Local ambassadors back epilepsy awareness in Rochdale

Paula, Janine and Katharine of Alternative Futures Group go purple-tastic

An award-winning North West charity which provides person-centred support to adults with learning difficulties and mental health needs raised over £140 for Purple Day, the international day of epilepsy awareness.

Every year on 26 March, the world comes together to celebrate Purple Day, and this week, Alternative Futures Group Limited (AFG), which is celebrating 21 years of providing life-enriching support across the region, invited the local community to wear purple and join in.

AFG provides around the clock, personalised support to people throughout the North West, in their own homes or in one of eight independent hospitals.

Katharine, who’s supported by AFG in Rochdale, opened up her own home to host the event and to promote epilepsy awareness in the local community. 

More than 50 guests defied the weather to sample the hot drinks and cakes on offer.

Katharine said: “We asked all guests to wear purple to show their support. We served tea, coffee, Hot Cross buns and Easter cakes, with an Easter Egg raffle too.

“Everyone really enjoyed the event. Lots of cakes were sold, all the raffle prizes were won and everyone thanked us for the event. The team all worked really hard; staff members on their day off even came into work to help out.

“I hope that by welcoming people into my house that there will be more awareness about epilepsy.”

Supported by her team, Katharine has been involved in the planning of the event, designing the posters and invitations.

Carol Toner, Head of Operations for Rochdale of Alternative Futures Group said: “Katharine opening up her home enables others to see the positive contribution people can, and do make, to our communities and beyond.

"I feel very strong, and proud, about what Katharine and her team have done. Alternative Futures Group will continue to work locally in Rochdale to both stamp out stigmas and contribute effectively to our community.

“Epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide. Yet, many people living with epilepsy still face barriers due to a lack of awareness about the disorder.

"Supporting Purple Day is aligned to our vision of ‘A world where people control their lives’.”