Sources of support
You are not alone; most people will feel like this at some stage or another. Having epilepsy may result in changes to your lifestyle and can affect your self confidence and self esteem. Everyone will respond differently and you may feel angry, anxious or low in mood. Talk to those around you about how you are feeling. Your GP or the national society for epilepsy helplines can be very helpful. You can also contact one of our epilepsy nurses.
Some people find further information useful, such as the books 'Living with epilepsy - a guide to taking control' or 'Coping with epilepsy', available from epilepsy action. You could also attend the expert patients programme|.
Contacting other people with epilepsy who understand what you are going through can also be helpful. Many national epilepsy websites have chat rooms, or check if there is a support group that is local to you. See our information on living with epilepsy| and our sources of support| for further advice.
Below are list of links that you may find helpful.
Telephone: 014 9460 1400 www.epilepsynse.org.uk/|
Epilepsy Action
Telephone: 080 8800 5050 www.epilepsy.org.uk|
Epilepsy Bereaved
Telephone: 012 3577 2850 www.sudep.org/|
The National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy
Telephone: 013 4283 1342 www.ncype.org.uk/|
Local groups
For local support groups supported by epilepsy action please contact epilepsy action direct.
Epilepsy Local Forum (ELF Southampton)
This group is for anyone with epilepsy, their friends and family.
Meetings are at the Wessex neurological centre, Southampton General Hospital.
For more information please telephone: 023 8079 8623.
Specialist epilepsy midwifery service
A trained nurse/midwife specialising in caring and supporting women with epilepsy www.womenwithepilepsy.co.uk/|. See also our epilepsy nursing service.
Useful resources for people with a learning disability.
Management of an adult with epilepsy and a learning disability should follow the same guidelines outlined for all adults. Listed below are local social services and community learning disability teams who may be able to offer additional support.
Social services (learning disability)
Southampton community learning disability team
Thomas Lewis House, 36 Empress Road, Southampton, SO14 0JY. Telephone: 023 8029 4420
Choices advocacy
Croxley House, 63 Millbrook Road East, Southampton, SO15 1HN. Telephone: 023 8033 7735
PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)
Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust, Eastleigh Community Enterprise Centre, Unit 3, Barton Park, Chicknell Lane, Eastleigh SO50 6RZ. Telephone: 023 8061 2235
Local Community Learning Disability Teams (CLDT)
Southampton community learning disability health team
Geographical area covered: Southampton City
Thomas Lewis House, 236 Empress Road, Southampton, SO14 0JY
Telephone: 023 8029 4420 fax: 023 8029 4421
Andover CLDT
Andover Health Centre, Charlton Road, Andover, SP10 3LD. Telephone: 012 6432 4582
Basingstoke CLDT
The Bridge Centre, New Road, Basingstoke, RG21 7PJ. Telephone: 012 5631 6350
Eastleigh and Test Valley CLDT
Russell House, 26-28 Romsey Road, Eastleigh, Southampton, SO50 9AN. Telephone: 023 8061 8722
New Forest CLDT
Rufus Lodge, Tatchbury Mount, Calmore, Southampton, SO40 2RZ. Telephone: 023 8087 4222
Winchester CLDT
Highcroft, Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 5DH. Telephone: 019 6289 3716