Did you Take epilepsy action?

Take epilepsy action launched in 13 cities during the third week of September 2011. The launch began with the release of Epilepsy Action’s Take epilepsy action video on Monday 19 September.

Tuesday started with a BBC breakfast interview with Dr Hannah Cock, Helen Little and her children. Together they explained what epilepsy is, and what you should do if you see someone having a seizure. In Belfast the BBC breakfast interview was supplemented with an interview with Morina Clarke, Epilepsy Action’s Northern Ireland manager and details about the Take epilepsy action video.

Then at 10.30 am the national Take epilepsy action launches started. They took place in London (led by Aimee Gee), Belfast (led by Nicole Crosby-McKenna and Sue Mitchell), Edinburgh (led by Pete Scott and Lucy Olafsson) and Cardiff (led by Leanne Creighton and Louise Whalley). At each launch we demonstrated the correct first aid required when someone has an absence seizure, partial seizure and a tonic clonic seizure. The demonstrations were to explain that anyone could have a seizure, and everyone should know what to do. We also handed out our new Action cards. So far almost 9000 Action cards and posters have been given out to the public.

Over the days that followed we continued to launch the campaign. Wednesday saw launches hosted in Liverpool (Aimee and Nicole), Nottingham (Pete and Lucy) and Manchester (Leanne and Louise). Thursday we launched in Newcastle (Aimee and Nicole), Birmingham (Pete and Lucy) and Bristol (Leanne and Louise). Friday saw the final three city centre campaign launches take place. These were in Leeds (Aimee and Nicole), Norwich (Peter and Lucy) and Southampton (Leanne and Louise).

We were amazed and thrilled at how many people proudly put on their Epilepsy Action T-shirt and took part in the launch events. Even on the chilly days! You played an important part in making this first stage of the campaign a success. You can see the video of our efforts online at www.epilepsy.org.uk/action and can see photos from each launch on Epilepsy Action’s facebook page.

So what’s next for Take epilepsy action?

During the second stage of Take epilepsy action, we will continue to increase epilepsy awareness among the general public. To do this we will work with a few large organisations to raise epilepsy awareness among their employees and/or members. So if the employee sees anyone have a seizure while at work or in public, they know what to do.  

One of the first organisations that will Take epilepsy action is the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Armed Policing Secretariat. Epilepsy Action’s Simon Wigglesworth met with the Secretariat, to discuss epilepsy and seizures. He also discussed the issues around using tasers and stun guns on people with epilepsy. This followed a number of high-profile cases where people with epilepsy have been tasered while having a seizure, or just after. As a result of the meeting, Epilepsy Action will produce a training video for ACPO. This will help fire-arms officers to recognise different types of seizures, and how to provide appropriate first aid. ACPO will look to include this in their annual training for officers authorised to use tasers.

You can still support our Take epilepsy action campaign. The back cover of this newsletter suggests ways you can support the campaign over the next three months. If you would like to order our campaign resources please email action@epilepsy.org.uk or call 0113 210 8800.