The Croydon College Group has been accredited the Epilepsy Friendly status by national charity Young Epilepsy due to their ongoing improvements with supporting students living with the condition.
Staff at Croydon College, Coulsdon Sixth Form College and Croydon University Centre have taken it upon themselves to learn more about the effects that life in further and higher education can have on young people with epilepsy. They have done so by enrolling in Young Epilepsy’s ‘Epilepsy Friendly’ scheme which provides free epilepsy training and resources for colleges and universities across the UK.
Epilepsy can have devastating effects on young people in further and higher education; Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy has a high occurrence in this age range. Stress, alcohol, tiredness, lack of sleep, dehydration, forgetting to take medication can all be contributing factors.
Vicky Chainey, Director of Student Support Services at the Croydon College Group, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as an Epilepsy Friendly organisation.
“Epilepsy is often misunderstood and so there can be confusion when it comes to support in education. We wanted to assure young people, and their families, that we are committed to understanding their individual needs and providing the support that enables them to attend Croydon College, Coulsdon Sixth Form College or Croydon University Centre.
“By making some small provisions we have the opportunity to make a big difference, providing an environment that will promote a positive educational experience..”
Matt Sims, Chief Executive Officer at Croydon BID, said: “Epilepsy is not a barrier. It’s not a barrier to learning. It’s not a barrier to success. It’s something millions of people cope with every single day.
“As somebody who has had epilepsy for more than 20 years, Croydon College should be congratulated for their approach to mental health, including epilepsy, and the forward steps they are taking to ensure their staff and students are not just aware but can support their peers.”
Young Epilepsy is the national charity working exclusively on behalf of children and young people with epilepsy. They are a leading provider of specialist health and education services and offer support, information resources, training for professionals and also campaign to improve access to, and quality of, health and education services.
For more information about additional learning support available at the Croydon College group email the ALS team: als@croydon.ac.uk
