 | NATIONAL MENINGITIS TRUST |
This article explains the services and support provided for sufferers of
meningitis by the National Meningitis Trust, which has been supporting
meningitis sufferers and their families since its beginning in 1986. The services have been developed over the years, based upon experiences in
dealing with people who have needed help. The services continue to be developed
by the introduction of procedures for monitoring the needs of those who use the
trust and the way in which support is given. 24-hour support line The support line (0345 538118) is for those who are in any way concerned,
anxious, or distressed because they or someone they know has meningitis, the
symptoms of meningitis, or is recovering from meningitis. There is always
someone available to talk to you and to provide emotional support. There are no
pre-recorded messages. If necessary, you will be asked to leave a number and an
experienced helper will always ring you back. The calls are charged at local telephone rates. For this reason you are
asked to only ring the number when in need of emotional support. Other advice
and/or information is available through one of the other numbers. A professional code of conduct is followed, and all calls remain
confidential. Although not insisted upon, details of the sufferer or family can
be useful to help follow-up your call, and to ensure that adequate support is
given. If you do not want to say who is calling, your wishes will be respected. Emotional support visits Because meningitis can develop so quickly, it can be particularly
devastating and distressing and those who suffer meningitis, as well as their
loved ones, often need help to cope with the trauma. The trust recognises that
in many cases, face-to-face emotional support and comfort is needed. You may
feel you need to talk with someone sympathetic who has given support to someone
with similar experience. Staff at the trust specialise in offering this type of
support, and will visit patients or families in hospitals or in their homes. The support can develop from helping you to understand what has happened,
towards full family support relating to what can be expected and where to get
specialist help. Emotional support provided to loved ones bereaved as a result
of meningitis is an area that trust staff have dealt with since 1986. Loved
ones are often devastated by the speed of death that can accompany meningitis.
They can feel guilt and anger at themselves for not recognising symptoms early
enough, and often question why healthy people can die so quickly. These and
many other concerns can be helped by our staff. Often during one of the of the most difficult and traumatic times in the
life of an individual, the trust has been there to help. Many people have
expressed their gratitude in the manner in which they have been helped. If you
need support, or if you know someone who you feel needs emotional support as a
result of meningitis, then contact the trust on 01453 751738 and ask for the
support services department. Rehabilitation advisory service Whilst the trust does not have the resources to offer services and care
direct to those sufferers of meningitis with severe after effects or
disability, it does work with organisations who specialise in the care of
people with specific-related problems as a result of meningitis. It has a complete and in-depth resource library of information about where
to obtain specific care, advice, information, and help. If you do not know
where to turn or how to ask, or even what is available to you, then contact the
support services department for details. 24-hour information line Information leaflets are provided free of charge. The main leaflet is
called "About Meningitis"; others deal with the after-effects of
meningitis. You may require more factual information on a specific strain of
the disease, or more generally you may want to know what symptoms to look for.
The 24-hour general information line (0891 715577; calls charged at 39p per min
off-peak, 49p per min other times) is a pre-recorded voice message system
offering a selection of options to choose from, depending on your actual needs. You are asked to select a choice of numbers relating to certain information.
You are requested to leave your name and address, and information is forwarded
immediately. If you require immediate information during office hours your call
will be diverted. Out of office hours you can only leave a message. If it is
urgent, call the 24-hour support line number. If you do not like using the
voice selection system, contact the normal office number during office hours. Grant funding Finding the funds to help pay for specialist care, support, or aids and
equipment, can be difficult. Many people are not financially prepared for the
after-effects. Funds are often limited, since requirements were not planned
for. Items are often expensive to purchase, and this can quickly use up
savings. The trust actively provides grant funding to help and support individuals to
sustain their quality of life prior to the experience of meningitis. It deals
actively with many applications for funding support through the grants scheme.
Grant funding can be made available for: - purchase of special equipment or aids
- refitting of existing homes or transport, for ease of mobility
- travel and/or accommodation costs to attend treatment, care, or training
- re-education, special training, or special school fees
- respite care or holidays
- funeral expenses
Grants can be made available directly in support of sufferers of meningitis,
or in many instances to their immediate family members who effectively care for
them. If unsure as to whether your specific needs might be eligible for some grant
support, contact the support services department. You will be given clear
guidelines for your particular circumstances. If you are eligible for grant
support, full details will be sent to you. Information is sought from your GP
or care worker, and often advice is sought from professionally qualified
advisers. The allocation of grants is made on a monthly basis, and the decision
of the trust is final. Communication relating to refusals cannot be entered
into.
National Meningitis Trust
Fern House
Bath Road
Stroud
Gloucestershire
GL5 3TJ  01453 751738
 01453 753588
0345 538118 (24-hour support line)
0891 715577 (24-hour information line)
 support@meningitis-trust.org.uk
 http://www.meningitis-trust.org.uk/
| 
