Meningitis Now

Meningitis Now Making a difference, every day, to the lives of people affected by meningitis.

Today, we are excited to present the 2024-2025 timeline outlining our key milestones, projects, and achievements as the ...
18/06/2026

Today, we are excited to present the 2024-2025 timeline outlining our key milestones, projects, and achievements as the leading meningitis charity in the UK.

Within this year and beyond, we wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves to what truly matters for our supporters and those we aim to assist.

We continue to boldly pursue our strategic mission: to eliminate meningitis in the UK within a generation, to ensure everyone in need receives our unwavering help, support, and information, and to establish ourselves as the premier centre of expertise for aftercare and support.

We extend our sincere thanks to the organisations, partners and individuals whose support helped make this all possible.

Twenty-four members of staff from Eggar’s School in Alton in Hampshire swapped their classrooms for muddy pits as they t...
16/06/2026

Twenty-four members of staff from Eggar’s School in Alton in Hampshire swapped their classrooms for muddy pits as they took on a 7.5K Tough Mudder challenge to raise money for our ongoing work.

Their efforts so far have raised a fantastic £1,250 to help fight meningitis in memory of Reuben – a much-loved member of their school community who sadly died from the disease.

“By supporting Meningitis Now, we are keeping Reuben’s memory alive in a meaningful way. The charity works tirelessly to fund research, raise awareness, and support families affected by this illness. Through our efforts, we hope to contribute to a future where fewer families have to experience such loss."

“This cause has brought us together. It has given us a way to turn our grief into something positive—to take action, to educate others, and to honour Reuben’s life. Every event we hold, and every pound we raise is a reflection of how much he meant to us."

Read the whole story here. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3RLuKbM

[Image description: A group of people is posing in front of a large "Finisher Tough Mudder" sign at an outdoor event. They are smiling, holding t-shirts, and wearing medals. The ground is grassy, and there are banners and a tent visible in the background.]

Today, we are sharing our frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the announcement from UKHSA about the MenB vaccina...
13/06/2026

Today, we are sharing our frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the announcement from UKHSA about the MenB vaccination programme. 🤔

We understand that there are many questions about the vaccine, who is eligible, and how individuals can receive it. Our goal is to help you feel well-informed.

We want to emphasise that we will continue to advocate for the MenB vaccine to be included in the NHS vaccination programme for teenagers and young adults. This will ensure that more young people are protected—not just this year, but indefinitely.

There's more information about the vaccine programme on our website. Click on the link to read more. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3XyOa3b



[Image descriptions: Image 1 - Orange background with text: "We're here to help. Here are some FAQs about yesterday's MenB vaccine programme announcement."

Image 2 - The image contains a text announcement on a patterned orange background. The header reads, "What has been announced?" The text details that the UK Health Security Agency has launched a one-time meningococcal B vaccination programme targeting young individuals before starting university or further education. It aims to begin before the 2026 academic year to reduce the risk of the disease.

Image 3 - The image contains text reading "Who is eligible for the MenB vaccination programme?" It states that the programme is offered to students in England and Wales born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008, equivalent final-year students in Scotland and Northern Ireland, individuals under 25 attending university for the first time in Autumn 2026, and international students from the UK and Crown Dependencies. The background is orange with a subtle pattern.

Image 4 - The image is an informational poster from Meningitis Now. It explains that eligible individuals require two doses of the MenB vaccine for optimal protection. The first dose is available from July 2026 and the second dose from August 2026. The second dose needs to be taken at least 28 days after the first, with an additional two weeks needed for immunity to build. The process takes around six weeks from start to finish, emphasising the importance of starting early before the autumn term.

Image 5 - Orange flyer with white and blue text. The title reads, "What happens now to the 'No Plan B for MenB' campaign?" The text discusses the positive impact of the programme in protecting young people from MenB and emphasises the importance of including it in the NHS vaccination programme to ensure ongoing protection.

Image 6 - The image contains text on an orange background, providing information about finding more details on the meningitis vaccination programme. It mentions that updates will be available from the NHS, public health agencies, and Meningitis Now. Additional information on symptoms, after-effects, support services, and awareness campaigns is accessible on the Meningitis Now website. A helpline is available at specified hours via phone and email for further inquiries.]

Meningitis Now welcomes the announcement by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) of a new vaccination programme for 18-...
12/06/2026

Meningitis Now welcomes the announcement by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) of a new vaccination programme for 18-year-olds and young adults as a major step forward in the fight to help protect people from the disease.

