This page provides information on support after meningitis in the UK. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please ask our friendly team for some assistance in getting you to the right place.
There is, firstly, a list of organisations specifically concerned with Meningitis, then a separate section on places to go for help if you have suffered bereavement, and lastly, links to advice about finances and benefits.
Meningitis Now – Free support services, providing vital support when it is needed most of all, throughout the UK. There is a Helpline to call and home visits in cases of bereavement. Their peer to peer service puts you in touch with people who have had a similar meningitis experience. You can talk, email and, in some cases, meet up.
They also have an active online community using Facebook, Twitter and Health Unlocked. You can click on the links to join the social media discussions.
Telephone Helpline 0808 80 10 388
Email info@meninigitisnow.org
Website: www.meningitisnow.org
Meningitis Research Foundation – supporting those affected by meningitis and septicaemia. MRF supports the view that any people find it helpful to talk to someone with a similar experience of meningitis and septicaemia. They have a telephone befriending network has been bringing together people who have been affected by meningitis and septicaemia.
UK Helpline 080 8800 3344
Ireland Helpline 1800 41 33 44
email helpline@meningitis.org
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/meningitisresearch
Twitter @M_R_F
Website: https://www.meningitis.org/get-support/get-support
Action Medical Research for children – funding medical research to beat the diseases that devastate the lives of so many of our children. You can find out about events in your local area, support these and, if you wish, get involved.
Website: www.action.org.uk/events/your-area
Brain & Spine Foundation – Run by neuroscience nurses, providing support and information on all aspects of neurological conditions for patients, their families and carers, and health professionals. This organisation provides information and is able to be there during diagnosis, treatments and in the longer term, to answer questions and provide support throughout a patient’s journey.
It is the only UK wide charity providing support on the full range of neurological conditions, as well as support after meningitis for which it has a really helpful factsheet.
Brain and Spine Helpline – another helpline organisation, with email contact and social media forums.
Freephone number 0808 808 1000
or email helpline@brainandspine.org.uk
Website: www.brainandspine.org.uk
IN CASES OF BEREAVEMENT
Cruse Bereavement Care- National bereavement organisation offers comprehensive service of counselling by trained and selected people, advice on practical matters and opportunities for social contact. Monthly magazine and other literature. Many branches offer social contact and practical advice. Also training for those who work with the bereaved.Provides a telephone helpline for support after bereavement. It also has trained volunteers who provide face-to-face support and practical advice in branches across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.26 Sheen Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1UR Telephone number 0208 939 9530.www.cruse.org.uk/
British Association for Counselling – Dedicated to the promotion of counselling and maintenance of standards and training and practice, providing information on training and lists of local counsellors on receipt of a S.A.E.
Address: BACP House, 35-37 Albert Street, Rugby, Warks, CV2 2SG, Telephone number 0870 443 5252. British Association
Website: www.bacp.co.uk
Winston’s Wish
Winston’s Wish is the leading childhood bereavement charity in the UK. They offer practical support and guidance to bereaved children, their families and professionals.
Helpline 08452 03 04 05
http://www.winstonswish.org.uk/
The Child Death Helpline
A helpline for anyone affected by the death of a child of any age, from pre-birth to adult, under any circumstances, however recently or long ago. You can talk openly about your child’s life and death – first and foremost they will listen. You can freely express your worries and emotions in complete confidence.
The confidential helpline is open every day of the year.
Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm
Tuesdays 1pm to 4pm
Wednesdays 1pm to 4pm
Every evening 7pm to 10pm
It is freephone 0800 282 986 or on a mobile 0808 800 6019
Website: www.childdeathhelpline.org/
FOR FINANCIAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT AFTER MENINGITIS
For financial help.
For advice on benefits entitlement and financial matters, we recommend you seek further information via your local authority website for local support services or at The Money Advice Service. You can also find your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau via this website.
Law Centres
Law Centres provide free legal advice and representation to disadvantaged people. As well as benefits and welfare rights advice, Law Centres offer legal advice by telephone but also face-to-face on issues including employment and housing.
To find your local Law Centre use the link below:
England, Wales and Northern Ireland – find your nearest Law Centre
