A WINCHESTER woman has spoken about the struggles she faced with epilepsy as a teenager – and is now trying to help others.

Rachel Batchelor's experiences inspired her to work with a charity to create a new website called The Epilepsy Space.

The 22-year-old was diagnosed with the condition when she was 15.

Now, after working Epilepsy Action (EA), she is determined to help young people manage their condition with the new site.

This comes after an EA poll showed that 78% of people aged 16 to 30 said their confidence had suffered due to living with epilepsy.

Rachel said: “Epilepsy has impacted several aspects of my wellbeing such as sleep, energy levels, eating habits, independence, social life, memory and mental health. At times, epilepsy has also affected my self-esteem, sense of self and feelings towards the future.

“This age group is unique but the advice and resources out there don’t really serve our needs properly. We’re gaining independence, making big decisions. So we want to find our own answers.

"Young people need more help. We get formal support, usually from epilepsy specialists, which is a quick appointment once every six months. But support beyond the medical side is really key. Peer support is essential. The chats we had in our project group were so helpful.

"For example, about getting adjustments at school for essays and exams, or finding out about free bus passes. Many people don’t know what help they are entitled to, or how to ask for it. The Epilepsy Space will be brilliant in giving young people confidence and independence at a crucial time in their lives."

The online resource will be launched during National Epilepsy Week (May 18-24).

Laura Eden, project manager for online learning services at Epilepsy Action, said: “Young people told us they really need their own sources of advice as they juggle epilepsy along with the many milestones of their teenage years and twenties.

"The Epilepsy Space has been created as tailored support, to talk directly to them and address their priorities. The youth advisory group made sure The Epilepsy Space hits the right tone and covers the issues they care about.

"There is no one-size that fits all with epilepsy, but we hope the experiences and advice on The Epilepsy Space can help young people feel more confident, less alone and manage their epilepsy better."