Volunteer

Volunteers are the life and soul of the Encephalitis Society and have helped to make us the award-winning organisation we are today.

There are many ways you can volunteer for the Encephalitis Society and become members of Team Encephalitis - and you don't need to be in working in our offices to help.

Importantly we are looking for volunteers from all over the world - we need volunteers in each country - so please get in touch.

Why do we need volunteers?

To connect us to our local communities
Help us reach new and differing audiences
To spread the word across the world about encephalitis
To support those and each other affected by encephalitis
To inform those not aware of encephalitis
To raise awareness of encephalitis
Represent our values and vision
Help champion our mission and extend our reach across the globe

Benefits of volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to help you in your recovery. Not only does it connect you to others, it is good for your mind and body and can bring fun to your life. Also, for anyone looking to return to work, it can help build up your confidence and look attractive to potential employers.

We have a number of roles available, whether you are interested in raising awareness, providing support, or sharing information about encephalitis.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering with the Encephalitis Society, please get in touch with Laura on +44(0) 1653 692583 or by sending her an email.

Awareness Volunteer

To provide support to Communication and Fundraising Services of The Encephalitis Society. Read more

Information Volunteer

To provide support to Information Service of The Encephalitis Society. Read more

our volunteers

Get to know some members of Team Encephalitis, our volunteer scheme. Read more

Support Volunteer

To provide support to people affected by encephalitis, their families and friends. Read more

Latest

Tom goes the extra mile

Professor Tom Solomon, the President of the Encephalitis Society, looks back at his 21 year involvement with the charity

Study predicting children’s cognition after acquired brain injury – healthy controls needed

Encephalitis Society highlights from 2019

Our highlights from 2019 - the 25th anniversary year of the Encephalitis Society

Theresa's Story

Theresa, from Los Angeles, fell ill with Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis last year. This is her story.

NMDAR antibody encephalitis

NMDAR antibody encephalitis is an autoimmune disease that causes psychiatric features, confusion, memory loss and seizures followed by a movement disorder, loss of consciousness and changes in blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.

Herpes Simplex virus encephalitis

Herpes simplex encephalitis is a type of infectious encephalitis which happens when herpes simplex virus (HSV) enters the brain. Usually, it begins with ‘flu-like’ symptoms followed by neurological deterioration, which may include personality and behavioural changes, seizures, weakness and difficulties in communication.

What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by an infection or through the immune system attacking the brain in error.

West Nile encephalitis

West Nile encephalitis is a type of infectious encephalitis caused by West Nile virus. People usually become infected after being bitten by a mosquito, which has fed on an infected bird.

Guidelines for recovery

No two people with encephalitis have the same outcomes. People recover at different paces. Recovery can be helped by having lots of rest, good nutrition, helpful social network and support from professionals.

Limbic encephalitis

The term ‘limbic encephalitis’ (LE) describes the condition when limbic areas of the brain are inflamed (swollen) and consequently not functioning properly. Most forms of LE fall into two main categories: infectious encephalitis and autoimmune encephalitis.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is an infectious encephalitis caused by Japanese encephalitis virus transmitted by mosquitoes, called ‘Culex’ mosquitoes.

Hashimoto's encephalopathy

Hashimoto's encephalopathy is a rare condition, which is probably of autoimmune origin. The concept of HE is becoming fragmented into a number of other types of autoimmune encephalitis which appear to have their own autoantibodies, prognosis and associated features.

Death from encephalitis

Encephalitis is a serious neurological condition and unfortunately, despite improvements in specific and more supportive treatments such as excellent intensive care management, encephalitis still has a high mortality (death) rate.

Measles infection and encephalitis

Measles causes encephalitis in children with measles infection. Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a very effective way to prevent against these diseases.