Annual Report 15-16

Our purpose at Young Epilepsy is to help create a society in which children and young people living with epilepsy can thrive and fulfil their potential, have their voices listened to and respected, and their ambitions realised.

Young Epilepsy's annual review looks at the range of work we have carried out over the course of the year. It explains how donations, contracts and fundraising activities have helped pay for our services.

Key Achievements

  • New School Building:
    • Completed in June 2016 after raising £5.8 million.
    • Includes modern classrooms, sensory rooms, a swimming pool, and a food tech suite.
    • Designed with input from students.
  • Education Success:
    • 73 pupils at St Piers School and 122 students at the College.
    • 100% of Key Stage 4 students met or exceeded targets.
    • 90% of College students achieved their goals.
    • 56% took part in work experience.
  • Health Services:
    • Delivered 58 epilepsy assessments, mostly for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
    • Provided rehabilitation for 4 children.
  • Care Services:
    • Despite funding challenges, we gave staff a 6% pay rise.
    • Continued improving services while keeping costs fair.

National Impact

  • Policy Change:
    • Government agreed to train nursery staff in seizure first aid—something we recommended.
  • Support Workers:
    • Active in Hampshire, London, Kent, Essex, and Lancashire.
    • Help children and families with emotional and social challenges.
  • Training & Awareness:
    • 40 universities joined our Epilepsy Friendly Scheme.
    • 1,500 school staff trained, helping 50,000 pupils.
    • 324 higher education professionals completed our online epilepsy training.

Research Highlights

  • We led major studies on:
    • Epilepsy in infants (EPIPEG).
    • Sleep and memory in children with epilepsy.
    • Ketogenic diets for young children with epilepsy.
  • Hosted our sixth international Research Retreat with 104 researchers.

Future Plans

  • Expand services beyond Lingfield through partnerships.
  • Improve pricing models and strengthen relationships with commissioners.
  • Continue growing our research and national outreach.

Financial Overview

  • Total income: £27.7 million (down from £29.2 million).
  • Surplus: £1 million.
  • Capital spending: £4.8 million (mainly on the new school).
  • Fundraising income: £2.5 million.
  • Pension deficit: £7.4 million (being managed responsibly).
  • Free reserves: £5 million (covers about 10 weeks of operations).