This follows our campaigning alongside our supporters, through the charity's nationally recognised ‘No Plan B for MenB’ campaign, which has called for greater protection for teenagers and young adults who are particularly at risk of the disease.

MenB remains the leading cause of meningitis in the UK. While babies have been routinely offered MenB vaccination since 2015, most older children, teenagers and young adults have not benefited from the protection that vaccination can provide. Sadly, several young people have lost their lives to MenB in the recent outbreaks in Kent, Dorset and Berkshire.

Meningitis Now Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt said, "This is a major step forward in the UK's efforts to prevent meningitis and save lives. Meningitis Now has been campaigning tirelessly for wider access to MenB vaccination through our ‘No Plan B for MenB’ campaign, working closely with families affected by this devastating disease."

"Today's announcement will be welcomed by all those who have fought for better protection for precious young lives. It represents real progress and has significant potential to prevent cases of meningitis."

"There is still more work to do to ensure everyone at risk is protected, including those already at university and younger teenagers.”

We will continue to work with government, public health bodies and healthcare professionals to ensure that as many young people as possible benefit from the protection offered by vaccination.

Read our full statement regarding the news and what this means for those who are eligible for the programme here. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4ecT4L2

[Image descriptions: Image 1 - A group of people hold signs promoting the MenB vaccine programme for young people. They stand outside in front of buildings with flags. A "Breaking news" headline announces UKHSA's MenB vaccine initiative.

Image 2 - Orange background with white and navy text from Meningitis Now. The message welcomes a new vaccination program for 18-year-olds and young adults by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). It highlights the fight against serious causes of bacterial meningitis and the focus on MenB vaccination across the UK.

Image 3 - An informational poster about the MenB vaccination programme. It outlines that anyone born between 1st September 2007 and 31st August 2008, including those starting university and residential further education colleges in autumn 2026, is eligible. Eligible individuals need two doses, with the first dose offered from July and the second in August. International students under 25 entering their first year of university should also receive their first dose at home if possible.

Image 4 - Meningitis Now announcement highlighting Dr Tom Nutt as Chief Executive. Text discusses the UK’s progress in preventing meningitis, highlighting the campaign for MenB vaccination. Emphasises continuing efforts to protect vulnerable groups, including university students and teenagers.

Image 5 - The image features a quote from Meningitis Now Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt about remembering and supporting families affected by meningitis. There is also a small photo of Dr Tom Nutt. The background is orange.]

Our Trustee Stephen Sutcliffe has profound reasons for being involved with Meningitis Now for the last 15 years. In 1982...
09/06/2026

Our Trustee Stephen Sutcliffe has profound reasons for being involved with Meningitis Now for the last 15 years.

In 1982, when Stephen was 11, his classmate Kate, the first girl he ever liked, died suddenly. She had just started secondary school and should have had the rest of her life in front of her. Stephen learnt that she had died from meningitis, a disease he knew nothing about.

“I had never heard of meningitis. The experience really stayed with me.”

Little did he know at the time, but this terribly sad period in Stephen’s life and the word meningitis would be brought up again many years later. In 2013, Stephen met Jo and soon fell in love. He also met Charlie, Jo’s 13-year-old son. When Charlie was 9 months old, Jo had taken Charlie to the GP with flu symptoms.

The doctor sent Jo and baby Charlie home, with only a suggestion to give Charlie some Calpol. Jo persisted, as she knew something wasn’t right, and Charlie was eventually rushed to hospital and was later diagnosed with meningitis.

Stephen became a Meningitis Now Trustee in 2022. He applied for the role in the hope of bringing his skills from his day job (running the largest shared service in the NHS) to help Meningitis Now be the best it can be. However, he has been taking on challenge events to fundraise for the charity since 2011.

Read all about Stephen’s amazing fundraising here. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4uKTjnx

[Image description: Two people sitting in aeroplane seats. The person on the left is smiling and wearing glasses, while the person on the right is wearing a Manchester City jersey.]

We are proud to be a charity for everyone. At Meningitis Now, we recognise and celebrate Pride Month and the values it r...
06/06/2026

We are proud to be a charity for everyone.

At Meningitis Now, we recognise and celebrate Pride Month and the values it represents. We honour the tenacity, strength, and resilience of the community.

Our charity is committed to collaborating with others to enhance our efforts in being an inclusive and accessible charity for all.

We aspire to share diverse voices not just this month, but always. If you have ideas on how we can better support you, please share them with us. We are eager to listen and learn how we can make a difference together.

