Epilepsy Action has secured unrestricted grant funding from Angelini Pharma UK-I Ltd to improve its award-winning helpline service.
Having the busiest helpline service in the UK for people with epilepsy, the new funding will allow Epilepsy Action to support more specialist enquiries and trial new communication technologies to expand its reach and improve accessibility.
The Epilepsy Action Helpline deals with over 11,000 enquiries a year through calls, emails, messages, and chats. But with 630,000 people with epilepsy in the UK and over 1 million visits to the charity’s website every year, the charity says there are many more people out there who need help.
In the first six months of 2024, the helpline saw a 42% increase in enquiries around medication compared to the same time period in 2023. The new services will focus on improved information on medication and mental health support.
The announcement of the grant support for the next 12 months coincides with the launch of Epilepsy Action’s first ever national campaign and new brand, all part of the charity’s 2030 vision to create a world without limits for people with epilepsy.
‘Expand this vital service’
Rebekah Smith, Deputy CEO at Epilepsy Action said: “We are thrilled that we have the opportunity to expand this vital service for people with epilepsy. It’s very exciting that Angelini are providing this grant to help us deliver a critical element of our 2030 strategy to create a world without limits for people with epilepsy.
“The first phase of this work will enable us to provide a much more effective service for the growing number of people contacting us with mental health issues and queries around medication. We will look at how to expand this to other specialisms in the future, and how we can support healthcare professionals by providing more first stage support.”
Stuart Mulheron, general manager at Angelini Pharma UK-I Ltd, said: “We are delighted to support Epilepsy Action with this grant and make a difference for people with epilepsy. Angelini Pharma UK-I Ltd provides grants and donations to support initiatives that enhance patient care or benefit the NHS in accordance with the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry Code of Practice.”
The Epilepsy Action Helpline won Helpline of the Year at the Helpline Awards in 2023. Advice and information officer, Diane Wallace, was awarded the Lifetime Service Award for her 30 years of dedicated service, and advice team leader, David Thornton, also received a runner-up award for Mentor of the Year.
More articles
