“Meningitis can be hard to spot; if you’re unsure, make the call to 111 or 999. You could save a life.”
This short film will help students understand the risks, recognise the signs, and take action to protect themselves and others.
Meningitis can strike suddenly and progress rapidly, often with devastating consequences. Teenagers and young adults are among the most vulnerable, particularly as they move into more independent environments like university.
Despite these risks, awareness of meningitis symptoms among this age group remains low. That’s why we created this film — to make sure students feel informed, empowered, and prepared. It’s designed to spark discussion and give students the confidence to act if they or a friend ever experience symptoms, with the message: “If you’re unsure, make the call”.
Not just to educate, but to connect
We conducted research into how students engage with health information, what they already know (or don’t), and what messages actually land. The result is a film designed not just to educate, but to connect.
At the heart of the film is Eliana, who developed meningitis during her first year at university. Her experience is raw, honest, and deeply moving, bringing home the reality that this disease doesn’t just happen to ‘other people’.
Every minute counts
Dr Matt O’Neill, Clinical Director of the Integrated Urgent Care Service with Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We are really pleased to be supporting this campaign because when it comes to meningitis, as demonstrated by Eliana’s story, every minute counts. We don’t want anyone to feel reluctant to seek help, so I would say to everyone – please heed the message. If you suspect meningitis or just aren’t sure what is happening but know something is very wrong, pick up the phone and make that call.”
This project was made possible thanks to generous funding from GSK and will be shared with sixth form colleges via our network of volunteers.
