Case Study: Epilepsy Action

3rd November 2024

Epilepsy Action’s vision is of a world without limits for people with epilepsy. Their befriending service matches people affected by epilepsy who are over the age of 18 and live in the UK with a friendly volunteer for regular chats online or by phone.

In this case study, an Epilepsy Action befriending service user shares their own story of how befriending helped them find strength and confidence as they got to know more about their epilepsy.

I understand my epilepsy now

“I have epilepsy and I was diagnosed around 13 years ago. At the start it really affected my life. It still affects my life but I’m used to it now and understand my epilepsy. It’s definitely had an effect on my family, work and relationships.

“I’ve overcome barriers in getting my family to understand my epilepsy. Before I was diagnosed I only knew of tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures. I’ve learned lots about epilepsy and this has helped me with explaining my epilepsy to family. I still have this barrier now when explaining my epilepsy to friends, new people and trying to get them to understand the types of seizures that I have, as a lot of people presume it’s just tonic-clonic seizures.

“I can do this”

The service user was matched with a befriender for weekly befriending calls. The supportive and uplifting calls have helped them massively.

“I love it. I love my befriender – he’s given me more confidence. It’s nice talking to someone, and as I’ve not met them, I feel free to be myself. It’s nice talking to an outside person who I don’t know, he’s given me so much confidence. I wish we could have an hour for calls, I come off the calls feeling great and look forward to getting the call each week. When I’ve spoken about my day or hospital appointment, my befriender uplifts me and tells me that ‘I can do this, I’m strong, I’m clever’ and helps me when I feel low. He makes me feel great.