Filming something special...
On a cold but sunny day in November we met in London’s Red Lion Square, just outside the Epilepsy Research Institute, to film something very exciting for BBC’s The One Show.
As part of the #UnderstandMyEpilepsy campaign we heard stories from young people facing unnecessary barriers through people not understanding their epilepsy. The One Show film explores this misunderstanding of epilepsy and how this can impact young people in the careers they aspire to. Presented by Edith Bowman, who herself lived with epilepsy as a child, the film explores the impact of the condition and current advances in research.
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Making their voices heard
17-year-old Jasmine told Edith how she was excluded from her school’s work experience programme with her condition given as the reason. Jasmine would love to go into sports journalism and should have had the same work experience opportunities as her peers albeit with any additional support she may have needed.
11-year-old Cash talked about not being allowed to join a football camp in the easter holidays. Organisers had a blanket restriction in place preventing anyone with epilepsy taking part, something that meant aspiring footballer Cash was left out while his friends took part.
Our Young Trustee, Joe also joined us to talk about some of the positive experiences he has had in his first job. His current employer has taken the time to understand what Joe’s epilepsy means for him specifically and has supported him accordingly.
The One Show also spent time reporting on research from the Epilepsy Research Institute, of which Young Epilepsy is a founding partner.
Understand My Epilepsy
The film explores the impact of epilepsy on jobs in particular, but it also highlights the need for more understanding of the condition. There are over 40 different types of seizure and everyone will have their own triggers, recovery time, medication side-effects and mental health impact. Without understanding what epilepsy means for the individual, unnecessary barriers are often in place for many young people in the UK meaning they miss out when they shouldn't.
Together we can change that.
Show your support to children and young people facing unnecessary barriers Add your name to the manifesto
