<p><strong>The Paediatric Epilepsy Service in Gloucestershire</strong></p><p>We currently have approximately 500 children and young people in Gloucestershire with epilepsy. The paediatric epilepsy service consists of two paediatricians and an epilepsy nurse specialist.</p><p><strong>Purpose of EPIC</strong></p><p>1. Counselling - to provide short term mental health care for children and young people diagnosed with epilepsy.</p><p>2. Patient and peer support groups.</p><p>3. Equipment - to provide specialist diagnostic equipment</p><p>4. Information - to provide written information and resources.</p><p><strong>Goals of EPIC</strong></p><p>Children and young people with epilepsy are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression than their peers.&nbsp;</p><p>The main purpose of EPIC would be to employ a part time mental health worker to work specifically with the Paediatric Epilepsy team in the county. They would provide initial mental health assessments, short term intervention counselling and identification for the need of referral to CYPS for ongoing work.</p>