Epilepsy Scotland

Epilepsy Scotland works with people living with epilepsy to ensure their voice is heard. This means we represent 55,000 people with this condition in Scotland together with their families and carers.

We believe people with epilepsy have a right to determine their own way of life. They should be free from discrimination and stigma. This leads to being valued and included members of society.

It is important to have access to high quality medical, social and information services. Unfortunately, care provision across the country can be patchy.  Epilepsy Scotland’s direct services offer a lifeline to thousands of families.

Public awareness of epilepsy generally remains low despite it still being the world’s most common, serious neurological condition.
It can develop regardless of age, sex, race, social group or ability – often for no obvious reason.

Changing public attitudes means epilepsy will no longer carry a social stigma.  This is why Epilepsy Scotland promotes epilepsy awareness wherever it can.

Epilepsy Scotland started as the Scottish Epilepsy Association in 1954.  The original aim of the organisation was to raise awareness and understanding of epilepsy. This goal has never altered but our services have evolved significantly over time.

The charity now provides advice, information, support and services across Scotland. We also inform and influence policies that will affect the health, education and social welfare of 1 in 97 people who develop epilepsy.

The range of vital help includes 1:1 and group support with activities for adults and children. There’s the Lighthouse Youth Project in Edinburgh plus sensitive training on epilepsy issues for parents and individuals.

Also, our Welfare Rights Service, which helps people with benefit applications and appeals. There is our Wellbeing Service in Glasgow, which helps people with epilepsy live their life to its fullest potential and provides 1:1 counselling sessions, breathing and relaxation classes, group sessions, epilepsy awareness training and helps people learn new skills, meet new people and get professional support.

We run accredited training courses for GPs, carers and health professionals.
Anyone can access the confidential helpline (available in over 170 languages), and we have a wide range of free information leaflets and factsheets available, which can be posted out or downloaded from our website. Our members and supporters also contribute to our high-profile policy and campaigning work.

Epilepsy is still a difficult and misunderstood condition. It’s not an easy cause to raise money for. We rely on the goodwill and generosity of the public to help us fund our services especially for the estimated 10 people newly diagnosed with epilepsy each day in Scotland.

Our helpline number is 0808 800 2200 or you can email contact@epilepsyscotland.org.uk 

There’s a text service on 07786 209 501. For all other enquiries please call 0141 427 4911.

Details of our social networking sites including our blog, twitter and Facebook page can be found at: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk