Don’t let epilepsy rule your life
George was diagnosed with epilepsy 32 years ago. Here he shares how he felt when he was first diagnosed and what he would say to someone who was newly diagnosed.
Epilepsy is more than seizures
Cath was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 49. Here she shares how she felt when she was diagnosed and the challenges she has faced.
2021 Election Campaign – How can you get involved?
Our Scottish Parliament Manifesto makes six asks of the next Scottish Government and elected MSPs. Our Policy Assistant, Anna Telfer, explains how you can get involved.
Beyond COVID: The social care crisis
Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young, looks at how the new Scottish Government must respond to the crisis in social care, which has been brought into sharper light by the pandemic and create a National Care Service.
2021 Election Campaign: A guide to voting
The 2021 Scottish Parliament Election is coming up. Our Policy Assistant, Anna Telfer, provides information about voting in the election.
Growing up whilst living with epilepsy
Holly was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was just seven years old and has been living with epilepsy for 14 years. Here Holly shares her experiences of living with the condition.
Joining Epilepsy Scotland as a trustee
Epilepsy Scotland board member, Celia Brand, explains why she joined Epilepsy Scotland as a trustee and what she would say to someone who is looking to become a trustee.
Seizures explained: Generalised seizures
We continue our blog series looking at the different types of seizures. In this second part, our Helpline and Information Officer, Uschi Stickroth, focuses on generalised seizures.
Purple Day founder: Cassidy Megan
Today, 26 March is Purple Day! Cassidy Megan created Purple Day when she was just eight years old to help raise awareness of epilepsy. Here she tells us of her experiences of living with epilepsy and her future plans for Purple Day in the years to come.
Raising money through own clothing brand
Charlotte launched her own clothing brand earlier this year and let us know she would like to donate 50% of her profits to Epilepsy Scotland each month. We are delighted to have her support and here you can read about the journey she has been on to get to this point in her career!
“Epilepsy is more than just flashing lights”
Writer Bridget McMillan recently interviewed Jemma who was recently diagnosed with epilepsy and shared her experiences ahead of Purple Day.
Being recently diagnosed with epilepsy
Kevin has been recently diagnosed with epilepsy. Here he shares how he felt, the type of seizures he has and what he would say to someone who has also been recently diagnosed.
Fundraising focus: Raising awareness for Purple Day
Our fantastic supporter, Ben, is helping raise awareness of epilepsy on Purple Day by getting 100 people to join him for two hours of body combat. Here he explains why he is raising awareness and raising money for Epilepsy Scotland.
“Because of Covid”
Our Chief Executive Lesslie Young looks at the numerous ways the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affects those with disabilities and life-long conditions including epilepsy.
Lifeworks21: Art for Epilepsy Scotland
We are incredibly grateful to former trustee, acclaimed artist and sculptor, Lesley Carruthers who from 13 March 2021 is donating 100% sales income from artworks to Epilepsy Scotland.
Unpaid carers invited to self-register for COVID-19 vaccine
Our Policy Assistant, Anna Telfer, provides information on how unpaid carers are included in the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s (JCVI) priority groupings for the COVID-19 vaccines.
Fundraising focus: Raising money via online raffles
Fundraising has changed dramatically over the last year and we are forever thankful to each and every one of our supporters who are constantly thinking of new ways to raise funds and awareness. This week, we speak to Naomi who has been busy organising online raffles with a group of her friends.
Being diagnosed with epilepsy as a teenager
Our Youth and Adult Wellbeing Assistant shares her story of being diagnosed with epilepsy as a teenager and what the wellbeing service has taught her.
My story of riding the waves of epilepsy
Amy was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age. Thankfully she has now gone a full year without having a seizure. Here Amy shares her story, the challenges she has faced and how she overcome them.
Fundraiser Focus: My walking challenge
Lauren is currently walking 500,000 steps in 56 days whilst in her third trimester of pregnancy. Here she shares why she is taking on this challenge and raising money for Epilepsy Scotland.
COVID-19 vaccines Frequently Asked Questions
Our Policy Assistant, Anna Telfer, provides some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.
My Purple Day Challenge
We had a chat with our volunteer Dave to find out what his plans for Purple Day are and why he supports Epilepsy Scotland. If you would like to sponsor Dave in his challenge you can here.
My experiences of living with epilepsy
Vicki has been living with epilepsy for around 22 years. Here she shares her experiences of being diagnosed at a young age, the challenges she has faced and how she has overcome them.
2021 Election Campaign – National Epilepsy Database
Our Interim Policy and Communications Manager, Rona Johnson, provides information on our number one election ask for the next Scottish Government and MSPs elected, which is to have an National Epilepsy Database to help improve epilepsy care in Scotland.
Ryan’s Pommell Horse Challenge
A big thank you to Ryan who has raised almost £2,000 for Epilepsy Scotland by attempting to complete 5,000 circles over his pommel horse in just one week! Here he shares why he is taking on this challenge.
Seizures explained: Focal seizures
Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at the different types of seizures. In this first part, our Helpline and Information Officer, Stuart Macgee looks at seizures which only affect one part of the brain. These are known as focal seizures, also known as partial seizures.
My story of living with epilepsy
Ryan was diagnosed with epilepsy 20 years ago aged just 12. Here he shares his experiences of growing up with epilepsy, challenges he has faced and what advice he would give to someone newly diagnosed.
2021 Election Campaign – More Epilepsy Specialist Nurses
For the sixth Scottish Parliament election, we decided to make six asks of the next Scottish Government and group of MSPs elected. Our Policy Assistant, Anna Telfer, provides information on our second election ask, which is to ensure there is at least one adult and one paediatric Epilepsy Specialist Nurse in each health board.
COVID-19 spotlights a need for change
Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young, looks at how the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic must be used to address the inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities.
2021 Election Campaign – Invisible condition training for benefit assessors
For the sixth Scottish Parliament election, we decided to make six asks of the next Scottish Government and group of MSPs elected. Our Interim Policy and Communications Manager, Rona Johnson, provides information on our third election ask, which is to ask new disability benefits assessors to be specifically trained to understand fluctuating conditions like epilepsy.
Will I have to take anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) for the rest of my life?
Our Helpline and Information Officer, Uschi Stickroth provides information on when you can consider to come off your anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and things to consider when coming off your AEDs.
2021 Election Campaign – Encourage employment in people with neurological conditions
For the sixth Scottish Parliament election, we decided to make six asks of the next Scottish Government and group of MSPs elected. Our Policy Assistant, Anna Telfer, provides information on our fourth election ask, which is encourage employment in people with neurological conditions.
Epilepsy Scotland position statement on COVID-19 and learning disability
It is well known there is a correlation between epilepsy and learning disability. Around one in three people with mild to moderate learning disability also have epilepsy.
COVID-19 vaccines safe for those with neurological conditions, guidance suggests
Our Policy Assistant, Anna Telfer, provides information on published guidance on COVID-19 vaccines and neurological conditions from The Association of British Neurologists (ABN).
Three ways to start practicing self-compassion
Our Wellbeing Manager, Vicki Burns talks about the importance of being self-compassionate and caring for ourselves during this challenging time.
2021 Election Campaign – Support Neurophysiology in Scotland
As this is the sixth Scottish Parliament election, we decided to make six asks of the next Scottish Government and group of MSPs elected. Our Interim Policy and Communications Manager, Rona Johnson provides information on our fifth election ask, which is support neurophysiology in Scotland.
Growing up whilst living with epilepsy
Elle began having seizures during her childhood. Here she shares her experiences and how she wants to encourage people to not feel ashamed of having epilepsy.
The irreversible damage of decades of inaction
Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young looks at how the impact of the pandemic on children and young adults who live with disadvantage and disability every day may be irreparable.
Children, epilepsy and mental health
On Children’s Mental Health Week, our Helpline and Information Officer, Stuart Macgee looks at identifying depression in children and young people and the possible causes.
Supporting you during COVID-19 pandemic
It is normal to feel anxious, sad or depressed during these difficult times. However, there is support out there to help you get through it. Our Wellbeing Manager, Vicki Burns provides information on how we can support you.
2021 Election Campaign – Funded PhDs in epilepsy
Last week, we were delighted to launch our 2021 Scottish Parliament Manifesto. As this is the sixth Scottish Parliament election, we decided to make six asks of the next Scottish Government and group of MSPs elected. Our Policy Assistant, Anna Telfer provides information on our sixth election ask, which is funded PhDs in epilepsy.
Just diagnosed with epilepsy … what’s next?
Our Helpline and Information Officer, Uschi Stickroth provides some information and helpful pointers for people who have been recently diagnosed with epilepsy.
Why I am doing the 100 Mile Challenge
Our 100 Mile Challenge is off to a great start with lots of our supporters signing up. We had a chat with Rihannon who explained what this challenge means to her.
Epilepsy Scotland’s 2021 Scottish Parliament Manifesto
We are excited to launch our 2021 Scottish Parliament manifesto. This year, people in Scotland will cast their vote in the Scottish Parliament elections, Thursday 6 May 2021.
Importance of seeking support when experiencing loneliness
Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young, looks at the importance of seeking support when experiencing loneliness during and beyond COVID-19 lockdown.
Looking after young people’s mental health
Our Youth Development Worker, Kirstyn Cameron looks at ways you can help look after your child’s mental health especially during this difficult time.
Online Information Events – Scottish Disability Benefits
The Scottish Government are holding a series of online events regarding important aspects of new disability benefits. Our Welfare Rights Officer, Tracey Millar explains.
Looking after yourself during these challenging times
Our Helpline and Information Officer, Stuart Macgee, discusses some coping strategies to keep well in the days and weeks ahead during lockdown.
UK wide study seeking women with epilepsy to participate in research
A new UK wide study is seeking women with epilepsy to participate in research to develop a preconception care pathway for women with epilepsy in the UK.
Why I am climbing Ben Nevis to raise money for Epilepsy Scotland
Our fantastic supporter Tammy tells us why she has signed up to the Winter Ben Nevis Trek in March 2022 and her experiences of being diagnosed with epilepsy as a teenager.
