This year, Epilepsy Scotland is turning 70!
That’s 70 years of support. It’s 70 years of campaigning on behalf of people living with epilepsy in Scotland. Ensuring that appropriate services and support are available and continue to fight the discrimination and stigma experienced by those living with epilepsy.
But sadly our services are still acutely needed. We must now make sure that we are moving forward together with purpose. Making lives better for people living with epilepsy and those who care for them.
Please contribute what you can to help make better lives for people living with epilepsy. To donate, please click here.
History of Epilepsy Scotland
On 1 November 1954, the Scottish Epilepsy Association had its inaugural meeting at the City Chambers in Glasgow. In 1988, we moved into our current office at Govan Road in Glasgow.
During the 1980s and after going through constitutional changes, we changed our name to The Epilepsy Association of Scotland.
During this time, we were incredibly honoured to have so many eminent Scots such as Rikki Fulton, Jimmy Reid, Arthur Montford and Donald Dewar highlight the work we did, as well as helping with information events and lending their support during National Epilepsy Week.
In 1992, we hosted a major European Conference at the SECC in Glasgow attracting over 1,700 delegates from across the world.
Over the last two decades, we have launched our freephone Helpline service, Check-in service, Wellbeing service, Youth Groups in Glasgow and Edinburgh and our Welfare Rights service.
In 2021, the then First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon MSP opened Epilepsy Scotland’s new SPIFOX Wellbeing Garden.
The garden is a space for parents to catch a minute to themselves, a place to display artwork and celebrate the creativity of the people in the community.
We may be 70 years old and have had a few name changes, but one thing has remained the same, we remain determined to provide advocacy, support and services for people living with epilepsy in Scotland.
Find out more how we can support you by clicking here.
Epilepsy Scotland 70th Anniversary Ball
Epilepsy Scotland are thrilled to announce a celebration ball to commemorate our 70th Anniversary, hosted by TV’s award winning presenter, Jennifer Reoch on Saturday 12 October 2024 at the Glasgow Marriot Hotel!
To headline the event, we will be joined The Jersey Notes and The Tartan Tenor.
The BBC’s Bargain Hunt star, Natasha Raskin Sharp, will host our Grand Auction.
A star-studded evening, you can grab the opportunity to support Epilepsy Scotland.
To purchase your tickets, please click the button below.
On this day
26 January - Online support group launched
On this day in 2021, we launched our online support group which are held every month.Our online support groups have given people the opportunity to share their experiences of living with epilepsy, find support, and ask our Helpline and Information team questions about epilepsy.
7 February - Glasgow Youth Group launched
On this day in 2020, we launched our Glasgow Youth Group. We have supported 41 young people via our 1:1, group sessions, residentials and online.Our youth groups are a social place for young people with epilepsy to meet others who are going through similar experiences. It is a group to make friends, have fun and support one another.
14 February - Epilepsy Scotland joined the BigHearted Scotland Charitable Trust.
n this day in 1994, we joined the BigHearted Scotland Charitable Trust.We joined alongside four other charities, Erskine Veterans, OneKind, Penumbra and Spina Bifda Hydrocephalus Scotland as we recognised we'd raise more money to help people living with epilepsy by working together.
1 March - Launched a new Online Youth Group for 8-12 years old
On this day in 2020, we launched a new Online Youth Group for 8-12 years old called the Purple Pandas.It is a place to meet others with epilepsy, share experiences, play games and have fun together!
Sessions run online on Thursday evenings from 5-6.30pm.
If you would like to join or find out more information, contact Kirstyn at kcameron@epilepsyscotland.org.uk
13 March - Children's books launch
On this day in 2013, we launched our children books which can help make it easier to explain epilepsy to young children.If you would like a hard copy of our children's books, please email contact@epilepsyscotland.org.uk or send us a private message with your address.
20 March - Arthur Montford joins Epilepsy Association of Scotland
On this day in 1987, legendary sports journalist and commentator Arthur Montford joined the Epilepsy Association of Scotland as the Chairman of the Appeals and Publicity Committee.His brother Stanley lived with epilepsy for most of his life.
Arthur was a great supporter of Epilepsy Scotland and helped highlight the work we did, as well as helping with information events and lending his support during National Epilepsy Week.
30 March - First Patter Merchants Comedy Night
On this day in 2017, we hosted our very first Patter Merchants Comedy Night!We would like to thank all the comedians who have performed over the years at our comedy night and to everyone who has come along and helped raise money for Epilepsy Scotland.
2 April - Launch of Epilepsy Action Scotland
On this day in 2001, we changed our name to Epilepsy Action Scotland. Deputy Health Minister at the time Malcolm Chisholm helped mark the launch.
10 April - Happy Mail launched
On this in 2021, we launched our Happy Mail service.Happy Mail is a fun letter sent monthly to a child or young person of any age in Scotland with epilepsy.
A letter contains different themed activities to do at home along with some helpful resources for those with epilepsy.
It is completely free and you can receive this even if you don't use any of other services.
To sign up or for more info please email our Assistant Youth Worker, Aimee, at alothian@epilepsyscotland.org.uk
