Meningitis Now Student guide

Student Guide

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Help us save lives and rebuild futures

Hello and thank you for supporting Meningitis Now.

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By raising awareness and vital funds, you are fighting a disease that has a devastating effect on young people and can be fatal.

First official ‘Meningitis Now’ society formed

Around half a million people in the UK have had meningitis and many more family members and friends are affected by its devastating and life-changing impact. Young people aged 15-19 are particularly at risk from bacterial meningitis, which kills 1 in 10 and leaves 1 in 3 with life-changing after-effects.

Freshers are particularly at risk. The signs and symptoms of meningitis can easily be mistaken for freshers’ flu or a hangover! So it is really important to know what to look out for, to keep an eye on your friends and flatmates and protect yourself by getting the free Men ACWY vaccine through your doctor.

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Meningitis Now campaigns for lifesaving vaccines, raises awareness, funds research and provides support for those after meningitis, helping them to rebuild their lives.

Fight for Now

Our fundraising team is here to support you with hints, tips and inspiration, as well as Meningitis Now materials. Just call us on 01453 768000 or email supporters@meningitisnow.org for more information.

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email supporters@meningitisnow.org or visit our website www.fightfornow.org

Our total media reach was worth £235,000

3 major national companies backed our campaign

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We’re here to help and support you. Call us on 01453 768000,

First national

Student Awareness Week

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awareness through freshers’ fairs, SU media interviews and campaigning on campus

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Steve Dayman, Executive Founder

53 volunteers raised We have

website in its launch week

We couldn’t do this without the fantastic support of people like you, so thank you for making this possible.

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20 towns and cities visited by

roadshow the Beat it Now! universities used our awareness materials around campus

1.3 people were reached through social media

BE MENINGITIS AWARE

Just met your friends for life?

Fever, cold hands and feet

Vomiting

Drowsy, difficult to wake

Confusion and irritability

Severe muscle pain

Pale, blotchy skin Spots/rash

Severe headache

Stiff neck

Dislike bright lights

Convultions/seizures

Symptoms can appear in any order, some may not appear at all.

The Glass Test – septicaemia

Some bacteria can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

People with septicaemia can develop a rash. This rash does not fade under pressure. Do the Glass Test

Look after each other Meningitis can strike quickly and kill within hours Knowing a few basics can save lives.

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Meningitis can affect anyone at any time, but there are particular bacteria that increase the risk of meningitis in teenagers and students.

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Get vaccinated – there are vaccines to prevent some types of meningitis.

Some you will have had vaccines as a child, but the Men ACWY vaccine is available now to anyone under 25 off to uni for the first time.

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Vaccines do not prevent all types of meningitis, so you need to know what signs and symptoms to look out for.

Do not wait for a rash, if someone is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately.

Press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin.

You can: • Call NHS 111 or your GP

Spots/rash may fade at first.

In an emergency you can: • Call 999 for an ambulance • Go to your nearest A&E Department

Keep checking!

Look after each other, act fast – it could save a life

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Planning your event

Be a hero

Whether big or small, the key to a successful fundraising event is planning. The same goes for a one-off event, or if you’re planning lots of smaller ones. Here are some key tips to get you started and to avoid those “oh cr*p” moments…

Fancy doing something to get your heart racing? Put your money where your mouth is and show everyone what a superhero you are. Our fab team of fundraisers will be there to support you every step of the way.

Pull a team together

Choose an idea you know will appeal at your university. The simplest ones are often the best – how about a cake sale during exam periods, or a rose delivery service on Valentine’s Day? You could even do a pub quiz in your SU bar, or see if they’ll let you do a bucket collection on a club night.

Don’t be afraid to delegate. Make a list of all the jobs to be done, allocate them and brief your willing volunteers on what you need them to do.

Get your timing right Choose a suitable date and time – and make sure you keep in mind term dates or big social events where there may be less people around to get involved. Would it be best to steer clear of a weekend, when lots of people go home?

Set your fundraising goal Setting a target is a great way to stay motivated and gives you a real sense of achievement once you reach your goal. It’s also a good way to inspire your friends, family and colleagues.

