Epilepsy Action, the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy organisation, is launching a coffee and chat group to support people with epilepsy in Worcestershire.
The launch event will be held on Wednesday 26 September, from 2.00pm to 4.00pm, at the The Café of Malvern Library, Graham Road, Malvern.
Local volunteer, Andy, from Malvern, who will be running the group says: “The group will offer company and friendship for people in similar situations, a place for friendship. This group means a lot to me as I have had with epilepsy for 17 years. At 16 years of age, I knew nothing and just having my mum and sisters as a support network was hard. I carried on not knowing of what was going on with journeys to and from hospital and not know where I could go and talk to people in similar situations.
“I luckily became seizure free from 2003 to Christmas Eve 2010, when it came back. My wife handled her first seizure well but we both still can’t believe that we here in Worcestershire have nothing in the way of a place where we can come and have a chat with people in similar situations.
“So, I began a journey finding others in the area with epilepsy. I first set up a Facebook page to have a place where we can chat and share stories, then I started talking to Epilepsy Action for support with getting a group together. That brings us to where we are today. Please come along and show your support for this new support group.”
Julie Clark, Epilepsy Action’s local services manager, said: “Meeting together over a cuppa to share experiences is something that is a great support to many people living with epilepsy. It can make a big difference to meet other people who understand where you are coming from and be accepted and understood. Everyone is welcome, whether you have epilepsy or know someone who does.”
After the launch event, the new coffee and chat group will meet monthly on the last Wednesday of the month from 2.00pm until 4.00pm. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Clark, Epilepsy Action’s local services manager for central England, on 01684 577 554 (mobile: 07770 837 970) or at jclark@epilepsy.org.uk
Epilepsy affects one in every 100 people in the UK alone and 87 people are diagnosed with the condition every day. Last year Epilepsy Action directly helped over 1.1 million people through a range of services, including its Epilepsy Helpline, branch network, specialist nurse scheme and award-winning website.
For further information about the work of Epilepsy Action, please visit www.epilepsy.org.uk or call the Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050.