Following last night’s announcements of new lockdowns in England and Scotland, adding to those already in place in Wales and Northern Ireland, we want to reassure supporters that Meningitis Now remains open for business and ready to support those who need us across the UK
Our confidential nurse-led Helpline is here to provide emotional support, answer your questions and explain more about the support that we can provide, such as our Rebuilding Futures Fund and Community Support Team.
You can contact the Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org. We’re also ready to respond to your questions on social media, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Our chief executive, Dr Tom Nutt, said: “Last night’s announcement was disappointing but not unexpected news.
“However, I want to reassure everyone that we remain active throughout the UK and are resolute in our determination to fight meningitis.
“We will continue to ensure that those whose lives have been affected by this terrible disease have access to the help and support they need.
“Our valuable frontline services are still here for you – including our nurse-led Helpline, community support and web and social media channels.
“So, if you need us please get in touch – we’re here for you.”
Ray of hope
Tom added: “On the plus side, the roll-out of the Oxford vaccine alongside the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is such good news and offers another ray of hope that we may just be at the beginning of the end for this pandemic.
“Let’s hope so, and that it’s not too much longer until we’re able to resume our normal range of support activities.
“In the meantime, keep an eye on our news stories and social media for all the latest updates. And stay safe and continue to follow recommended safe practice.”
Under the new announcements people in all of England and most of Scotland must now stay at home except for a handful of permitted reasons.
Schools have closed to most pupils in England, Scotland and Wales, while Northern Ireland will have an ‘extended period of remote learning’.
England’s rules will be reviewed on 15 February and Scotland’s later this month. Wales has been in a national lockdown since 20 December, and Northern Ireland entered a six-week lockdown on 26 December.
