About
The National Office of Epilepsy South Africa established a satellite office in the Eastern Cape. This was done in response to needs identified through site visits, requests received via the online counseling facility on the Epilepsy SA website (www.epilepsy.org.za) and via liaison with networking partners, most notably the You Are Not Alone (YANA) support group based in King Williamstown.
On the 1st of March 2006, the epilepsy support group ‘You Are Not Alone' was created. It started with just 2 people, Lynn Jansen Van Rensburg (who had undergone neuro-surgery on the 1st of March 2005 to control her seizures) and Gail Stratford. There are now are over 320 people on their contact list. Their support services are mostly rendered though emails, sms and telephone. YANA also supports patients who are undergoing neuro-surgery and post neuro-surgery.
On the 1st of March 2007 YANA circulated their first newsletter. This monthly newsletter is now emailed to more than 380 recipients.
On the 1st of March 2008, a YANA (You Are Not Alone) website was created so that anyone who can use the internet can have easy access to the newsletters and latest information. www.youarenotalonesa.4t.com
In October 2008 Epilepsy South Africa established a partnership with Lynn Jansen Van Rensburg, to assist with the rendering of counseling and awareness services and setting up of a direct Epilepsy South Africa services point in the Eastern Cape.
In February 2010 Epilepsy South Africa National Office appointed an Eastern Cape Development Worker, Mr. James Mkalipi, to operate the Epilepsy South Africa Eastern Cape Satellite office in East London.
(James Mkalipi: Epilepsy South Africa Eastern Cape Development Worker)
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Epilepsy South Africa would like to thank the Discovery Foundation for their funding for the Eastern Cape Development Programme. This enabled Epilepsy South Africa to appoint Mr. Mkalipi, rent an office, and obtain a vehicle and other equipment; and to render the necessary services.