Epilepsy Durham Region offers many programs and services, each positioned to target the focus groups of people of all ages who are diagnosed with epilepsy and seizure disorders and their loved ones/caretakers, school educators, health and professionals. These programs and services aim to educate, raise awareness, and provide resources to contribute to a more accessible community. Utilizing a network of programs and services, our team of staff and volunteers provide support to individuals and their family to assist with the self-management of epilepsy, allowing them to become partners in their healthcare and manage of their condition. Epilepsy Durham Region’s programming consists of one-to-one support services, outreach education and awareness in schools, peer networking, a virtual lecture and conference series, and employment support. Within these programs and services, both individual and group supports are offered.
Individual Programs
Clinic to Community©
A coordinated care program designed to ensure that individuals and their families learn about epilepsy, seizure first response, and system navigation while also connecting to support services and a local epilepsy community. Partnering with Epileptologists in Durham Region, newly diagnosed individuals, and many with an existing diagnosis, are accessing services at our Community Epilepsy Agency directly from their clinic experience.
Client Services
Epilepsy Durham Region provides support, information, resources, and community referrals to people with epilepsy and their families. Whether you are trying to apply for government financial assistance, navigating how to talk to an employer about epilepsy, or interested in learning more about how to support a loved one living with epilepsy, we are here to help.
Group Programs
Adult Support Group
Offering a safe space to share experiences and make other connections with other adults living with epilepsy. This support group will run virtually on the first Monday of each month (subject to change when a holiday arises) from 6-7 pm.
Uplift
“Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favourable Thoughts” (UPLIFT) is a mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program that improves depression, anxiety, and overall psychological quality of life. This program is designed for adults 18 years and older living with epilepsy; a separate group exists for caregivers/parents.
Peer-to-Peer Network
Living with the impacts of epilepsy can feel incredibly isolating. Epilepsy Durham Region provides a one-on-one support network for adults living with epilepsy and parents/caregivers by connecting individuals that face similar challenges, barriers, and triumphs along their epilepsy journey. Peer-to-peer connection helps to establish support networks, a safe place to share experiences, and build self-acceptance and confidence surrounding an epilepsy diagnosis.
Other Programs
In-service Presentations
In-service presentations are available for school classrooms, school staff, workplaces, and other groups that want to learn more about epilepsy and seizure disorders, and how to help someone when they are having a seizure. Each presentation will include general epilepsy information including seizure recognition and seizure-first response. They also help to gain a better understanding of the everyday impacts of epilepsy, and aim to eradicate epilepsy myths.
Seizure Smart Certification
A great opportunity to complete volunteer hours and make a direct impact for individuals living with epilepsy. This practical virtual workshop focuses on Seizure First Response protocol, general epilepsy knowledge, and provides heightened epilepsy awareness for youth in our community. Specifically designed for Secondary School students across Durham Region, the completion of this workshop will account for five hours of Community Involvement.
Lecture and Conference Series
Epilepsy Durham Region organizes an annual lecture forum and education lecture series throughout the year in which hot-topics related to epilepsy and accessibility are discussed in individual and/or panel-led discussions. These events are an opportunity to learn from expert guest speakers, and connect with others impacted by epilepsy.
Community Services
We are committed to supporting individuals affected by epilepsy and their caregivers by collaborating with various community agencies. We offer guidance and assistance to ensure you receive the appropriate support. If we’re unable to provide the help you need directly, we’ll connect you with other valuable resources and programs.