Series of Midland seminars during Brain Awareness Week

The Midlands offices of Epilepsy Ireland, the Migraine Association of Ireland, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland have announced details of a week-long series of seminars to support people who are living with neurological conditions, their families, friends and carers.

The series of events coincides with Brain Awareness Week which takes place from March 15 – 21. Brain Awareness Week is a national campaign aimed at promoting greater awareness and understanding of the brain and brain conditions, the 800,000 people living with a neurological condition in Ireland and the specialist services that support them.

In addition, ‘Love your Brain’ is an awareness campaign led by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland to coincide with Brain Awareness Week. The campaign aims to promote greater awareness and understanding of the brain and brain conditions as well as the need for more investment in services, research and prevention.

To mark the week, the local Midlands officers of each organisation – Cliona Molloy (Epilepsy Ireland), Sadhbh Armstrong (Migraine Association of Ireland), Martin Nunan (Acquired Brain Injury Ireland) and Mary Leonard (Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland) – have come together to programme a wide range of talks and seminars presented by some of the country’s leading experts in areas such as mental health, physical therapy and psychology.

The seminars will all take place remotely online or by Zoom and they are free to attend, though advanced registration is essential.

Speaking on the behalf of the group, Cliona Molloy explained the rationale behind the event: “Throughout the pandemic, all our organisations have continued to support people with neurological conditions across the country. We know these are challenging times and that stresses and anxieties are at an all-time high amongst the general public – but this is particularly so amongst those living with long-term health conditions.

“Our series of seminars throughout Brain Awareness week will feature presentations from leading experts on a number of different subjects such as managing emotional wellbeing and stress; developing diet & exercise routines; and how a person can take control in the management of their own condition.

“All of the events, when taken as one, are aimed at helping a person build Brain Health while living with a neurological condition.”

The programme runs from Monday, March 15 to Saturday, March 20, with one seminar hosted each evening at 7pm. Registration is open now and further information can be found on each organisation’s website – www.epilepsy.ie, www.migraine.ie, www.abiireland.ie and www.ms-society.ie.

“Living with a neurological condition can of course be challenging but often lifestyle changes, routine and habit can be key to better managing a person’s condition”, explained Cliona.

“With the series of lockdowns that we have all experienced, for many routine and habit have fallen by the wayside – including for those living with neurological conditions. Our events will aim to reintroduce good habits back into a person’s life in order to help them better manage their condition in these difficult times.

“As a combined team, we are immensely proud to offer such a wide-ranging series of online events with the highest calibre of experts. We encourage all people living with a neurological condition across the Midlands, families, carers or those working in the field to attend. They are open to all and the events have been specifically designed for a wide audience.”

Monday 15th March at 19:00 –

Dr. Mary Kearney: Continuing care for neurological conditions in partnership with your GP Register - https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DJrbHAjVRa2BHmjeCpY2ww

Tuesday 16th March at 19.00 –

Dr. Brian McClean: Emotional Literacy: How to navigate anxiety, sadness and change Register - https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RZd8aVBDQkKAKIPHEFj7pw

Wednesday 17th March (pre-recorded and available throughout the day) –

Caoimhe Kenny, Clinical Dietician: Brain Food - Healthy eating habits in Chronic Neurological Conditions Register - https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_msE_KxX0RNSqz0YS-ncCyQ

Thursday 18th March at 19:00 –

Sabina Brennan Thursday: Beating Brain Fog Register - https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-yt_ltUnSzadABaoY7Vt5g

Friday 19th March at 19:00 –

Alison Holmes. Chartered Physiotherapist and Practice Tutor University of Limerick: Use it to Improve it!! The benefits of physical activity in neurological conditions Register - https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_habnyMeqTMePQ0scTQrOMw

Saturday 20th March at 14:00 –

Eileen Hopkins and Finola Colgan: Self-empowerment and Self- Care Strategies Register - https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Vz6cfgC7Qh2LXmqvsfKmxg