wrong. North Lincolnshire Green Party calls on the Government to improve its Epilepsy Action Plan for young children, starting by ensuring it is mandatory for all teaching staff, child minders and care workers to receive in-depth Epilepsy training. Secondly, raising awareness is key. At the moment there is a stigma and fear attached to Epilepsy. By raising awareness amongst the general public this can be stamped out, improving the lives of everyone affected by epilepsy. And finally, it is vital that the Government increase funding for more detailed research so that medical professionals can increase their understanding of epilepsy and ultimately improve diagnosis and treatment.
********ENDS********
Epilepsy Action: https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/
Epilepsy Action is the UK’s leading epilepsy charity, offering advice, e-learning resources and setting up campaigns. They are heavily involved in International Epilepsy Awareness Day.
Purple Day: http://www.purpleday.org
Purple Day provides information and resources specific to Purple Day in order to raise awareness of International Epilepsy Awareness Day. Including the history of Purple Day and why it is called such.
North Lincolnshire Council We are standing candidates for three seats in two wards on North Lincolnshire Council.
NLGP's Values
We stand for a fairer society, and making the green option the easiest and cheapest one is part of that.
Only the Green Party has a viable, costed alternative to the austerity agenda advocated by the other major parties.
We think ‘Fair is Worth Fighting For' on many issues including:
To view more about North Lincolnshire Green Party's Values please click HERE.
When you Sign up for updates, make sure you include your postcode. Otherwise, you will only receive updates from the national party and not from your local party.
Find out more
Yes!