Maximise your fundraising Set up a page at www.everydayhero.com/uk - it’s a great way to keep your supporters up-todate with your journey and gives them chance to donate from anywhere in the world.

Social networks Post status updates about your event to help spread the word – perhaps think about setting up an event on Facebook, post pictures of your efforts on Instagram, and don’t forget to tag us!

Zipline Trekking Cycling

Glass walk Triathlon Mud run Kiltwalk Nightwalk 5km Fire walking Glow Run

Bungee jump

Everyday Hero

Three~legged race London2Paris Obstacle course Abseil Colour run Fun run Skydive Marathon Swimming Half marathon Row 10km

Parachuting

Keep it simple

John oGroats to Lands End

Sponsorship forms You can request offline sponsorship forms and give copies to friends, family and local businesses. Maybe you can convince your parents to take them to work to get some extra donations.

None of these tickle your fancy? No worries! Get in touch with us at supporters@meningitisnow.org and we’ll be sure to find an event you can’t refuse!

Working with your RAG

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With students in the second highest ‘at-risk’ group of contracting meningitis, partnering with a RAG quite simply saves lives.

There’s loads of ways you can get involved, but here’s a few ideas: RAG raids

Bespoke events

Raids are great fun, but securing permits and doing the paperwork can be a nightmare. Why not let us know the city you’ve got in mind and leave the hard work of applying up to us?

We can provide you with everything you need for the day too – T-shirts, buckets, stickers and more.

We have lots of experience of helping our supporters organise the craziest of events.

Whatever your idea, big or small, we’d love to help you make it bespoke to your RAG.

Rag events Jailbreaks, Lost, or even an overseas challenge – we’d love to help you organise and support you with one of your flagship events.

Raising awareness We have loads of student-focussed materials to help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis on your campus. Why not hold a stall during our annual Awareness Week in October to help protect your friends – with the symptoms notoriously similar to a hangover, it’s important to be aware.

Charity of the year Why not nominate us as your charity of the year? The increased awareness of meningitis from this type of partnership could literally save lives. We’ll be on hand to support you with any events you’d like to try out, can provide you with training sessions and fundraising materials; and as we rely on voluntary donations, your support will make a real difference.

Jacob, 24, from Lancashire, was 21 when he contracted meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia: “On 10th January 2013 I walked into hospital, where I remained a patient for 699 days. I had contracted meningococcal septicaemia.

“I was admitted to the ICU where I was placed in an induced coma. My family was told I had around a 10% chance of survival and would likely have brain damage. While in the ICU the tissue on my toes, and soles of my feet died.

“Once I woke up I couldn’t tell the difference between hallucinations and what was really happening. I was bedridden for months, I lost more than half my bodyweight; and my gross motor functions, which control coordination and moving my limbs, had been seriously impaired.

“Every day in hospital, I underwent extensive therapies to help me rebuild strength and reteach my body how to carry out simple dayto-day tasks. The reality that I needed my toes amputated hit me, the doctors allowed me time to process this. I truly felt helpless.

A few months earlier, I was a fit, active man, and now I was signing a form to have part of me removed.

“Over the next year I became frustrated with how slow I was progressing and how I was unable to stand without excruciating pain. I decided to have my legs amputated below the knee to increase my chances of walking independently in the future. After several months of rehabilitation, I was finally discharged from hospital.

“It’s so important to get vaccinated. It’s easy to disregard the symptoms as a hangover or freshers’ flu but it could be something much more serious. It’s really important to learn the signs and symptoms of meningitis and if it gets worse seek medical help immediately; rapid treatment could save your life.

“My recovery has been slow, but I’m continually improving, walking is getting easier and my overall strength is increasing.

“It’s been an inconvenience, an unplanned journey almost, but it’s given me a new perspective on life. I must say I’d never willingly endure it all again, but I’m grateful for the remarkable people I’ve met as a result.”

We’re here to help and support you. Call us on 01453 768000, email supporters@meningitisnow.org or visit our website www.fightfornow.org

The nitty gritty bits

Alisha’s story, shared by mum, Michaela: “On Friday 31st October, Halloween, I spoke to Alisha who was just five weeks into her first year at Liverpool Hope University. She was getting ready for a fancy dress night out. I told her to have a great time, to stay with friends and to watch her drinks - the usual protective parent stuff. In photos she sent, she looked really happy and ready for a night out.

