Epilepsy Society

17/06/2026

Thank you to MP Yasmin Qureshi who shared our FixItForFree campaign, which calls for free dental repairs for injuries caused by seizures, in Parliament on Tuesday.

Currently, there is no medical exemption for epilepsy-related damage, creating a gap where vulnerable patients are financially penalised for their condition. Unlike a broken arm or leg, which is treated free of charge by the NHS, broken teeth caused by the exact same seizure incur significant private or NHS charges.

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 should be exempt from dental charges due to their medical condition. No costs, no rising fees. Just free treatment for medically caused damage.

Have you faced unaffordable dental fees from breaking your teeth during a seizure? Share your story with us: https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/form/fix-it-4-free?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=epilepsysociety&utm_content=fixit4free

16/06/2026

The London Landmarks Half Marathon ballot is now open!

This is a fantastic opportunity to take part in an iconic race and raise money for Epilepsy Society.

Make sure you don’t miss your chance to be part of the 10th anniversary of the event on Sunday 4 April 2027.

The ballot closes at 12 noon on Tuesday 23 June.

Sign up for the ballot here: https://llhm.co.uk/ballot-27?utm_source=adestra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=LLHM+2027+Ballot+Opening&utm_content=here

16/06/2026

**UPDATE**

Thank you so much for your responses to this survey. We have now been informed by the University of Liverpool that the study has reached its limit for participants with epilepsy to take part, and they are unable to accept any more responses.

However, they are still looking for the friends and families of people with epilepsy to take part, so please do sign up if you meet this criteria.

if you have any questions, please contact the study team by email at: [email protected]

Researchers at the University of Liverpool are conducting research on the side effects of anti-seizure medication (ASM).

As part of their study, they are inviting people with epilepsy (or their family members and friends) to complete simple online questionnaires over the coming months.

Click here for more information and to take the survey: https://seatstudy.org/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=epilepsysociety&utm_content=research

15/06/2026

Anxiety and Epilepsy

Anxiety can affect anyone, at any point in life and for some people with epilepsy, the risk can be higher.

Here, Psychosexual and Relationship therapist Ella Dixon shares her personal experiences of living with epilepsy and anxiety, along with some simple coping strategies that have helped her.

If you ever need support for feelings of anxiety, or anything else, our helpline team is here for you: 0300 102 00024. 💜

14/06/2026

Mathew Donnelly recently completed the Wirral Coastal Walk to raise money for Epilepsy Society. Here, he writes powerfully about his reasons for taking on the challenge:

‘Epilepsy changes lives in an instant. For many, it arrives without warning — and for some, it reshapes their future forever. I know this because it happened to me.

At 27, I experienced my first seizure. What followed was terrifying: an induced coma, several further tonic-clonic seizures, and the devastating realisation that I could no longer continue in the career I had worked so hard for. Overnight, everything I knew about my life, my health, and my future shifted.

But my story is not unique. Every day, individuals and families face the fear, uncertainty, and isolation that epilepsy can bring. Too often, they do so without the support, understanding, or resources they desperately need.

That is why supporting the Epilepsy Society matters so deeply. Your generosity helps fund lifesaving research, provides vital care, and ensures that no one has to navigate this condition alone’.

A huge congratulations to Matthew for his fundraising and awareness raising. 💜

Read more and make a donation here: https://bit.ly/4eAKYx5

13/06/2026

12/06/2026

Medication supply survey

Whilst the UK’s medicines supply system is resilient, we have heard from a small number of people who have experienced difficulties in getting their medication, and others who have felt anxious about securing future prescriptions.

We want to better understand whether you are facing any difficulties accessing your regular epilepsy medication.

If you have epilepsy or care for someone who does, please take a few moments to complete our short survey. The more completed surveys we receive the better we will be able to inform policymakers and help ensure the epilepsy community is supported in accessing medication.

The survey us open until Friday 26 June.

Click here for the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZSV58ZW

11/06/2026

Helpline opening times:

Monday and Wednesday - 9am to 7.30pm

Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - 9am to 4pm

Saturday - 9am to 12.30pm

We are not open on bank holidays.

Email us [email protected] or chat online: https://bit.ly/4vqusp3

10/06/2026

This Week is National Carer’s Week, which is dedicated to the incredible support given by unpaid carers to their family and friends.

So many of you in the epilepsy community provide vital care, compassion and support to people living with epilepsy. As well as the deep love and compassion you show we often hear about the sense of anxiety you feel that a seizure could happen at any moment, and your ongoing concern about the physical and emotional wellbeing of the people you care for.

Recently, we featured Anne’s story on our website. Her sister, Dawn, has written a powerful poem that beautifully captures these feelings, expressing both the challenges carers face and the resilience and hope that define this incredible community.

To all the carers in our community and beyond, your dedication and kindness make a huge difference to the lives of those you support. From all of us at Epilepsy Society, thank you for everything you do. 💜💜 💜

Anne’s story here: https://bit.ly/43mDMOX

08/06/2026

In today’s episode of The Conversation on the BBC World Service, consultant neurologist Sofia Eriksson and Betty Barbara, co-founder of the Epilepsy Association of Zambia, who has epilepsy herself, have a wide-ranging discussion about the condition.

They explore how epilepsy is about so much more than tonic-clonic seizures, how varied the diagnosis process can be from patient to patient, and the persistent stigma surrounding the condition, including harmful beliefs linking epilepsy to the supernatural in some parts of the world.

Click here to listen: https://bbc.in/4axPVEs

A neurosurgeon and a woman with epilepsy on reducing fear and stigma around the condition