Epilepsy Helpline, freephone

• UK freephone: 0808 800 5050
  (including calls from Orange, Vodafone, 3 and O2 mobiles*)
• International: +44 113 210 8800

 The Epilepsy Helpline began in 1988. In 1994 it became a freephone service for people in the UK. Being able to call free of charge encouraged many more people to contact the helpline.

Callers to the Epilepsy Helpline are guaranteed a friendly welcome and can discuss their concerns confidentially.

The majority of callers are people with epilepsy, concerned about their diagnosis, their medication, driving, pregnancy and many other issues related to their condition. We also welcome and receive calls from family members of people with epilepsy and professionals, requesting information.

The Epilepsy Helpline has twice been awarded the Telephone Helpline Association’s Quality Standard Award. The helpline is open from

• 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and
• 9am to 4 pm on Fridays (all UK times).

It is staffed by advice and information Officers, all with an extensive knowledge of epilepsy related issues.

How to use the Epilepsy Helpline

If you live in the UK you can phone the Epilepsy Helpline (freephone) on 0808 800 5050. There is a charge when people from outside the UK contact the Epilepsy Helpline. You will be able to speak personally to an Advice and Information Officer. The helpline is open from

• 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and
• 9am to 4 pm on Fridays (all UK times).

From UK mobiles*: You may still hear a recorded message saying that calls to 08 numbers may be charged. This message is automatically generated when any 08 number is dialled, but your call to us from those networks will still be free. Other mobile networks may charge for calls to our helpline. Please contact your network for more information.

If you need advice and information in a language other than English, we offer advice in over 150 languages. The helpline staff are also Typetalk trained for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Other ways to contact the helpline are by email, fax or post.

• email: helpline@epilepsy.org.uk
• text: 0753 741 0044 (texts are charged at your standard rate. Replies are free)
• post (UK residents only): Freepost LS0995, Leeds, LS19 7YY
• post (international): New Anstey House, Gate Way Drive, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7XY, UNITED KINGDOM
• Tell us what you think about the helpline