Multi-Language Epilepsy Information

Main Category: Epilepsy
Article Date: 02 Jul 2005 - 17:00 PDT

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Epilepsy Action, the UK's largest member-led epilepsy organisation, has launched a multi-language leaflet for Kurdish, Somali, Welsh, Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Hindi and Gujarati speakers, to highlight the support services of the charity, through the use of Language Line.

The leaflet has been produced to reflect the change in the UK's demographics and its purpose is to draw attention to the Epilepsy Action Freephone Helpline, 0808 800 5050, which, through Language Line, is able to provide telephone information in one hundred and fifty languages.

Kathy Bairstow, senior advice and information officer at Epilepsy Action, said: "Effective communication is the key to disseminating information in any language. These leaflets explain to people, who do not have English as their first language, how to access our Freephone Helpline and our information leaflets in a way that is suitable to them."

Research has shown that language barriers can make it difficult for culturally diverse minorities to speak to their GP. This has resulted in fewer than expected people being diagnosed with epilepsy in the UK's culturally diverse communities. The aim of the Language Line Service and information leaflet is to encourage people to use the free support services.

The multi-language leaflet and a range of leaflets about epilepsy in different languages are available via the Epilepsy Action Freephone Helpline on 0808 800 5050, or the website http://www.epilepsy.org.uk.

Details of case studies are available. For further information, or a PDF version of the leaflet cover, please contact Lucy Rollinson, press officer, at Epilepsy Action on 0113 210 8800, or press@epilepsy.org.uk

Information about epilepsy:

- Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological conditions affecting 1 in 131 people in the UK.

- About 1 in 20 people has an epileptic seizure at some time in their lives, but not all develop epilepsy.

- Epilepsy can affect anyone, at any age, from any walk of life.

- There are over 40 different types of seizure; a person can have more than 1 type.

- Around 75% of people could have their seizures controlled with the correct medication.

About Epilepsy Action:

- Helps over 497,000 people every year through its services including its Freephone Helpline (0808 800 5050), website (http://www.epilepsy.org.uk), branch network and accredited volunteer scheme.

- Largest member-led epilepsy charity in the UK with around 18,000 members.

- Offers a range of literature, videos and a cd-rom covering all aspects of epilepsy.

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