To date we have held various national conferences, namely “L-Epilessija Fil-Miftuh – Esperjenzi F’Malta” (Epilepsy out in the Open – Maltese Experiences) (November 2001), “Malta, l-Epilessija u t-Tfal – Flimkien Naslu” (Epilepsy and Children – Together we will succeed) (February 2003) and “Caritas Malta Epilepsy Association – 10 Years of Work with the theme: Social Impact of Epilepsy” (February 2006). We were successful in attracting the I.B.E. to host their biannual conference i.e. the 9th European Conference in Malta which was held in March 2004 entitled “Epilepsy and Society – Focus on Change”. We also endeavour to send our representatives to conferences abroad in order to keep abreast with the latest developments with regards to epilepsy not only in Europe but in different cultures. (link international conferences).

From 2004-2007 CMEA also co-ordinated an EU funded Grundtvig project together with Germany and Hungary the aim of which is to create a curriculum with regards Epilepsy for Professionals Allied to Medicine. The 3rd and final phase of this project was held in April 2007 in Malta. The Guide Book which will be used as a guideline for trainers who want to cover the curriculum formulated is being translated into German, Hungarian and Maltese and would be available on the internet in due course.

We are also liaising with the Education Department to organise our third in service course for teachers and facilitators. The response for these courses is very encouraging. Seminars for heads and assistant heads of both public and private schools were also held during the scholastic year 2005/6.

Our activities also take us to various foundations, special schools and other entities wherein we give talks / discussions / lectures with regards to epilepsy. We also give talks during induction courses for facilitators (class assistants caring for children with special needs). An interactive meeting held with general practitioners in alliance with the College of Family Doctors was also very fruitful and it was felt that this initiative will enhance the treatment and the management of people with epilepsy even further. Further meetings of this sort are envisaged for the future. Presently discussions are underway to address our fourth National Conference to Medical professionals in all sectors.

We also endeavour to send representatives of our association to various seminars and conferences abroad in order to gain more insight about epilepsy, its’ management and meet other organization to broaden our knowledge and experiences. In fact several representatives from our youth section took part in another EU program (Epilepsy Youth in Europe). During their stays these youths worked with other youths from all over Europe, they work on I.T projects, socialize, organise cultural activities and also share their experiences vis a vis epilepsy and how they cope with this condition in their respective countries. One of these conferences was held in Malta in 2004 (link- international conference – EYIE Malta 2004)

Through our counter parts in Europe we were also successful in sending one of our members for a full year Training for Success Course in Sligo Ireland. During this course the needs of young adults with epilepsy are addressed in order for them to be able to access meaningful employment. They cover areas in career planning and development and personal development in a holistic manner.

Meetings for members are held every two months. During these meetings, professionals in different areas are invited to give talks about their respective subjects. Sometimes these meetings are a means of experience sharing and support seeking. All that is shared during these meetings is treated with the strictest respect and everyone pledges to uphold confidentiality. We also issue a newsletter every two months.

You may also download or view our statute. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.

The current committee members are:

Mario Dimech - President, Victoria Dimech - Secretary, Frank Portelli - Treasurer, Manuel Camilleri, Mandy Gravino Vella, and Joe Camilleri members. In the sub committee there are Connie Baker and Amanda Baker.

Advisor - Dr. Janet Mifsud