Brainwave, The Irish
Epilepsy Association, is the national voluntary organisation
for people with epilepsy in Ireland and works closely with
all members of the Joint Epilepsy Council of the UK and Ireland.
Since its foundation in 1967, Brainwave has been committed
to working for everyone with epilepsy in Ireland; their families
and carers, and to meeting their needs.
Brainwave provides an extensive range of support services
from their headquarters in Dublin and from regional offices
in every Health Board area. Cork, Dundalk, Galway, Letterkenny,
Limerick, Sligo, Waterford, Tullamore, Kilkenny and Listowel.
These services include information, advice, support groups,
training and advocacy. The organisation is also actively involved
in research, lobbying and campaign work. Particular areas of
interest are the improvement and development of specialist
services such as satellite clinics, epilepsy specialist centres
and epilepsy specialist nurses for people with epilepsy.
Aims and Objectives
Brainwave seeks to improve the health and quality of life of
people with epilepsy. The objectives of the organisation are:
- To provide support, information, counselling and advice to people with epilepsy.
- To provide information to health professionals in dealing with epilepsy.
- To improve public understanding of epilepsy (in order to eliminate fear and prejudice) through awareness campaigns and education programmes.
- To undertake, encourage and assist research into the causes of, cure for and management of epilepsy, and into the psycho-social effects of the condition.
- To promote legislative and civil rights for people with epilepsy and to campaign to eliminate all discriminatory practices and policies affecting them.
- To assist in the development of support groups for people with epilepsy and their families.
- To provide services for young people with epilepsy in the area of training and employment.
- To provide practical aids to people with epilepsy (safety pillows, identity bracelets).
- To operate as a public forum and an advocate for the condition of epilepsy.
- To raise funds to support its work in an awareness-creating manner.
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