Dear Danny answers 1

Recent questions: 

• Message to Steve and Karen in Southport - Danny
• how can i get a career in healthcare? Kimberley
• how can i take my mind off it? Jonathan
• do I have epilepsy? Kat
• who can I talk to about the death of my sister? Jake
• is it OK to have sex? Peter
• can I go on a sunbed with my epilepsy? Peter
• I want to meet other people with epilepsy Luke
• I'm 17 with epilepsy and I want to drive CJ
• I want to do voluntary work for epilepsy Anon
• I don't know where to turn Anon

Dear Danny 

I would really like to do some voluntary work to do with epilepsy however, i need a few questions answering first so if you wouldn’t mind answering them please. thankyou.

what voluntary work is available to do with epilepsy and what age do you have to be for each one?
can i get any voluntary work local to me?
also if you could please answer if you can:
when i am older i would like to persue a career in mentoring- a learning mentor. which a levels do you think would be good ones to take?

thankyou very much for your time.

Hi,

The website www.do-it.org.uk allows you to search for volunteering opportunities in your area. You could also get in touch with your local Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) who can tell you what’s available locally. There is usually one based in every town.

Some organisations can’t insure volunteers who are under 16 but your local CVS will be able to tell you about this. It may be possible to become a volunteer for Epilepsy Action once you are over 18. You could also contact other epilepsy charities such as the National Society For Epilepsy about their volunteering opportunities.

I don’t know which are the best A-levels to take to work as a learning mentor. Is there a career adviser at your school or college you could talk to? You could ask Skill, the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities about this. Their telephone number is 0800 328 5050. Connexions can also give career advice for people aged between 13 and 19 and can be contacted on 080 800 13 219.

Hope this helps

Danny

Dear Danny

I'm wanting a career in healthcare but i want do either occupational therapy or health councelor, im epileptic and suffer with simple partial seizures so if i could help people with epilepsy and maybe other conditions its what i know most about i also know what its like to suffer with a disability so whats your job?
 

Kimberley, Manchester

Hi Kimberley

I’m part of the advice and information services team at Epilepsy Action. My job involves keeping up-to-date with information and research about epilepsy and answering questions from anyone who has an interest in the condition.

As you’re looking for a career in healthcare, you’ll probably find it helpful to visit the NHS Careers website.

Good luck!

Danny

Dear Danny

Can i go on a sunbed with my epilepsy?

Peter, Leeds

Hi Peter

There’s no reason why you shouldn’t use a sun bed, as long as it is working correctly, just because you have epilepsy.

If you have photosensitive epilepsy (when your seizures are triggered by flashing or flickering lights), there’s the possible chance that a faulty sun bed could flicker and trigger a seizure (though I have never heard of this happening). If you’re not sure if you have this type of epilepsy, your GP should be able to tell you.

If you have photosensitive epilepsy and want to use a sun bed, you could ask staff at the sun bed centre to check that the lights are working properly (not flickering), before you go in.

I hope that helps.

Danny

Dear Danny

I have loads have had a second fit and loads of absences and on top Im taking my GCSES I have been stressing a lot but the bad thing is Im getting loads more absences could you help me find a way of meting some people that are going through what Im going through

Luke, Essex

Hi Luke

Lots of people feel stressed and anxious about their exams. Sometimes feeling this way can cause people to have more absences. There are things that can help you deal with stress such as relaxation techniques. Your GP could tell you more about this. They can also have a look at your medication to see if you can get better control of your seizures. If you are 16 or over you could join our online community forum4e to make contact with other people with epilepsy. We also have local branches in some areas. If you would like to find out what happens at the Basildon group you could get in touch with David on 01485 540 163.

Hope this helps.

Danny

Message to Steve and Karen in Southport

I think you would find it helpful to speak to an adviser on the Epilepsy Helpline, freephone 0808 800 5050. The lines are open Monday – Thursday 9am – 4.30pm and Friday 9am – 4pm.

Alternatively, you can send your question to them at helpline@epilepsy.org.uk They will send you a reply ASAP if you type ‘Danny Urgent’ in the subject box of the email.

Danny