Schools
Every year, thousands of young children and people in the UK are struck down by meningitis. Here at Meningitis UK we are working hard to fight the disease. Our aim is to support research to find a vaccine to eradicate meningitis and prevent the devastation it causes.
Although vaccines exist against to protect against some forms of the disease such as Meningitis C, Hib and pneumococcal meningitis, there is still no vaccine to protect against the most common strain in the UK - meningococcal group B, which accounts for almost 90% of all cases.
Obviously, the more support we get, the sooner a vaccine can be developed, so we would really appreciate your help. Below are just some of the ways that your school or nursery might like to support Meningitis UK.
Are you a play leader or involved with a group of children under the age of five? Are you looking for new ways to keep the little ones entertained and happy, whilst helping them to learn about themselves and the world around them? Then the Big Bug Hunt is the event for you.
Designed to appeal to pre-school children's love of bugs - and anything bug related - our Cheeky Bug, like the Meningitis bug, needs to be found. And the best way of finding him is via the Big Bug Hunt. The Big Bug Hunt is really easy to organise and has been designed specifically to fit around the needs of play groups and the abilities and interests of pre-school children with activities such as a sponsored bug hunt or obstacle course, fancy dress, bug stories and a colouring competition. Not only will it be really fun, but there are also endless opportunities for learning, whether the children are counting bug's legs, painting and colouring or searching and exploring. Or you could use it as the focal point of a week-long health or bug-related activity.
To give you a head start on Cheeky Bug, we've put together a free Resource Pack which includes Big Bug stickers for every child, a Cheeky Bug Story sheet, tips on running your event, sponsorship forms, symptoms cards for parents, grid games, downloadable images and templates plus much more. Cheeky Bug will also be available to visit lucky groups across the country.
By taking part, you will be helping to protect children from meningitis - a disease which particularly affects children under the age of five. Groups will also have the option of keeping 25 per cent for their own organisation.
We'd like to see as many people join in as possible so if you're part of a nursery or pre-school group, or a parent, grandparent or child minder, why not get your little ones involved. You would be helping to raise vital awareness of the disease plus it's a great deal of fun!
Registration is open now! To register or find out more go to our dedicated site www.bigbughunt.org or give us a call on 0117 373 73 73.
Mini Maskathon
This event is also for younger children (nursery and pre-school age groups), and can take place at any time of the year, at your convenience. All participants are given mask templates and the children are challenged to flex their creativity by decorating their masks. They then get to show off their creations by doing a sponsored event ,such as a masquerade or hop, skip and jump! Each participating nursery or pre-school will be given a pack loaded with goodies, including a REG CD for the children to sing along to. For more information or to register your interest, please contact Laura Chapman on 0117 373 73 73.
Organising your own Event
Alternatively, perhaps you would prefer to come up with your own idea for an event that is special to your nursery or school. If your school has a charity committee or council, why not encourage them to organise an event for Meningitis UK?
This is a fantastic way to gain valuable skills, plus coming up with some wild and wacky ideas and taking part in the event itself can also be great fun! Here are a few ideas we've listed to get you started:
Nursery and Primary Schools
- Teddy bear's picnic
- Craft sale
- Easter bonnet parade
- Sponsored silence
Secondary Schools
- Theatre production
- Music concert
- It's a knock out competition
- Christmas/Summer/End of Year Ball
- Sponsored challenges (eg climbing the stairs of the school to the equivalent height of a mountain)
- Non-uniform day
- Meningitis awareness week
- Joining one of our twice-yearly marathon walks
- Putting teachers in the stocks!
We can provide you with all the support you may need, as well as a whole range of resources such as balloons, posters and stickers to help make your event a real success! We would also be more than happy to come along and talk to your school about meningitis or accept a cheque.
For more information, please download our "Guide to Organising your Own Event" or get in touch with our Community Fundraising Officer, Emily Knight on 0117 373 73 73 or email emilyknight@meningitisUK.org
Awareness
'Check the Symptoms' Fridge Magnet
As most teachers and parents are all too aware, meningitis can strike incredibly quickly and the highest incidence is in young people, so raising awareness amongst pupils, parents and staff is imperative as prompt treatment can literally mean the difference between life and death.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
