Epilepsy Scotland: Lighthouse Youth Project

The Lighthouse Youth Project is based in Edinburgh. Being diagnosed with epilepsy can be difficult at any age, but it can be particularly difficult if you are a teenager, already dealing with a lot of changes in your life. It can sometimes feel overwhelming.

You may have a lot of questions or have worries that you wish to talk about. You may not know where to go to get appropriate advice, information or support.

Young people involved in the Lighthouse Youth Project meet regularly to undertake social activities and go on various trips together.The project is split into two groups:

• Youth Group: This group is for young people with epilepsy aged from 11 to 15. The group meets every 2 weeks for an activity. These activities include archery, bowling, laser quest, electronic gaming, drumming or a day gorge walking.
• Transition Group: This group is for young people with epilepsy aged 15 to 19. The Transition group meet every 2 weeks for an activity. These activities are similar to the Youth Group, but we also try to incorporate age-appropriate events like job seeking and careers and workshops on communication, alcohol, drugs, and memory problems

As a group member, you would be actively involved in making decisions about group activities and the things you would like to do. You would meet regularly and discuss ideas for the upcoming activity programmes.

Have a look at previous years' programmes for some ideas what the groups are up to:

• Transition Group Summer leaflet 2010 
• Youth Group Autumn and Winter Schedule 2009 
• Youth Group Summer Leaflet 2010

If you want details of the new programmes, please contact our youth worker, Zoe Reid, on 0131 226 5458 or email zreid@epilepsyscotland.org.uk

The Lighthouse project also provides one to one support. We give you the chance to have a confidential chat with our youth worker, Zoe Reid.

She will give you the space to talk about issues you may be dealing with, or just to have a chat. We provide information and support on many issues regarding epilepsy.

We also help with many other non-epilepsy related issues, worries or concerns that you may be having. Meeting with the youth worker can happen as frequently as you like or, it can just be a one off chat.

It's up to you and we will fit around your needs and wishes. If you are feeling particularly isolated then Zoe can meet with you more often and try to help resolve any issues you bring up.

Zoe can keep in touch with and work alongside schools, family planning clinics, job centres, GPs, Epilepsy Specialist Nurses and social workers. This is up to you.

There is a lot going on with the Lighthouse Youth Project. If you are interested in becoming a member or just wish to find out more about it, please call Zoe 0131 226 5458 or email: ZReid@epilepsyscotland.org.uk

You may also be interested in our teenage guide Guide to getting on with your life.