About meningitis

• Bacterial meningitis
• Viral meningitis
• Symptoms
• After effects of meningitis
• Vaccines
• Facts and figures
• Frequently asked questions
• Awareness resources
  • Download resources
  • Online order form
• Quiz
• Symptoms puzzle
• Ask the Expert
• Surveillance
• Science Series
• Useful links

Awareness resources

Meningitis UK runs a nationwide public awareness programme to alert people to the common symptoms of meningitis and the need to act quickly, which can mean the difference between life and death.

We offer a wide range of awareness materials for different target groups. Examples include:

• Handy wallet-sized symptom cards
• 'What you need to know about Meningitis' leaflets
• ‘Check the symptoms' fridge magnets
• Symptoms posters
• Drinks coasters.

These are distributed free of charge to the general public, doctors' surgeries, pharmacies and work places, and to high-risk groups such as schools, nurseries and Universities.  Resources are available to download or can be requested by post using our online order form.

Regular campaigns are also run to highlight the dangers of the disease and presentations and talks are given to schools and community groups nationwide.  Our fundraising activities and events also provide the opportunity to raise awareness, reaching a very wide audience.

Online quiz and interactive symptoms puzzle

To enable people to test their knowledge of meningitis and learn more about the disease and its symptoms, we have launched two online quizzes and an interactive symptoms puzzle. This information will also inform us about the public's understanding of the disease and will enable us to target future awareness materials.

Giant awareness trailer

As part of our nationwide awareness programme, Meningitis UK has a giant awareness trailer, which displays the symptoms of meningitis and tours locations throughout the country on an ongoing basis.

The trailer visits locations such as superstores and events across the UK to encourage people to arm themselves with the knowledge that could save a life. Symptoms cards are also given out to shoppers and passers-by. Local families who support the charity often lend their hand by helping to give out awareness information and by telling their story to the media to alert people to the dangers of meningitis.

We are always looking for new locations for the awareness trailer, so if you have any suggestions or would like to help publicise the work of Meningitis UK, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Philippa Walker, our Media Officer on 0117 373 73 73 or email philippawalker@meningitisUk.org

 

"Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia can kill in hours so minutes count. Having the symptoms to hand can save valuable time and give people the confidence to seek medical help. We are working hard to find a vaccine to eradicate all forms of meningitis, but until a vaccine is found, raising public awareness about these deadly diseases is vital."

Dr Andrew Pollard, consultant paediatrician and Meningitis UK spokesperson