Peer Support Group Guidelines - click to read our guidelines.

We host weekly and monthly online peer support groups to connect our members across the world. They are a great chance to meet like-minded people who have experienced encephalitis directly or indirectly. We aim to keep these calls accessible, friendly, supportive and safe.

We hold calls via Zoom, a video chat website. 

Some feedback we have received:

"Thank you so much for the wonderful online gathering! There have been times when I have wondered who else knows how much it takes to fight this. After today, I realise I am not alone."

2023 meeting schedule:

Weekly:

Every Thursday 4-5pm (GMT/BST) – open to all (with a member of the support team).

Monthly:

For people directly affected by encephalitis (with a member of the support team, and volunteer with relevant experiences), as follows:

  • Wednesday 14th June, 6-7pm (BST)
  • Wednesday 12th July, 6-7pm (BST)
  • Wednesday 9th August, 6-7pm (BST)
  • Wednesday 13th September, 6-7pm (BST)

For carers/family members of adults affected by encephalitis (with a member of the support team, and volunteer with relevant experiences), as follows:

  • Wednesday 21st June, 6-7.30pm (BST)
  • Wednesday 19th July, 6-7.30pm (BST)
  • Wednesday 16th August, 6-7.30pm (BST)
  • Wednesday 20th September, 6-7.30pm (BST)

For parents/guardians of children affected by encephalitis (with a member of the support team, and volunteer with relevant experiences), as follows:

  • Wednesday 28th June, 6-7pm (BST)
  • Wednesday 26th July, 6-7pm (BST)
  • Wednesday 23rd August, 6-7pm (BST)
  • Wednesday 27th September, 6-7pm (BST)

We are also running an online peer support group for those who have experienced bereavement as a result of encephalitis (with at least one member of the support team), as follows:

  • Tuesday 18th July 2023 at 6pm (BST)

If you interested in taking part in any of the above, please get in touch *

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

Further meetings for 2023 will be advertised here and on our social media channels.  

Please note that you need to be an Encephalitis Society member to access these meetings. If you are not already a member, please sign up today to become a Member! Membership is free.

Regional Online Peer Support Groups 

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

We have the following set up so far (BST/GMT):

England
North West
Thursday 15th June at 6pm

London
Tuesday 13th June at 6pm
Tuesday 11th July at 6pm
Tuesday 8th August at 6pm

Scotland
Wednesday 28th June at 7pm
Wednesday 16th August at 7pm

Northern Ireland
Wednesday 7th June at 6.30pm

Republic of Ireland
Monday 12th June at 6.30pm
Monday 3rd July at 6.30pm

Australia and New Zealand
Wednesday 7th June - get in touch for local time
Wednesday 5th July - get in touch for local time

South West England (pilot call)
TBC

If you are interested in joining any of these calls, please register your interest at least 24 hours prior to the meeting by emailing Laura, Volunteer and Wellbeing Manager - [email protected] 

Our volunteers also run in-person support groups in some of the above regions, for more info click here

If you don't see your area covered and would like to set one up, please email Laura - [email protected] for a chat*.

*Please be mindful if you would like to run one in your area you will need to train as a Support Volunteer which includes a Safeguarding course and a police check.




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