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[Image descriptions: Image 1 - Orange background with white text stating, "We are proud to be a charity for everyone." A rainbow design with the Meningitis Now logo appears at the bottom. Image 2 - The image contains a blue background with white text that reads, "We believe everyone should have access to support and information." A colourful progress pride flag design is at the bottom left. Image 3 - The image features text on a light green background that reads, "And we continue to be a charity that strives for inclusivity." Below the text is a ribbon with colours of the rainbow, and additional stripes, symbolising inclusivity. Meningitis Now's tag handle is at the bottom centre of the image.]

We’re super excited to announce that our Five Valleys Walk tickets are now available! 📢🥾🌲Join us this September as we ce...
03/06/2026

We’re super excited to announce that our Five Valleys Walk tickets are now available! 📢🥾🌲

Join us this September as we celebrate 40 years of Meningitis Now with our flagship event, the Five Valleys Walk. A sponsored walk through the stunning Cotswold countryside that is jam-packed with something for everyone. Not only is it a fabulous day out for all the family, but you will help us in the fight against meningitis every step of the way.

Whether you're up for a challenge or just want a leisurely walk, we’ve got you covered. You can choose from a 1.5-mile stroll to a more challenging 21-mile route, so you can go at your own pace. When you’re finished, catch a bus back to any point on the route, thanks to our fantastic partners at Stagecoach.

We’re also thrilled to introduce a new addition to the day – the Five Valleys 5K! This shorter, friendly walk will take you along the beautiful canal path to Stonehouse Court Hotel Canalside Lawn. There will be fun activities for the kids along the way, and you'll finish back at Stroud Cricket Club!

We can’t wait to see you there for a day filled with fun, laughter, and making great memories together!

Buy your tickets here: https://www.fivevalleyswalk.com/

[Image description: A person smiles and holds up a peace sign while wearing an orange "Meningitis Now" T-shirt at the Five Valleys Walk event. Text on the image reads: "Five Valleys Walk, Sunday 27 September 2026" and "Tickets on Sale Now!" The website is also displayed.]

“We shall never forget the worst week of our family’s life, and our thoughts go out to any family who suffer the pain of...
02/06/2026

“We shall never forget the worst week of our family’s life, and our thoughts go out to any family who suffer the pain of losing a loved one."

Brother and sister Jordan and Zoe from Delabole in Cornwall both came down with meningitis as young children in 2001.

Fortunately, it was diagnosed quickly and they responded to treatment well. It has made the family realise though that things can go fatally wrong very quickly.

“Jordan was three weeks away from his 3rd birthday when he contracted meningococcal septicaemia. He was lethargic and pale and had spots that didn't go away when my daughter did the tumbler test."

“The excellent GP came out and diagnosed meningitis straight away and he was rushed to hospital over an hour away. Later that day his younger sister also had meningococcal septicaemia."

“We were then told Zoe was being admitted for the same thing. Luckily because it was caught quickly Zoe was given antibiotics."

“After 24 hours of round-the-clock care and attention they were both put on the children's ward for a further week.”

Read Jordan and Zoe's full story here. 🔗 https://bit.ly/43EPaWh

[Image description: Two young children sat in a chair, smiling at the camera. One has blonde hair and is wearing a white shirt, the other child a patterned dress.]

“I awoke a few hours later in intensive care, when I was told I had sepsis and bacterial meningitis.”Trevor, 65, from Ch...
26/05/2026

“I awoke a few hours later in intensive care, when I was told I had sepsis and bacterial meningitis.”

Trevor, 65, from Chichester in West Sussex fell ill in January. What started as a severe headache, sickness and photophobia quickly turned more serious, and he spent 10 days in hospital battling bacterial meningitis.

“My wife Jill and I went shopping on a typical Saturday morning. We returned home and I started to get a headache, which quickly turned into an unbearable excruciating one. I knew something serious was happening as I never experienced pain like it, so I asked my wife to take me to A&E."

“On arrival, 20 minutes later, I was starting to be sick and unable to stand. I awoke a few hours later in intensive care, when I was told I had sepsis and bacterial meningitis."

Read the full story here: 🔗 https://bit.ly/4df9zqO

[Image description: Blurred image of a hospital room with medical staff and equipment. Text overlay reads: "Blog | Trevor’s Story: 'I was oblivious that I would be in intensive care that afternoon.']

Address

Stroud
GL53TJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441453768000

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