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.
What workplace change would you like to see most?
This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.
As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.
Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
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