February 24, 2010

THIS ISSUE
Scholarships for People with Epilepsy
2010 Application Form Available

Support Groups
Get Connected!

Camps for Kids
Summer Camp Dates Announced

Scholarships for People with Epilepsy

2010 Application Form Available
Applications are now available for scholarships from the BC Epilepsy Society. These provide $1000 grants to individuals who currently attend or plan to attend a post-secondary institution or employment training program. 

Individuals who are BC residents, ages 16 and older who are Canadian citizens or who have landed immigrant status, under a physicians' care for epilepsy, and have a current BC Epilepsy Society membership, are eligible. 

The scholarships are awarded on the basis of educational commitment, volunteer work, and other achievements or interests. The grants can be applied to tuition, books, and/or related educational expenses.  

The deadline for applications is May 31th, 2010. Download the scholarship application here or from www.bcepilepsy.com

In 2009 the BC Epilepsy Society awarded eight $1000 scholarships to support people with epilepsy in meeting their educational goals.

For more information about the scholarships or post-secondary support services, please contact our office at 604-875-6704 or at info@bcepilepsy.com 

Support Groups

Get Connected!
The BC Epilepsy Society offers opportunities for individuals living with epilepsy, their families and friends to get better connected and strengthen their support networks. This includes offering support groups, peer support contacts and links to online support services.

Whether you have epilepsy or know someone close to you who is living with it, you may need help in dealing with the situation. You may also be able to help others coping with epilepsy by sharing your experiences and providing emotional support.

A listing of epilepsy support groups is available on the Support Group page of our website, or contact the BC Epilepsy Society at 604-875-6704 or info@bcepilepsy.com 

Message boards, blogs, chat rooms and social networking websites, such as Facebook, are alternative methods of communication that can also put you in touch with other people with epilepsy. Many people feel more comfortable discussing their feelings and learning about others in an online setting where there is a level of anonymity.

Links to online epilepsy support groups are available in the Chat Room and Forums section of our website.

Please contact the BC Epilepsy Society at 604-875-6704 or at info@bcepilepsy.com if you are interested in helping to volunteer with or develop a support group in your community.

Camps for Kids

Summer Camp Dates Announced
Even though summer may seem far away, it’s never too early to begin planning for summer adventures. The BC Epilepsy Society works in collaboration with camps to help provide these adventures for children and youth with epilepsy.

Camp gives kids a chance to focus on the amazing things they can do, and helps to develop self-esteem and confidence. The benefits of camps for children with epilepsy have been shown in scientific studies, by healthcare professionals, and in the lived experience of children and families.

Dates for the 2010 BC Easter Seals camps are now available online at www.eastersealscamps.ca These camps provide free overnight summer camping experiences for children and teens with physical or mental disabilities. Camp locations are in Vancouver Island, Squamish, and the Okanagan Valley.

For more information about camps and financial subsidies for camps, please contact Shawn Laari at laari@bcepilepsy.com or 604-875-6704. Information about other recreational activities is also available from our office.