A Leeds-based charity is launching a coffee and chat group to help support young people and families affected by epilepsy in Harrogate.
Members of Epilepsy Action’s Harrogate branch have set up regular drop-in events to help support youngsters who are affected by the condition in the area.
The new informal meetings will enable children to share their experiences with other children and their parents in Harrogate to offer support and advice.
Harrogate branch chairman Carl Donnelly set up the group over four years ago because his youngest daughter has suffered from epilepsy since she was 11 years old.
The branch’s primary objective since its creation has been to get a specialist epilepsy nurse in Harrogate.
Mr Donnelly said: “We hope this new initiative will further strengthen the support for people with epilepsy and those close to them in Harrogate.”
The first drop-in session will be held on Saturday, January 19, from 10.30am until noon at St Peter’s Church in Harrogate.
The group will then meet on the third Saturday of each month from 10.30am until noon at the church.
Cliff Challenger, Epilepsy Action’s local services manager for northern England, added: “Meeting together over a coffee to share experiences is something that is a great support to many people living with epilepsy.
“It can make a big difference to meet others who understand epilepsy and the effect it can have on people’s lives.
“Everyone is welcome, whether you have epilepsy or know someone who does.”
Epilepsy affects around one in every 100 people in the UK alone and over 85 people are diagnosed with the condition every single day, according to figures released by the Yeadon-based charity.
Each year Epilepsy Action directly helps over 1.1 million people through a range of services, including its Epilepsy Helpline, branch network, specialist nurse scheme and website.
For more information about the charity’s services, visit: www.epilepsy.org.uk or call the Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050.
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