New epilepsy support group
Epilepsy pals support group kicks off epilepsy awareness month
A group of young men with epilepsy have formed a peer support group as an initiative of the Epilepsy Waikato Charitable Trust (EWCT). The group met for the first time at Hamilton Gardens last week with epilepsy advisor Maria Lowe.
“November is EWCT’s epilepsy awareness month and is all about promoting peer-to-peer support for those living with the condition. One of our members, Thomas Mandeno, knows the challenges facing young men with epilepsy and so he suggested we form a group to support them” said Maria.
Thomas explains: “We understand how young blokes feel about having epilepsy. It isn’t any easy condition to have and much can be at stake. You can’t drive, you can’t party large and you can struggle to find your feet, in fact, even at our age it can be socially isolating. But we are here to support you. We have regular get-togethers and you can always phone one of us for a chat.”
Maria said the main aim of the group is for the young men in the group to reach out to others around the same age and to enjoy one another’s company, to have fun with activities such as playing pool together, and to share epilepsy stories.
Epilepsy affects at least one in a hundred people and, for those living with the condition, life can be challenging. Consequently, a free general epilepsy talk, “Having epilepsy and the epilepsy burden” will be given by Maria on Friday 18 November at the Methodist City Action Centre, 50 London Street, from 10 am to 12 noon.
Details about activities for EWCT’s epilepsy November awareness month are available at EWCT’s website: www.ewct.org.nz....
For more information about EWCT’s peer support group, or epilepsy in general, please contact epilepsy advisors Maria (021) 888 293 or Margaret (021) 0279 7504.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.5% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Do you have a most-hated intersection in Waikato?
New data has pinpointed Hamilton’s most dangerous intersections, including a high risk Cobham Drive turn off that a resident and driving experts believe should be shut for good.
While that turn into Grey St has resulted in the highest number of injuries, most crashes occurred at the bustling intersection of Te Rapa Straight and Wairere Drive.
Do you have a most-hated intersection in Waikato? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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