Supporting you

Following meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia

“Funding for Noah’s therapy lifted the financial burden we felt at a time when we were in such emotional turmoil.”

Emotionally

Whatever your experience of meningitis*, we know that it can change people’s lives forever.

For some, the support of family and friends will get them through, or for others the help and support we can provide is vital. We never want anyone to suffer alone; our support is for children, teenagers and adults. We offer our help to the whole family, friends and community.

Andy was 53 when he contracted meningitis;

“My life changed dramatically after meningitis. I may look fit and healthy, but I can’t stand for long, walk far or remember what I was told five minutes ago. I often feel depressed because I can no longer work and support my family. We were told about Meningitis Now when I left hospital, but we ‘coped’ for five years before getting in touch.

When I called the helpline I was desperate. It was so good to speak to someone who understood me – I just wish I had done it sooner. Having one of Meningitis Now’s community staff visit us in our home was invaluable. The counselling service has also given both of us the insight into how meningitis has changed our lives and helped give us a positive outlook.”

Emotional support can come in so many forms, and you can choose what suits you; talking to us on the phone or speaking to someone who’s been through it too, counselling or joining our meningitis online community Health Unlocked.

Always here to help and support you

*Meningitis is used to describe meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia

www.healthunlocked.com/meningitisnow

Financially

Meningitis can quickly throw your life into turmoil and the financial impact of the disease is often significant. We know that unexpected financial pressures can be a huge additional burden at an already stressful time. Our financial support grants can help reduce the associated stress and anxiety, as well as provide practical support when it is needed most.

Our grants are not means-tested and anyone who has been affected by meningitis can apply. For more details please email or call our helpline. Grants can help pay for things like specialist equipment, travel and accommodation for hospital visits, respite care, funeral expenses and headstones.

Noah was 16 months when he contracted meningitis, mum Donna explains;

“Noah is profoundly deaf as a result of meningitis and has bilateral cochlear implants (electronic hearing devices). Because of all the people that gave so generously to Meningitis Now, Noah has received auditory verbal therapy which allows him to listen and speak as an equal in school. Also reading and behaviour management sessions funded by Meningitis Now meant he could read with confidence at six years old.

Now nine, with learning becoming more complex Noah will need further help and support for reading and maths, again with the support of Meningitis Now he can catch up. Noah can’t be cured but he can learn and develop strategies so that he can do what everyone else does easily.”

For more information about our financial support grants call our helpline 0808 80 10 388 (UK) or email helpline@meningitisnow.org

Individually

When someone has meningitis, whatever the type, it can affect the individual and the whole family in so many different ways. Our range of services, including bereavement support, means we can work with individuals and families to ensure that the help we offer is right for you.

Supporting you close to home is important to us; we have a community team working all over the UK, ensuring that help is close by. Counselling, complementary therapies or creative therapies such as art therapy, can be arranged so that you don’t have to travel far, making it as easy as possible for you and your family.

Each year around the UK, we provide opportunities for individuals and families to come together. They are designed to meet the needs of all ages and provide a great opportunity for everyone to share experiences, have fun and be supported in an environment where no one needs to explain why they may have disabilities or special needs.

“It was really nice to speak to other families. It helped us realise that we are not alone. Our son finds it hard to interact with other children, but found it much easier at the Meningitis Now day.”

“Your support is helping me to move on and re-adjust to life

after meningitis.”

“I am so grateful. Counselling provided by Meningitis Now helped me come to terms with the loss of the man that I married, and adjust to the new husband I have.”

Meningitis Now is here to help you, when you need us and for as long as you need us.

We offer practical, emotional and financial support for all those living with the impact of the disease. We support individuals, and their families, including those who have been bereaved, helping to rebuild lives after meningitis and septicaemia.

We can:

• Listen; and answer your questions about meningitis and septicaemia

• Talk to you about your individual experience and how we can tailor our help to you

• Visit you in your own home and provide support locally to you

• Put you in touch with others who have been through it too

• Provide financial assistance for unexpected costs following meningitis

• Support you and those closest to you; children, teenagers and adults

• Make you a priority; we have no waiting lists for our services

If you are interested in finding out how we can help, give us a call and we can talk everything through.

Meningitis Helpline 0808 80 10 388 (UK)

Front cover: The Jenkins family – Louie hadmeningococcal disease aged five months.

© Meningitis Now June 2014 • Next review Jan 2016Registered charity number 803016 (England & Wales) SC037790 (Scotland)

References for content of this leaflet are available on our website.

Meningitis Helpline0808 80 10 388 (UK)

www.MeningitisNow.org

Tel: 01453 768000Fax: 01453 768001info@meningitisnow.org

Fern House, Bath Road, Stroud , Gloucestershire GL5 3TJ

Meningitis Now is the UK’s leading meningitis charity. We are saving lives and rebuilding futures through awareness, research and support.

Without your invaluable support, determined spirit and dedication, we couldn’t fund awareness, research and support. Here’s how you can help:

Become a volunteerIf you have some spare time or energy, there are many ways you can help us reach more people and raise awareness of meningitis.

Share your experienceSharing your experience of meningitis can empower others to ask for the information and support they need to help with their own recovery.

Raise some moneyTake part in one of our extreme challenges or simply host afternoon tea with friends – there are so many ways you can raise money and have fun doing it.

Make a donationBy giving a single donation, setting up a direct debit or leaving a legacy, you can help make a real difference.