INFACT News and Updates

This page brings together our research announcements, fundraising appeals, campaigning progress, community news and media coverage in one central place.
We update this timeline so families, professionals and supporters can follow our journey and see how, together, we are working for change.

Scroll to explore our story over time.

📅 December 2025

INFACT Christmas Appeal, Help Us Support Families All Year Round

Christmas can be an especially tough time for families affected by sodium valproate and other epilepsy medicines. While many people are planning celebrations, countless parents and carers in our community are juggling complex needs, financial strain and the emotional impact of knowing their child has been harmed by a medicine that was meant to help.

This Christmas, we are asking for donations to support the work of INFACT so that we can continue to:

  • Offer one to one support and listening space for parents and carers
  • Provide clear, accessible information on Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder and other anti seizure medication harms
  • Campaign for justice, recognition and practical support for affected families
  • Raise awareness among healthcare professionals, decision makers and the wider public

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us to keep going, to answer calls, to respond to messages and to stand alongside families who often feel isolated and unheard.

If you are able to support our Christmas Appeal, you will be helping us to:

  • Maintain our support line and online community
  • Develop new resources and information for families
  • Continue our campaigning work across the UK

How to donate
https://infactuk.com/donate/

If you are not in a position to give financially, you can still make a huge difference by sharing our appeal with friends, family, colleagues and community groups. Thank you for standing with families affected by sodium valproate and other anti epileptic medicines.

📅 December 2025

Epilepsy and Menopause Research Register, Participants Needed

Researchers at The University of Manchester and Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust have launched an important study exploring how perimenopause and menopause affect women who live with epilepsy. This research aims to strengthen understanding, improve healthcare guidance and ensure the real experiences of women shape future care. epilepsy and menopause register

Who can take part

Women with epilepsy aged 40 to 65 may be eligible to take part in this study.

What the study involves

This is a questionnaire based project. The research team anticipate that the questionnaire will take 15 to 20 minutes to complete. The questions focus on how menopause and perimenopause may affect:

  • Seizure control and medication
  • Physical and emotional wellbeing
  • Day to day life, work, relationships and independence

By sharing your experience, you will be helping to build a clearer picture of what women with epilepsy are facing at this stage of life.

How to join

To take part, you can:

  • Scan the QR code on the official Epilepsy and Menopause Register poster, or
  • Contact the research team directly at EMR@manchester.ac.uk

If you are eligible, your contribution will support future improvements in care and understanding for women with epilepsy right across the UK.