What it’s like to live with epilepsy
Nyaka Mwanza is a freelance writer for MyHealthTeams. Here she shares her story of being diagnosed with epilepsy and what it is like to live with the condition.
Scottish Child Payment open for applications
Our Interim Policy and External Affairs Manager, Rona Johnson looks at the new Scottish Child Payment benefit, which was developed to help some families meet the costs of raising a family.
Keeping in touch during lockdown
Chief Executive Lesslie Young looks at the move to digital, the importance of remaining flexible, innovative, and accepting meaningful communication is more than looking at and touching a cold screen.
COVID-19: Supporting our communities and staff
Our Director of Operations, Pauline Stansfield looks at how Epilepsy Scotland continue to support staff and communities throughout the pandemic.
Epilepsy, work and the Equality Act
Our Helpline & Information Officer, Stuart Macgee provides information on the Equality Act and how it helps people with epilepsy have a fairer and better chance to be interviewed and offered a job.
How brain surgery stopped my seizures and led to a healthier lifestyle
Jonathan developed epilepsy when he was seven years old. Here he shares his story and how after having brain surgery, which stopped his seizures, also led him to lose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle.
Being diagnosed with epilepsy while at high school
Chloe was diagnosed with epilepsy eight years ago while she was at high school. Here she describes how epilepsy has affected her and what she would say to someone who has been recently diagnosed.
Giving during a crisis and why it is good for everyone
Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young looks at how providing support to others during a crisis can be good for everyone.
Being diagnosed with epilepsy whilst at university
Megan has been living with epilepsy for three years and was diagnosed whilst studying at university. Here Megan shares the challenges she has faced and how epilepsy has affected her.
It’s time to learn more about invisible disabilities
Epilepsy is predominantly an invisible condition. This can bring additional challenges to those living with it. Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young, explains why awareness weeks like Invisible Disabilities Week are needed more than ever.
Fundraiser focus: My Ben Nevis challenge
Murray is climbing Ben Nevis in March 2021 to help raise vital funds for Epilepsy Scotland. This extreme challenge is set over an entire weekend. Murray explains what this challenge means to him.
Our children are dying unnecessarily. Why?
Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young looks at research conducted by the Scottish Learning Disability Observatory (SLDO) which focussed on research into deaths of children with learning disabilities living in Scotland.
Ways to help deal with and reduce anxiety
Our Helpline & Information Officer, Stuart Macgee provides information on ways to help deal with and reduce anxiety, especially during this uncertain time.
Updated impact of COVID-19 on epilepsy
Our Policy and Campaigns Officer, Rona Johnson, provides an update on our impact of COVID-19 and Epilepsy report and the results of our most recent survey.
Looking after your mental health
Our Helpline and Information officer, Uschi Stickroth, talks about mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Treatment of people with learning disabilities during COVID-19
Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young looks at the restrictions affecting university students and how people with learning disabilities have been living through this for the last six months and more.
Living with epilepsy: How cycling has helped me
Leanne was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 18 years old. Here Leanne shares her story of living with epilepsy and how cycling has helped her have some independence.
My story of living with epilepsy for 33 years
Simone has been living with epilepsy for 33 years. Here she shares her experiences, challenges faced and how she has overcome them.
The importance of continued learning through the pandemic
Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young, looks at the importance of person-centred learning and the role voluntary organisations play to provide holistic learning support.
Epilepsy and learning: The important role teachers play
Our Youth Development Worker, Kirstyn Cameron looks at the important role teachers play in helping each child with epilepsy lead as fulfilling life as possible.
Why I joined Epilepsy Scotland as a trustee
Vice-chair of Epilepsy Scotland’s board of directors, Kirsty Lynch, explains why she joined Epilepsy Scotland as a trustee and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Book review: Seizures and Epilepsy in Childhood: A Guide
Our Wellbeing Assistant, Jennifer Bell recently read a book called Seizures and Epilepsy in Childhood: A Guide by John M. Freeman M.D., Eileen P.G. Vining M.D. and Diana J. Pillas. She provides her thoughts on the book and how it can help parents and patients understand their condition better and accept it.
My story of being recently diagnosed with epilepsy
Kris was diagnosed with epilepsy in January this year. He shares how he felt about being diagnosed and his epilepsy journey so far.
Covid, common sense and compassion
Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young, looks at the new Covid-19 restrictions. Also, how people with a learning disability, who are living and being cared for in supported accommodation have been largely forgotten during the pandemic.
Sleep seizures explained
Our Helpline & Information Officer, Stuart Macgee provides information on how to detect sleep seizures.
