Epilepsy is the UK's most common serious neurological condition. One in one hundred children and one in two hundred adults have epilepsy. The Oxford and District epilepsy support group had for a number of years offered support and information to those affected by epilepsy. Now with a new name, Oxfordshire Epilepsy Network, we are committed to building on the firm foundation set down by our past chairman Martin Lake.

Support will continue to be offered through individual or group contact with representatives of the network, and with others in the community, who, often with the benefit of personal experience, are able to listen with empathy and to feed back ideas for building a new and positive way of living with epilepsy.

At both regional and national level, action is being taken to dispel the myths that for some are still the misinformed reality of epilepsy. Through the new epilepsy in education initiative - the mobile information stand - the new telephone support and information line - and the group seminar programme, we have substantially improved our ability to deliver up to date information, to the public, to other community support organisations, to educators, and to employers.

Our important link with the National Society for Epilepsy will this year become a vital part of our service, providing public relations and fund-raising support, as well as up to the minute information on medical developments in the treatment of Epilepsy.

David Popham

OEN Co-Chairman

Epilepsy in Education

From preschool to university, young people with epilepsy can be seriously misunderstood. Teachers, lecturers and learning support staff may not be aware of the more subtle types of epileptic seizures, the side effects of anti-epileptic medication, and the social stigma still associated with epilepsy.

The Epilepsy in Education Programme is designed to help teachers, lecturers and learning support staff to recognise the symptoms of epilepsy, and to respond appropriately.

National Society for Epilepsy

The NSE has been making a difference to the lives of people with epilepsy for over 105 years. We have built an international reputation for research. In alliance with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and The University College London Institute of Neurology, the NSE is one of only six organisations recognised by the World Health Organisation as a Centre of Excellence.