Campaigns
Our campaigns team lobby government and decision-makers on the issues that matter to people with epilepsy. From safer medicines for pregnant women to the dangers of online trolling, and from medicines supply to public transport access, we raise awareness of the daily challenges facing people with epilepsy.
Medication shortages
This year we have seen a sharp increase in the number of epilepsy medication shortages. Our survey showed that just under half of people had experienced worsening symptoms as a result of having to switch medication or miss medication. 70 per cent said they had struggled to get their medication in the last year. The medicines supply chain is broken and we are calling on the government to commission an urgent review in order to fix it and make sure people with epilepsy can access their medication.
FixIt4Free
The Epilepsy Society is calling for the NHS to provide free dental repairs to teeth damaged by seizures.
We believe that people with epilepsy who have damaged their teeth due to seizures should not have to pay large sums of money for repairs. They have a medical condition, and we believe they should have this treatment for free.
Climate Change
The Epilepsy Society is calling for human health to be higher up the climate change agenda, as scientists report the true cost of global warming on neurological conditions including epilepsy.
Evidence is already suggesting a link between increased temperatures and some aspects of neurological conditions, such as seizures.
Contact us
If you would like to speak to us about any of our projects please contact campaigns@epilepsysociety.org.uk
Our successes
Over the years we have run many successful campaigns, some of which you can read about below.
#ZachsLaw
In December 2022, the Government promised that Zach's Law would be enacted in full as part of the Online Safety Bill. This is a huge win for all of us at the Epilepsy Society, and especially for Zach.
Helping people use TFL
Epilepsy featured as part of Transport For London's poster campaign to raise awareness of the priority card scheme encouraging travellers to give up their seat for those with invisible disabilities.
Me and My Shadow
The Me and My Shadow scheme gives women with epilepsy the opportunity to "shadow" for a day leading figures from media, politics, charities, sport, health and business. Through the scheme we hope to build confidence and ambition in women with epilepsy and encourage them to think big.
Previous campaigns
Everyone knows someone
Our 'Everyone Knows Someone' campaign was a yearly joint campaign between Young Epilepsy and Epilepsy Society in association with River Island, to raise awareness of epilepsy during national epilepsy week. Meet the faces of our 'Everyone Knows Someone' campaign below.
Supporting pregnant women
We have worked alongside other charities to raise awareness of the risks associated with pregnant women taking sodium valproate and have campaigned in support of the recommendations made in First Do No Harm.
#SafeMumSafeBaby
Epilepsy Society is calling for safer epilepsy medications in pregnancy in their Safe Mum, Safe Baby campaign.