Llanelli is the most 'epilepsy aware' town in the UK according to Epilepsy Action, the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy charity.
Nine Llanelli pharmacies and two GP practices have now signed up to the charity's Epilepsy Aware scheme. The pharmacies and practices will display an Epilepsy Aware sticker in their window. This will show they are epilepsy-friendly and are committed to providing help and advice for people affected by the condition. Llanelli has more pharmacies and practices signed up to the scheme than any other town, making it the most 'epilepsy aware' place in the UK!
This is thanks to Llanelli man, Keith Skivington, who has just been elected a trustee at Epilepsy Action. Keith has campaigned tirelessly over the years to raise awareness of epilepsy in the local area and to support people affected by the condition.
Keith was elected to Epilepsy Action's Council of Management on 13 June at the charity's annual general meeting. As a Council member, Keith is responsible, along with 15 other members, for determining the policies of Epilepsy Action. Council members are also collectively responsible for overseeing the management of the charity.
Keith said: "My interest in epilepsy began when my eldest daughter had her first seizure in 1993. We were very shocked and unprepared at the time because we did not know anything about epilepsy. That’s when I came across Epilepsy Action and was very grateful for the information and support I received.
"As a result of this experience I set up the Llanelli branch of Epilepsy Action in 1994 to help others in the same position as me and my family. The branch has an active social calendar, organises advice and information days and raises the public profile of epilepsy in West Wales. The branch also campaigns for better epilepsy services in Wales. We have recently been negotiating with the local health board to determine the need for an epilepsy specialist nurse post in Carmarthenshire.
"I think it is important that a representative from Wales is on the Council. It means Epilepsy Action can keep up to date with developments and seek further improvements to services in Wales."
Phil Lee, chief executive at Epilepsy Action, said: "We are delighted that Keith has been elected to our Council of Management. His recent work to promote the Epilepsy Aware scheme in Llanelli shows just how committed he is to supporting people with epilepsy and their families."
Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition in the UK and affects around 22,000 people in Wales. Last year alone, Epilepsy Action directly helped more than 686,500 people through a range of services. These include its advice and information centre and Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050. For more information about the work of Epilepsy Action, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk
The Llanelli Branch of Epilepsy Action meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 6.30pm at Caemaen Day Centre, Coleshill Terrace, Llanelli. For more information, contact Ann Sivapatham, regional services manager for Wales, on 01633 253 407.