REGULAR customers at Waitrose in Helensburgh may have noticed a new recruit replenishing the shelves.

Sophie Taylor,23, joined the staff team on a three-week placement arranged by Epilepsy Scotland.

This is the first time that the national epilepsy charity and Waitrose have collaborated on a placement scheme.

Waitrose Helensburgh’s partner co-ordination manager, Colin Taylor, said: “We worked with Epilepsy Scotland to design a placement that would help someone with a common neurological condition to learn about working in a busy supermarket environment.

“We not only want to help Sophie increase her self-confidence, but ensure our partners become more aware of the challenges faced by people with epilepsy.”

Asked about her placement, Sophie remarked: “I’ve found it very interesting and I’m getting used to the work.

“The Waitrose Helensburgh staff are very friendly and supportive”

Epilepsy Scotland’s chief executive, Lesslie Young, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Waitrose in Helensburgh to pilot a placement scheme for young adults with epilepsy.

“We applaud this Waitrose team for their sensitive approach in matching the needs of the store with the competencies of a trainee with epilepsy.”

Epilepsy Scotland represents the 55,000 people in Scotland who have epilepsy, along with their families and carers.

Support and information about the condition is available via the charity’s Freephone helpline (0808 800 2200), by e-mail to enquiries@epilepsyscotland.org.uk or by text to 07786 209501.

You can also find out more by finding the charity on Facebook, on Twitter at @epilepsy_scot or online at www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk.