The world’s first, telephone-based peer support service for people living with or affected by epilepsy is working!
Epilepsy Connect is a free and confidential telephone-based peer support service that connects Tasmanians living with or affected by epilepsy with trained volunteers who have had similar experiences.
A year after being launched, Epilepsy Connect is a lifeline for many people, especially the newly diagnosed and their family members, who appreciate the emotional support volunteers provide through listening, understanding and sharing their personal experiences and ways of coping.
“I don’t know how I would have coped without the support of my Epilepsy Connect peer volunteer,” said Skye Lee from Prospect who phoned the service after her young daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy.
In response to increasing demand, Epilepsy Tasmania in partnership with the University of Tasmania is looking for six more people to become Epilepsy Connect peer support volunteers.
“We are looking for individuals who have or once had epilepsy, or who care or have cared for someone with epilepsy such as a child, spouse or parent,” said CEO of Epilepsy Tasmania, Wendy Groot.
“They must have successfully adjusted to their experience of epilepsy, and have excellent communication skills, a friendly manner and ideally a sense of humour.”
“Peer support is known to be beneficial in reducing the psychosocial burden of epilepsy‑ ,” said Dr Simone Lee from the University of Tasmania, Centre for Rural 1 Health. “Epilepsy Connect gives all Tasmanians a chance to access support, no matter where they live.”
Epilepsy Connect is in particular need of male volunteers and people in caring roles.
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support.
1Elafros MA et al. Peer support groups as an intervention to decrease epilepsy-associated stigma. Epilepsy Behav. 2013 April ; 1 27(1): 188–192)
Claire Burnet
