Tom and Laura Robinson, a brother and sister from Epilepsy Action’s Solihull Branch, are putting on a photo exhibition in Birmingham. The aim is to raise awareness of epilepsy and show that there is more to people with epilepsy than the condition itself. It is titled “I am more than epilepsy”.
The exhibition will be hosted by Café Blend, Orion Building, Navigation Street, Birmingham. It will be available to view from 3 to 7 November from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. The event is free and open to all.
The idea came about because Tom has epilepsy, and is a keen photographer. Since his diagnosis, the family have realised a need to show that epilepsy doesn’t have to stop someone from living a full and active life. The condition is often very misunderstood and this can cause social and employment issues. There are over 40 different types of seizures. What one person with epilepsy will experience, others may not. Epilepsy can happen to anyone at any time from any walk of life.
Tom has taken all the photographs included in the exhibition. He has portrayed a variety of people of different ages, from different social backgrounds, with different interests. Laura, Tom’s sister, has organised the exhibition, making sure its concept became a reality.
Laura said: “The exhibition was created to illustrate some of the areas in which change is still needed but also highlights that having epilepsy does not always stop people from living happy, active, and sociable lives. By improving understanding of epilepsy, we hope to reduce needless fear of the condition and combat the stigma that is sadly sometimes still associated with it.
“In completing this exhibition, we made every effort to ensure that it was as representative as possible of all individuals with epilepsy. We are very grateful to all participants who spared their time to talk to us, let us take their photo and shared details of their lives and experiences with us. If you feel that your story may be able to add a new dimension to the project, we would be eager to hear from you.”
For further information about the exhibition, please contact Laura on 07753 663 547 or email laura_robinson_@hotmail.com
For further information about the work of Epilepsy Action, please visit www.epilepsy.org.uk or call the Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050.