Support for meningitis carers during Carers Week
This week (8-14 June 2020) is Carers Week, an annual campaign celebrating and raising awareness of the vital contribution made by over 6.5 million carers in the UK who look after a loved one with a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help
One in every three people in the UK who survive meningitis is left with a range of after-effects, some of which can last forever, including acquired brain injury, epilepsy and limb loss. The impact of these after-effects changes lives.
Steve Dayman, Meningitis Now’s founder, says, “Carers don’t get enough recognition for their contribution to families and communities. I meet many people living with after-effects, and the impact is felt by everyone around them. Carers enrich the lives of those who have suffered and I thank them for everything they do.”
Caring for someone can be isolating at the best of times but the current guidelines surrounding social distancing and the reduction in professional services has left many feeling cut off. Whether you are offering physical, emotional or practical care, we know it’s not always easy for carers to prioritise themselves and recognise that they need someone to chat to. But now, it’s more important than ever to connect with others; it can really help you to feel better and be more prepared for your caring role.
How can we help?
Meningitis Now is here to support you, listen and take time to talk through your concerns. You can contact our nurse-led Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org. You can also join our peer support group on Facebook, and chat with others with similar experiences.
Carers UK are hosting a number of meet-ups, which you might be interested in; visit www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/get-support/online-meetups for more information or to get involved.
