Campaigning
Manifesto 2024
Ahead of the general election we rounded up the issues that affect the 630,000 people living with epilepsy in the UK.
We are calling on the new government to address these issues and ensure that epilepsy is a priority in this parliament.
At a glance
Cost of living with epilepsy
We know that some people with epilepsy struggle to get and stay in employment, and have problems successfully claiming disability benefits.
With energy bills increasing and growing pressure on people’s finances, we are working to ensure that people with epilepsy get the help and support they need.
Sodium valproate
Sodium valproate is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. For some people it might be the most effective epilepsy medicine.
However, sodium valproate carries a higher risk than other anti-seizure medications (ASMs) of causing birth defects and developmental problems in babies if taken during pregnancy.
We are campaigning to raise awareness of the risks and to ensure that women with epilepsy can make an informed decision about their treatment.
Employment and epilepsy
Hidden disabilities, hidden talents – Government statistics show that people with epilepsy have one of the worst rates of employment amongst disabled people, despite the fact that for many there are few jobs that their epilepsy would prevent them from doing.
We are campaigning to change attitudes of employers and improve the employment support available to people with epilepsy.
Join our Action Team!
Looking for a fun and flexible way to help raise awareness?
Our Action Team is a core group of volunteers dedicated to raising epilepsy awareness online and in the local community.
If you want to get involved but don’t have much time to give, this is the perfect role for you.
Cannabis-based medicines
We know that for some people with epilepsy, cannabis-based medicines can be effective in controlling seizures.
We are campaigning for more research into cannabis-based medicines as well as for more people with epilepsy to be able to access these treatments.
Campaign for better services
Epilepsy Action are campaigning for better epilepsy health services for people with epilepsy.
There are 600,000 people living with epilepsy in the UK, but all too often they struggle to access the necessary health services.
Welfare and benefits
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit which helps with some of the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition.
However, many people with epilepsy are not getting the help and support they need through PIP. The current PIP assessment process is not working for people with epilepsy.