A group of campaigning students have taken to the streets of High Wycombe to raise awareness for epilepsy today.

Twelve students aged between 15 and 17 from the National Citizen Service scheme will be in the High Street until 4pm today, handing out leaflets and quizzes, as well as cupcakes donated by Sainsbury’s.

The group is partnered with the Epilepsy Society in Chalfont St Peter.

In a statement, the teens said: "Last week, we approached members of the public in High Wycombe town centre and presented a survey to them, and we found that there was a general worrying lack of knowledge about epilepsy.

"We believe that it is essential for people to know about epilepsy and to know what to do if they see somebody having a seizure, as well as to dispel the many myths associated with the condition, for several reasons.

"For example, it is important for people to know when they should call an ambulance if they see somebody having an epileptic seizure, and for them to time for how long the seizure lasts.

"A lack of knowledge about epilepsy can have devastating consequences for those with the condition.”

The dedicated volunteers will also be renovating a shed and fence in the garden at Russell House, a care home at the Epilepsy Society, on Wednesday.

They will be painting the shed and fence, as well as decorating them with items which help to stimulate each sense, because many of the residents at the Epilepsy Society suffer from other conditions such as sight loss alongside epilepsy.

Claire Pelham, chief executive officer at the Epilepsy Society, said: “Volunteering does more than get a job done. It fosters a wonderful sense of community spirit, camaraderie and team work.

"The residents in Russell House will really benefit from the work carried out by these enterprising young people from the National Citizen Service.

"But I also hope that residents and the volunteers will all gain so much from working together that they will want to make it an ongoing friendship.

"Not something to dip into occasionally, but a true relationship where both friends learn to rely on each other and grow closer over the years.”