Comfort and essential support services on offer
The call is out for children living with epilepsy and seizures from Greater Geelong to take part in a heartwarming new program launched by Epilepsy Action Australia in October.
Each child registered for the program will receive an exciting free gift in the mail – a beautiful, cuddly, plush teddy-bear.
“These bears bring smiles, and so much more,” says Epilepsy Action Australia CEO, Carol Ireland. “Parents of past participants tell us their child’s teddy is a comfort and a friend, helping them cope better with distressing seizures, hospitalisations, medical tests or the loneliness of feeling different.”
Bears are offered to little brothers and sisters too, because they are often affected by having epilepsy in the family.
Ted-E-Bear packs also support parents, connecting them with:
- Essential epilepsy and seizure safety information
- Online peer-support through a dedicated Facebook group
- Online seizure-safety workshops
- One-on-one Telehealth education from specialist epilepsy Registered Nurses.
This support can help parents with their mental health and wellbeing, reducing fears about seizures, and providing opportunities to connect with an understanding community.
Ted-E-Bear Connection Program Registrations are now open for children with epilepsy under 10 years and their families from the City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, Borough of Queenscliffe, Golden Plains Shire and Colac Otway Shire.
For more information about this much-loved program or to speak to a specialist Epilepsy Nurse, people of all ages affected by epilepsy can call us at Epilepsy Action Australia on 1300 37 45 37 (press 1 for the National Epilepsy Line) or email epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au
About Epilepsy Action Australia
Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA) is the largest provider of education and support services to children and adults with epilepsy across Australia. Our vision is optimal living for people with epilepsy, and our team of highly qualified registered nurses and educators is equipped with a rich base of technical expertise, built up over six decades of providing services to the community. www.epilepsy.org.au
Key Epilepsy Facts
- Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain that affects people of all ages.
- Approximately 3% to 3.5% of Australians will experience epilepsy at some point in their lives.
- An estimated 420 children under the age of 10 live in the Geelong/G21 region, based on epilepsy prevalence and population data from the 2021 Census.
- While seizures can begin at any age, epilepsy is most frequently diagnosed in early childhood, adolescence and in people over 65 years.
- Children represent around 40% of the population with epilepsy.
- There are around 40 different types of epilepsy and epilepsy syndromes.
- With treatment, around 65-70% of people with epilepsy can successfully control their seizures.
For further details please contact:
For interview contact:
Carol Ireland on 0425 269 312 or email cireland@epilepsy.org.au
Young participants of Epilepsy Action Australia’s Ted-E-Bear Connection enjoying bear cuddles
