Understanding Epilepsy: Join Us for Tea and Talk This June
Tea and Talk is about more than just a cuppa and good conversation. It's also an opportunity to learn from people with valuable knowledge and lived experience, while building understanding and connection within our community.
We're delighted to welcome Theresa Kidd-Foley from Epilepsy New Zealand as our guest speaker for Tea and Talk on Tuesday 30 June, from 10.00am to 11.30am at St Peter's Church.
Based in the Nelson Marlborough region, Theresa works alongside individuals, whānau, schools, workplaces, and community organisations to provide epilepsy education and support.
According to the Neurology Foundation, approximately 45,000 to 50,000 New Zealanders live with epilepsy, representing around 1–2% of the population. Epilepsy can affect people of any age, gender, culture, or background. While it often develops in childhood or later in life, it can occur at any stage.
Despite being one of the world's most common neurological conditions, epilepsy is still widely misunderstood.
Learning Together
During this informal community conversation, Theresa will explore:
What epilepsy is and how it affects people
The different types of seizures and what they can look like
The realities of living with a chronic neurological condition
Wellbeing, safety, and support for individuals and whānau
How communities can better understand and support people living with epilepsy
There will also be opportunities to ask questions, challenge common misconceptions, and gain practical knowledge that could help you support a friend, family member, colleague, neighbour, or community member.
Why Understanding Matters
For many people living with epilepsy, support and understanding from those around them can make a significant difference to their quality of life.
Building awareness helps create safer, more inclusive communities where people feel understood and supported. Sometimes the smallest actions, knowing what to do during a seizure, understanding common triggers, or simply showing empathy, can have a meaningful impact.
Everyone is Welcome
While Tea and Talk has long been a valued opportunity for social connection, these sessions are open to anyone interested in the topic being discussed.
Whether you'd like to learn more about epilepsy, support someone in your life, meet new people, or simply enjoy a warm drink and good conversation, we'd love to welcome you along.
A contribution of $3 helps cover the cost of morning tea and a hot cuppa.
We look forward to seeing you at St Peter's Church on Tuesday 30 June.
For more information about epilepsy and the support available through Epilepsy New Zealand, visit www.epilepsy.org.nz.
