Epilepsy Action provides new service for helpline users

Thursday, 06, Mar 2008 12:00

Advice and information about epilepsy is now available at the touch of a button thanks to a new text message service launched today (March 3).

Epilepsy Action, the UK's largest member-led epilepsy organisation, has introduced the new service to ensure advice and information about epilepsy is as accessible as possible.

The system allows people to text questions to the Epilepsy Helpline from their mobile phone. A trained member of Epilepsy Action's advice and information team will then send a reply within 24 hours (on working days).

Amanda Stoneman, Epilepsy Action's advice and information services officer, said: "We are delighted to announce the launch of this new service. We recognise that whereas some people may feel more comfortable talking to our helpline advisers over the phone, others may prefer to text.

"We are always looking for new ways to reach people with an interest in epilepsy, and to improve access to Epilepsy Action's wealth of advice and information services."

People who would like to use the new text service should save this number to their mobile phone: 07797 805 390. You will be charged at your usual rate for any texts you send. Replies are free.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

1. For further details about Epilepsy Action, please contact Keeley Eastwood in the press office on 0113 210 8870, or email pressofficer@epilepsy.org.uk.

2. Epilepsy is the UK’s most common serious neurological condition affecting an estimated 456,000 people. Epilepsy Action is a registered charity. As well as campaigning to improve epilepsy services and raise awareness of the condition, we offer assistance to local people in a number of ways including a national network of branches, accredited volunteers, regular regional conferences, an Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050, and an award-winning website - www.epilepsy.org.uk – which features a new online advice and information service.