Throughout 2020 and the lockdowns due to COVID-19, the Encephalitis Society held virtual meetings for members as a fun way to come together in self-isolation.

Feedback from attendees showed that the community love having a place to gather every week to share stories and experiences, no matter where they are from in the world. From 2021 we are continuing to host a weekly meeting with one of the support team as part of our regular offering, and are hosting an additional meeting for specific parts of the community once a month.

Virtual Gatherings Guidelines

2021 meeting schedule:

Every Thursday 4-5pm (GMT) – weekly gathering, open to all (with a member of the support team), starting Thursday 7^th January, 2021

Last Wednesday of each month, 6-7pm (GMT) specific groups as advertised below (with a member of the support team, and volunteer with relevant experiences):

• Wednesday January 27^th 6-7pm (GMT) for people directly affected by encephalitis.
• Wednesday February 24^th 6-7pm (GMT) for 18s and under, affected by encephalitis.
• Wednesday March 31st 6-7pm (BST) for family members, carers and support networks.
• Wednesday April 28^th 6-7pm (BST) for people directly affected by encephalitis.
• Wednesday May 26^th  6-7pm (BST) for 18s and under, affected by encephalitis.
• Wednesday June 30^th 6-7pm (BST) for family members, carers and support networks.

Further Wednesday groups will be advertised here and on our social media channels later in the year.

We hold meetings via Zoom, a video chat website.

If you interested in taking part, please get in touch*

*Please register your interest at least 24 hours before a meeting.

Volunteer-led Regional Virtual Gatherings 

A number of our trained Support Volunteers also hold regular regional virtual gatherings on Zoom. These are a fantastic way to meet and connect with other members of the Society in your local area (in the UK and Southern Ireland) who have been directly or indirectly affected by encephalitis.

We have the following set up so far this year:

England
Portsmouth - TBC
SW London - Saturday 17 April

Scotland
Saturday 17 April
Saturday 15 May
Saturday 12 June

Northern Ireland
Saturday 10 April 
Saturday 8 May 
Saturday 12 June

Republic of Ireland
Saturday 24 April 
Saturday 29 May
Saturday 26 June

If you are interested in joining any of these - or would like to set one up in your area in the UK - please email Laura, Volunteer Manager - [email protected]*

*Please register your interest at least 24 hours before a meeting.