Epilepsy is a brain disorder that affects 1 in 100 people in the UK alone. Epilepsy Awareness Day, also known as Purple Day, is celebrated annually on March 26th to increase public awareness of the condition and eliminate the fear and stigma associated with it.
Epilepsy Awareness Day was founded by Cassidy Megan, a resident of Nova Scotia, Canada, with the first event held on March 26, 2008. Her own experience with epilepsy inspired her to create an event that would increase public awareness of the condition. The event provides an opportunity for people to learn, engage, and support the public’s education of epilepsy as well as dispel the myths and fears surrounding it.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures of various types due to electrical disturbances in the brain. It is the fourth most common neurological disorder after migraines, strokes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Getting Involved
- Participate in local or national events
Epilepsy Awareness Day is being recognized by an increasing number of cities, so we urge you to check out what is happening in your area and encourage your loved ones to get involved. Break out your favourite purple outfit and show your support for epilepsy awareness. Don’t be shy, you can wear anything purple, from shoes and pants to jewellery and hats. Let’s spread the word together! - Wear Purple
Break out your favourite purple outfit and show your support for epilepsy awareness. Don’t be shy, you can wear anything purple, from shoes and pants to jewellery and hats. Let’s spread the word together! - Become a Purple Day Ambassador
Can’t find an Epilepsy Awareness Day event in your area? You can become a Purple Day Ambassador through the Anita Kaufmann Foundation and plan fun events at school, work, church, and in the community. - Donate to epilepsy organizations
Consider donating to one of these organizations such as the Epilepsy Foundation, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE), or the Anita Kaufmann Foundation. - Educate yourself and others about epilepsy
This can include learning about the different types of seizures, understanding how to recognize and respond to a seizure, and sharing accurate information about epilepsy with friends, family, and colleagues to help reduce stigma and increase understanding.
Our Caring for People with Epilepsy Course
Our Caring for People with Epilepsy course is designed for social care workers and will enable learners to explain what epilepsy and epileptic seizures are, identify the known types of epileptic seizures and know how to administer appropriate first aid, describe what can trigger an epileptic seizure and perform safely when caring for people with epilepsy.
This training applies to all health and social care workers that work in settings such as Care Homes, Day Centres, or supporting an individual in their own home. This also applies to hospital staff at health care assistant level, unpaid and voluntary workers.
Some of the topics the course will cover include:
- Epilepsy and Epileptic Seizures
- Common Triggers for Epileptic Seizures
- Overall Recommendations Caring for those with Epilepsy
- Caring For Adults with Epilepsy
- Safety Recommendations Caring for those with Epilepsy
Get In Touch
CareTutor has a range of over 70+ video-based social care courses.
Talk to our team on 0345 644 2866
Email us on: info@caretutor.org
