A man who says he woke up in a police cell after taking an epileptic seizure in public is now working to educate others on the condition.
James McGrouther is one of the treasurers of West Dunbartonshire Epilepsy Support Group (WDESG), which was set up in Clydebank in 2014.
The group, which meets twice a month, assists people living with the chronic neurological condition, as well as their loved ones and the public.
WDESG provides information using non-medical terms on a range of issues, including safety in the home and using public transport.
James highlighted the importance of awareness when it comes to epilepsy as he believes the condition “does have a stigma”.
He said: “The group was formed 11 years ago as we felt there was a need to educate and inform people about the condition.
“Speaking from personal experience, in 1977 I had a seizure at Bristol Temple Meads station. I was on the way home to Glasgow and collapsed on the platform.
“I then woke up in a British Transport Police cell because they thought I was drunk, which was a bit embarrassing.
“The condition does have a stigma like that. People don’t fully understand the impact it can have. There are issues, including travelling on public transport.
“If you take a seizure whilst on a bus or train, a lot of people might not know what to do, and you will get people who give you a hard time.
“Epilepsy takes so many different forms as well, and it’s a matter of education and getting the message across.”
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WDESG members including James, chairperson Brian Rocks, who has won numerous awards for his work in supporting people with epilepsy, and treasurer John Heaney, attend the cross-party group on epilepsy at the Scottish Government.
The group say this allows them not only to advocate for people with the condition but to bring light to issues that affect them in their day-to-day life.
WDESG noted that they have also reached out to Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), local schools, and football clubs as part of potential educational campaigns.
Something the group believes is vitally important.
James added: “We discuss what we can do to help people with the condition, whether it’s getting fire alarms installed in their home, making modifications to their properties to make life a little easier, or getting them a carer.
“We are also looking to run campaigns again with Police Scotland, the SFRS, the Clyde Shopping Centre, and local schools to help educate people as to what to do.
“Firstly, how to identify a seizure, as there are over 40 types. Identifying when someone is having a seizure and what to do to keep them safe and to keep you safe.
“We’re trying to educate people not just for our benefit but for their benefit too. The meetings are open to everyone, whether they have epilepsy or they’re a carer for someone with epilepsy.
"We’re there to help, to educate, as an advocacy group.”
The group meets on the first Monday of the month at 10am in the management suite at the Clyde Shopping Centre and on the third Thursday of the month at 6.30pm at the Improving Lives Building on Dumbarton Road.
WDESG is open to everyone, free of charge, and encourages anyone interested to head along.
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