Programme for Government 2020-2021
Our Policy and Campaigns Officer, Rona Johnson looks at the recently published Programme for Government 2020-2021 and some key aspects that Epilepsy Scotland are particularly interested in.
Living with epilepsy for nine years
Maggie was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was just nine years old and has been living with epilepsy for nine years. Here she shares her experiences and what she would say to someone who has been recently diagnosed.
New paediatric Epilepsy and Complex Needs Lead in Dumfries and Galloway
NHS Dumfries and Galloway have appointed Sarah Gemmell as the new Epilepsy and Complex Needs Lead, based within the Children’s Community Team.
Charity fundraising in a very different climate
Our Chief Executive Lesslie Young looks at fundraising during and beyond COVID-19.
Status epilepticus and emergency medication
Our Training Manager, Nicola Milne looks at status epilepticus, when a seizure becomes a medical emergency and provides information on what is emergency medication.
Returning to work as a Community and Events Fundraiser
We are delighted to welcome back our Community and Events Fundraiser, Kerry Reich from maternity leave and furlough. Kerry shares her experiences of the last 19 months and the changing times in fundraising.
The social care taper, an outdated and unfair postcode lottery
Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young looks at the social care taper, which has become an outdated and unfair postcode lottery.
Working on our helpline: Steps to help someone with suicidal thoughts
On Suicide Prevention Awareness Day, our Helpline & Information Officer, Stuart Macgee looks at steps you can take to understand someone’s distress if you have concerns about their mental or emotional wellbeing.
Cannabidiol approved as treatment option for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Today (7/9/20) the Scottish Medicines Council (SMC) approved cannabidiol as a treatment option for those aged two years and over with Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. It is to be used together with another medicine called clobazam.
Importance of digital acess during and after COVID-19
Our Chief Executive Lesslie Young looks at the importance of digital access during and beyond COVID-19.
Young people and epilepsy: Transition into adulthood
Our Youth Development Worker, Kirstyn Cameron looks at the transition from childhood into adulthood and the affect this can have on a young person with epilepsy.
Dealing with the impact epilepsy can have on family life
Bruce Shiell, Wellbeing Worker at Epilepsy Scotland looks at how to deal with the impact a child’s epilepsy diagnosis can have on family life.
Appreciation vs Value vs Worth
Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young, looks at the “Show You Care” report which shows that Scotland’s social care is on a cliff edge.
COVID19: returning to work safely
Our Policy and Campaigns Officer, Rona Johnson provides information published by The Scottish Government for workers and employers returning to work during the COVID19 pandemic.
Epilepsy and driving: Legal requirements
Our Helpline & Information Officer, Stuart Macgee looks at epilepsy and driving and what legal requirements need to be met before being able to drive again.
The impact of COVID19 on the learning disabled
Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young, looks at the impact of COVID19 on the learning disabled.
Epilepsy Warriors Foundation and Epilepsy Scotland
Lesslie Young, Chief Executive With COVID-19 changing the way we live in so many ways we need to focus on the positives. Epilepsy Scotland has seen an increase in people participating in our services since we moved to virtual delivery. Some people are more comfortable taking part from the comfort of their own home … Continued
Having epilepsy whilst working and studying for a MBA
Graham Loan was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2017. However, his diagnosis hasn’t stopped him from forging a successful career and has provided him with different opportunities at work which has allowed him to learn new skills and has led to a recent promotion. Here he shares his story.
Returning to school with a diagnosis of epilepsy
Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young looks at children and young people returning to school with a diagnosis of epilepsy and how well a teacher understands the condition can make an enormous difference to their return to school experience.
Explaining epilepsy to your child
Our Youth Development Worker, Kirstyn Cameron provides information on how to explain that your child has epilepsy.
My experience of having epilepsy and a career
Emma was diagnosed with epilepsy last year at the age of 25. However, she has not let it stop her working as a dentist. Here she shares her experiences.
How social prescribing helps people with epilepsy
Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young provides information on the concept of social prescribing, which seeks to address people’s individual needs including areas such as mental health and social support.
First aid for more complicated epilepsy
In the final part of our first aid for seizures blog series, our Helpline and Information Officer Stuart Macgee looks at first aid for more complicated epilepsy.
Living with epilepsy and studying at university
Felicity Paterson was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2015 and shares her experiences of living with epilepsy whilst studying to become a nurse at university.
10 reasons why you should care about epilepsy
Our Training Manager, Nicola Milne looks at 10 reasons why you should care about epilepsy.