“The next day I was tempted to text or call but thought she had had a late night, would be hungover and would ring me when she felt up to it. That text or call never came.

“At 7pm I had a missed call, the university was trying to contact me.

‘Miss Bartolini something has happened to Alisha and I need you to come to the university this evening please.’

“Panic took over. I couldn’t comprehend what was being said. I passed the phone to my husband, and heard him say the word ‘deceased’.

“Alisha had left the club in the early hours with a group of friends. The next morning she had woken up feeling ‘hungover’ but had managed a shower and some breakfast before returning to bed.

A little planning helps the day run smoothly!

There are a few laws that govern fundraising activity and we want to make sure you are aware and take account of them. If you have any questions or want to double check anything listed below, please contact us.

Alcohol

Licences/raffles

Check if the venue is licensed or contact your local council to find out about a temporary licence.

Check with the local council if you require any special licenses e.g. public entertainment, collection, small lotteries or alcohol. For lotteries/raffle guidance, please visit www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk

Collections “Her concerned friends kept ‘checking in’ on her and she was seen being ‘considerably sick’ but Alisha signalled that she was ok so her friends put it down to a severe hangover.

“The next check on Alisha came, only this time she couldn’t be roused. Security attempted to revive her, the paramedics came but it was too late. Alisha had passed.

“Nothing in this world can ever prepare a parent for the loss of a child. I have lost my first born, my daughter, my best friend.

Alisha had just turned 18 and had her whole life ahead of her, but this was so tragically taken by such an awful illness.

“I urge people who know someone starting university to insist that they have the vaccination offered to students. It could help to save a life and prevent yet another family going through what we have had to endure.

Know the signs and symptoms and look out for each other.“

To find out more about the disease and the Fundraising Guide | 10 Men ACWY vaccine visit www.fightfornow.org

It is illegal to carry out house-to-house or public street collections without a license from your local council (or PSNI in Northern Ireland). If the collection is on private property, seek permission from the owner.

First Aid Ensure your event has adequate cover.

Contact St John Ambulance or St Andrew’s Ambulance for assistance at your event.

Food Contact your local council for food hygiene regulations at events or visit www.food.gov.uk

Helpers Please provide them with all health and safety information and what to do in case of an emergency.

Insurance Confirm what public liability insurance the venue operator or owner has and that it covers owners’ liability risks. Please contact us for guidance.

Money Make sure you have a lockable box to keep money in. Never put yourself in a vulnerable position whilst carrying money. Please ensure there is at least one other person present to witness how much has been counted and raised.

Risk assessment Identify any hazards, evaluate and minimise any risk at your venue/event. We can provide a sample template. Some venues require them. Further information can be found at www.hse.gov.uk

ans Your support me the world to us.

Please note: Whilst we are very grateful for your support, Meningitis Now cannot accept liability for any fundraising activity you undertake in aid of us. If insurance is required, please ensure you have arranged this prior to your event.

We’re here to help and support you. Call us on 01453 768000, email supporters@meningitisnow.org or visit our website www.fightfornow.org

saving lives, rebuilding futures

Thank you We hope that this pack has inspired you to do something today or given you suggestions on how you can raise money to meet your event sponsorship targets. Your support will enhance the life of a child, teenager or adult you don’t know and will probably never meet, but will help change their life for the better.

We know that without your invaluable support, determined spirit and dedication, we couldn’t fund the lifesaving research and provide the services we do. You can, and will, have an impact on the lives of thousands of people all around the UK who have been affected by meningitis.

Thank you for making a difference.

For great ideas and support call: 01453 768000 Email: supporters@meningitisnow.org Visit us at: www.fightfornow.org Head Office: Meningitis Now Fern House Bath Road Stroud Gloucestershire GL5 3TJ

fight for fightfornow.org @meningitisnow fb.com/MeningitisNow @meningitis_now

We would love to hear from you Registered Charity Number 803016 (England & Wales) SC037790 (Scotland) Company Registration Number 2469130.© Meningitis Now 2016

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