Recovery, rebuilding and a new sense of resolve
We’ve published our latest annual report for the year ending March 2022
The report shares what we’ve achieved over the year as we fight to defeat meningitis in the UK within a generation, reach out to everyone who needs help, support and information and work towards recognition as a centre of expertise for aftercare and support.
Writing in their joint introduction, entitled Recovery, rebuilding and a new sense of resolve, Chris Philipsborn, our Chair of Trustees, and Tom Nutt, our Chief Executive, say:
“After the unprecedented shock and challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2021-22 year is perhaps best characterised by Meningitis Now’s recovery and rebuilding after the disruption of the preceding year.
Uplifted by the easing of restrictions
“It was not an easy year. We, like everyone in the UK and across the globe, had to navigate continued lockdowns and social distancing. But whilst it was hard to experience these Covid-constraints during the first half of the year, we were uplifted by the easing of restrictions in the second half of the year. This allowed us to resume important face-to-face contact with the Meningitis Now family through our impactful and much-loved support and fundraising events, such as the Forever Weekend and our Christmas Carol Concerts in London and Gloucester.
“Unfortunately, the easing of restrictions also brought a rebound in cases of meningitis. Although the overall incidence of the disease remains low, data published by the UK Health Security Agency in January showed that cases of meningococcal disease amongst adolescents and young adults had exceeded their pre-pandemic levels between September and November 2021 – something we had anticipated and tackled head-on with our student and young people’s awareness campaign in the autumn.
“Developments such as these served to strengthen our resolve to save lives and rebuild futures.”
Volunteers celebrated
The crucial contribution made by our 240 volunteers and Ambassadors is also celebrated.
“They are a key part of the Meningitis Now family and they support us by sharing their stories, raising awareness in their communities and helping us run events such as our carol concerts and the London Marathon. We recognise that lockdowns and social distancing made things difficult for our volunteers this year, and we would like to recognise and thank our wonderful voluntary team,” the introduction continues.
“With the knowledge that we have such wonderful support from the Meningitis Now family, we look forward to 2022-23 with a new sense of resolve. We are determined to save lives and rebuild futures. Thank you for your support in 2021-22. With your help, we’ll continue to make a difference – now and every day.”
