Community loan for Epilepsy Care Foundation

Some 50 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy, a condition that can be controlled but never cured. It remains poorly-understood and some residual stigma still attaches to those afflicted with it. In addition, the condition can have serious adverse effects on people’s daily lives, particularly in terms of employment and social activity. There are over 40,000 people with the condition in Ireland.

 

The Epilepsy Care Foundation aims to build awareness of the condition and help create a greater understanding among the wider community. They provide lifestyle support and skills training to those who have the condition. This work is crucial in assisting epilepsy suffers overcome barriers to fuller participation in work or social life, including their own understandable reticence or lack of coincidence.

 

In 2011 the Foundation began work on the development of a series of 300 allotments at a site in Malahide, a portion of which would be used for skills and behavioral training for those suffering from epilepsy. The remainder were to be rented to the general public to ensure the overall project could become self-financing and sustainable.

 

The Foundation’s own research indicated huge demand in the north Dublin area for allotments, with waiting lists and backlogs in many districts. The social and economic benefits of the project were clear and Clann Credo provided finance to carry out initial essential works and assist with set up costs. The public allotments opened on schedule in February 2012.