Epilepsy Fieldwork Service
“Thank you so much for supporting me through my issues with my employer.”
“Thanks so much for going out of your way.”
“Thank you so much for all your help and time – makes such a difference for us.”
“I’m much more organised since speaking to you, the little things make a big difference to me. Thank you so much.”
What we do
Practical advice
We provide information, support and advice on managing the condition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We can advise you on issues such as benefits, housing and employment, and we can help you access appropriate support resources.
Share our specialist knowledge of epilepsy
We offer assistance in completing forms such as Disability Living Allowance, PiPs and ESA. Knowledge of epilepsy and the impact it can have on a person’s life is important to ensure people with epilepsy do get the benefits they are entitled to. We can help in providing accurate information on seizures and the physical, social, emotional and psychological effects of living with the condition.
Help in the workplace
We can advocate on an employee’s behalf if epilepsy becomes an issue in the workplace, and we offer advice to employers so they know what appropriate steps to take should an employee have epilepsy.
Training
We provide training in epilepsy awareness and the administration of rescue medication to schools, nurseries, workplaces, families, carers and voluntary and statutory organisations. We support GP practices with epilepsy review clinics, and advise at nurse and consultant-led clinics.
Raising awareness
We seek to raise awareness of epilepsy and by doing so, reduce the stigma that people with epilepsy still face. We involve people we support in making decisions and planning, working together with families, health services, social work and other voluntary organisations to meet their goals.
Support as and when you need it
We can provide support before and after service user in our area has undergone assessment at The William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre.
For some, our intervention may be brief, and they can continue with their life, having the information and support they need. For others, our input will be longer term, especially if they have epilepsy plus any co-existing condition, such as a learning disability, mental health problem or physical disability.
The service is provided free to clients. It is partly funded by the NHS and Social Work. The remainder of the funding needed comes for voluntary donations and Quarriers.
If you are affected by epilepsy or caring for or supporting someone with epilepsy please get in touch with your nearest support group.
As well as mutual support and advice the groups often arrange events and outings at other times and seeks to raise awareness of epilepsy.
Getting in touch
Project Manager
Norma Crawford
The William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre
20 St Kenneth Dr, Glasgow G51 4QD
Mobile No: 07812 376500
[email protected]
Quarriers Epilepsy Fieldwork Service – Aberdeen City
Aberdeen City Carers Service, 37 Albert Street, Aberdeen AB25 1XU
Contact Naomi Stevenson
mobile: 07939 173970
[email protected]
Quarriers Epilepsy Fieldwork Service – North Aberdeenshire
Peterhead Community Hospital, Links Terrace, Peterhead AB42 2XA
Contact Joyce Thomson
Phone 01779 482463
Mobile 07811 337286
[email protected]
Quarriers Epilepsy Fieldwork Service – Central and South Aberdeenshire
Quarriers, Wardes Road, Inverurie, AB51 3TT
Contact Lorraine McNab
Phone 01358 721234
Mobile 07947 634390
[email protected]
Quarriers Epilepsy Fieldwork Service – Fife
[email protected]
Quarriers Epilepsy Fieldwork Service – Moray
44 High Street, Elgin IV30 1BU
Contact Tara Engelmann
Tel: 01309 675900
Mobile 07871 151198
[email protected]
Support Groups
Please note that due to current circumstances, all the support groups are being held virtually. Get in touch with your local fieldworker for more information (see ‘Getting in touch’ section).
Quarriers Epilepsy Fieldwork Service runs epilepsy support groups throughout Grampian. Anyone affected by epilepsy is welcome, whether you experience epilepsy yourself or are caring for or supporting someone with the condition.
As well as mutual support and advice the groups often arrange speakers, social events and outings at other times depending on what the group agrees they would like to do. Examples include bowling, picnics, walks, snooker, swimming, and more adventurous activities such as rock wall climbing.
The groups arrange fundraising activities which are a great way to have fun as well as getting together to raise awareness of epilepsy.
Groups meet regularly as detailed in this leaflet, but please get in touch to confirm details as venues may change due to activities. If attending for the first time is daunting, the Epilepsy Fieldworker can come along to the group with you.
Parents Epilepsy Support groups
We facilitate two parent support groups: one in Stonehaven and the other in Elgin. If you are a parent or grandparent with a child or grandchild with epilepsy, you are most welcome.
Parents can feel very isolated caring for a child or young person with epilepsy. Having other parents to talk to and hear how they manage, and to share experiences is a great support. Group members are encouraged to develop the group to meet their needs. Drop in for a cuppa and a chat. Children are welcome.
Aberdeenshire
Support Group Inverurie
A support group meets in Quarriers, Wardes Road, Inverurie AB51 3TT on the first Monday of each month from 2 – 4pm.
For further information, contact Epilepsy Fieldworker Lorraine on 01358 721234 or 07947 634390, or email [email protected].
Parents Support Group Stonehaven Being a parent supporting a child with epilepsy can often feel a lonely and frightening place. It can help to meet others in the same situation and share experiences and strategies, and to chat about issues that affect you. The group in Stonehaven meets in the Masonic Hall, Mary Street, Stonehaven AB39 2AZ. Children are welcome.
For further information, contact Epilepsy Fieldworker Lorraine on 01358 721234 or 07947 634390, or email [email protected].
Support Group Banff
There is an independent epilepsy support group (North East Epilepsy Support Group), that meets in Banff on the last Tuesday of each month at 6.30 in the Town and County Club, 11 Boyndie St, Banff. AB45 1DY. Contact Gary McGregor on 01261 843823.
Support Group Peterhead
The support group in Peterhead, The Buchan Epilepsy Social and Support Group, meet on the first Monday of each month at 1.30 – 3.30 in the Albert Hotel, 75 Queen St, Peterhead AB42 1TU.
Contact Joyce Thomson the Epilepsy Fieldworker on 01779 482463 or email [email protected].
Aberdeen
Support Group Aberdeen City
The group usually meet in the Salvation Army Citadel, Aberdeen on the first Friday of each month 1-3pm.
For further information, contact Epilepsy Fieldworker Naomi Stevenson on 07939 173970, or email [email protected].
Moray
Support Group Buckie
The support group meet in the Riverside Church, High Street, Buckie on the first Wednesday of each month at 1 – 2.30pm (apart from January). If you are affected by epilepsy in any way, you are most welcome. The group often arranges outings and events so to check what is on and if they are meeting somewhere else.
Contact Epilepsy Fieldworker Tara Engelmann on 01309 675900 or 07871 151198, or email [email protected].
Support Group Elgin
The Elgin support group meet on the first Thursday of each month 7.30 – 9pm in the Moray Resource Centre. Maisondieu Road, Elgin. IV30 1RX. Speakers, outings and events are arranged and it is an ideal opportunity to meet new friends and learn from others experiences.
For further information contact James Wilson 07720 303932
Parents Support Group Elgin
Harvest Centre, 10 Greyfriars Street, Elgin IV30 1LF. If you are a parent, family member or a Carer who has a child with epilepsy, you are most welcome to come to the group.
Contact Epilepsy Fieldworker Tara Engelmann on 01309 675900 or 07871 151198, or email [email protected].