Annual Report 20-21

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. 

The last year may have been defined by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic but I am proud to say that we have responded strongly to the additional challenges faced by children and young people with epilepsy, while being on course to deliver against our strategic plan. 

This focuses our work around four offers: Learning, Health, Research and Information with firm foundations in our three value statements:

  • Young people are at the centre of everything we do
  • We work together to make a greater difference
  • We are courageous and ambitious for change

Key Achievements

  • Support and Reach
    • 674 children and young people supported through casework.
    • 368 accessed our health and diagnostic services.
    • 160 students attended St Piers School and College.
    • 23,000+ views of our Guide for Schools.
    • 355 teaching professionals accessed our e-learning.
    • 19,700 unique visitors to TheChannel.org.uk.
  • Youth-Led Impact
    • Our Young Reps helped shape services, campaigns, and research.
    • The #OnTopOfEpilepsy campaign raised awareness of the link between epilepsy and mental health.
    • The Hub, a peer-support space on The Channel, reached 16,000 users.
  • Innovation in Health
    • Developed the world’s first wearable OPM MEG brain scanner for children.
    • Continued our research partnership with UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital.
    • Launched new research into epilepsy and autism.
  • Education and Care
    • St Piers School and College remained open throughout COVID-19.
    • Achieved ‘Good’ Ofsted and CQC ratings.
    • Maintained strong student outcomes despite pandemic challenges.

COVID-19 Response

  • Kept services running safely with testing, PPE, and vaccinations.
  • Delivered remote learning and virtual assessments.
  • Provided 1,115 hours of support through the Barnardo’s See, Hear, Respond programme.

Financial Highlights

  • Total income: £24.5 million.
  • Fundraised income: £1.4 million – the highest in five years.
  • Free reserves: £4.1 million (14 weeks of operating costs).
  • Pension deficit reduced to £8.9 million.

Looking Ahead

We’re investing in digital tools, inclusive education, and cutting-edge diagnostics. With the voices of young people guiding us, we’re building a future where epilepsy doesn’t hold anyone back.