support
CALL THE IRISH HELPLINE ON: 1800 523 196
The Meningitis Trust
Visit the Irish Meningitis Trust homepage
We provide support through a range of professional services for people affected by by meningitis. We are commited to funding research into effective vaccines and treatments and the effects of meningitis on sufferers, as well as providing education programmes for the public and health professionals. We provide support services across Ireland which include the following:
- 24 hr nurse led helpline : that provides information and emotional support
- One of the most devastating outcomes of meningitis and septicaemia is death. There are many ways in which we can offer help and support for those bereaved. Our trained staff are here to listen if you have lost a loved one: Irish Helpline: 1800 523 196
- Counselling services: Following what can be an extremely traumatic experience the emotional effects on individuals and their families can be huge, even with a good physical recovery. People say that their emotions change from day to day and it is important to remember that everyone will respond to their illness differently..... Many families find it difficult to cope with the challenging emotional effects when there is not always an easy answer to the problems. At this time patience and understanding is often the best way forward. Some people may need more support to get through the bad time
- Home visits: Many people come to us for support long after their experience of meningitis and we often hear the words 'if only we'd known about you before'. A home visit gives you the chance to talk to someone from the Meningitis Trust in your own home. We can explain our services, listen to your needs and offer support and understanding . We arrange all home visits after a referral from a GP or other health professional
Personal comment from a lady who contracted pneumococcal meningitis.
" For a long time I grieved for the person I was before meningitis and didn't want to acknowledge the new deaf me. Without the support I received from my family and the Meningitis Trust I would have been truly lost. I was able to talk through my feelings to someone that really understood. It was reassuring to be told that what I was going through was all part of the recovery process after meningitis."
- Serious after effects can lead to many changes because of frequent visits to hospital, ongoing treatment and disruption to family life . This can be a difficult time for everyone.
- Brothers and sisters, particularly young children will need extra attention and understanding because they can experience anxiety and feelings of isolation. It is important that all the family receives the care and support to meet their needs.
- One to one contacts : We understand that sometimes there is no better way to come to terms with your experience than to speak to someone who has also been in a similar situation. We can put you in touch with someone who knows what it's like to be affected by meningitis and is happy to share their experience with you.
Visit the Irish Meningitis Trust homepage
- Just to hear the words "I know how you feel" really helped.