Recently BaxterStorey introduced epilepsy champions alongside their established menopause champions programme – with team members trained to offer support and to start conversations about health issues that are often overlooked.
Jo, who has lived with epilepsy since early childhood, joined BaxterStorey three years ago as chef manager at Scotland’s Rural College Craibstone campus serving up to 300 customers a day.
Jo said: “I love the customers, I get on with the clients, and I enjoy looking after people. It’s hard work, but I love it. People think epilepsy is just seizures, but there’s so much more to it.
“It makes a huge difference to know you can talk openly, without judgement. Menopause and epilepsy together can be overwhelming, but when your company recognises that and offers support, it helps you keep going.”
Jo is passionate about breaking down the stigma and silence that often surrounds epilepsy. She has spoken publicly about the condition, raised funds through bake sales for Epilepsy Action, and started conversations with students on campus. Tuesday 4th November was 'Purple Tuesday', which is an epilepsy awareness day.
She credits both her wife and her manager with helping her manage the challenges of balancing epilepsy, menopause and the pressures of a busy kitchen. Jo recognises the difference it makes when employers go further to create an open culture.
Jo added: “Better to be open about it. One of the students was inspired to share his experience of epilepsy through from chatting to me after the bake sale, another spoke to me about his mum who has it. The more we talk about it, the more people understand.
“There are over 50 types of seizures. There’s memory loss, there’s depression, there’s suicide linked to epilepsy. There needs to be more awareness. People need to know it’s not just seizures.”
Her message is clear with understanding, awareness and the right support in place, people with epilepsy can thrive in any industry, including one as fast paced as hospitality. And by speaking out, Jo is helping to break the stigma around epilepsy, one conversation at a time.