Media
Press Releases
2007
Release date: Tuesday 4 September 2007
Epilepsy Night Success
Scores of people wanting to know more about epilepsy came to Lerwick’s Islesburgh Community Centre last Thursday evening (30 August).They were able to chat with Epilepsy Scotland Helpline staff, Shetland Epilepsy Support Group, the local Citizens Advice Bureau and Shetland Community Health partnership. Many took advantage of the free literature and chance to talk confidentially to the agencies taking part.
User Involvement Officer Dave Budd said; “We had constructive and honest feedback about local epilepsy services and what people are looking for from Epilepsy Scotland. We found Shetland’s Epilepsy Support Group representative Rorie Laidlay was very welcoming. Other support groups throughout Scotland could learn from their initiatives. Some of their members are being given training to achieve an epilepsy diploma. They also provide awareness-raising talks and supply epilepsy information across the islands.”
Rorie Laidlay remarked: “The main problems that people with epilepsy have - apart from their seizures, whether controlled or not - are with their social, work, and leisure activities, and sometimes also with the stigma attached to having epilepsy. These can be as important to them as finding the right medication or other form of treatment. This was a very useful event and we hope to work more with Epilepsy Scotland in the future”
This information evening is part of a rolling programme of public awareness-raising events run by Epilepsy Scotland across the country.
Ends
Notes to editor
1. Epilepsy Scotland works with people affected by epilepsy to ensure that their voice is heard. We campaign for improved healthcare, better information provision and an end to stigma. This common serious neurological condition affects one in130 people. We represent nearly 40,000 Scots with epilepsy, their families and carers. In Shetland, around 170 people are likely to have epilepsy. Our freephone Helpline (0808 800 2200) offers advice, support and information is available from our website: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
2. For more details please contact: Dave Budd, User Involvement Officer on 0141 427 4911 or Allana Parker, Communications Manager on: 0141 419 1701 or 07884 012 147.