The helpline will take a short break during 22nd–26th December, reopening 29th–31st December, 9am–5pm, and returning to normal hours from 9am on Friday 2nd January.
We know how frightening and isolating meningitis and sepsis can be. It’s a difficult time not just for the person who has experienced meningitis; the whole community of family and friends are also affected.
Our Support Services team is available to support you throughout your meningitis journey. Available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, we can speak to you on:
- Phone: 080 8800 3344 (UK) / 1800 41 33 44 (Republic of Ireland).
- Email: helpline@meningitis.org.
- Live chat (bottom right corner of your screen).
Remember, if you worry that you or someone else is showing
signs of meningitis or sepsis, call 999 in the UK or 112 in Ireland immediately.
We don’t provide diagnostic medical advice.
Our helpline team
Every day we speak to people across the globe who have been affected by meningitis.
Whether you’re living with the after-effects of meningitis or coping with the death of a loved one, we’re here for you.
Our Support Services team are available to answer questions, give advice and listen to you. We’re proud to provide accurate, evidence-based information on a range of topics including:
- What are meningitis and sepsis?
- Signs and symptoms of meningitis.
- What are the after-effects of meningitis?
- Information on the vaccines that protect against meningitis.
You are genuinely a lifeline, I absolutely cannot ever explain how much the person that answered the call that day helped me… I will never have the words.Mandy, helpline user
Living with bereavement
We’re trained and experienced in supporting people affected by bereavement because of meningitis and sepsis.
We understand that grief affects everyone differently. We know that talking about your feelings and emotions will help. You can contact us on the helpline, email or Live Chat – we’re here for you.
Our website has a lot of information for people who have been bereaved, to help you and your family through your grief journey.
After-effects of meningitis and sepsis
People often contact us to ask if what they’re experiencing is ‘normal’. We have the latest information about after-effects available on our website.
Our Support Services team have plenty of advice and guidance to help you manage after meningitis.
Meningitis and me
The videos cover topics including:
– Managing grief and loss.
– Managing your recovery from meningitis.
– Life after amputations.
– Looking after your mental health.
The videos are full of advice, wisdom and guidance from those who have experienced the heartbreak of meningitis.
Meningitis in your words
You can search for stories similar to your own, which can help people feel less alone in their experiences and learn from the journeys of others.
You can read through the stories and share your own.
'Everyone has their untold story. Remember that you’re never alone, there is always someone waiting to listen, to help or to advise. Together, we can beat this.’Martin, Meningitis Research Foundation Ambassador
Hear from Caroline
Our Support Services Manager has written a blog all about the work we do, our motivations and what makes us proud.