Information Volunteer

Summary of this role

To provide support to Information Service of The Encephalitis Society.

Description of tasks

To complete the training programme delivered by The Encephalitis Society
To have knowledge of the information resources of The Society
To be part of the User Review Group and review information produced by The Society
To source appropriate information resources produced by other organisations/individuals with similar interests
To review books, booklets and any other information resources produced by other organisations
To help organise/take part in focus groups regarding our information resources
To feedback and report details of their activities to The Encephalitis Society on a regular basis

Please note that the Information Volunteer role does not allow you to give medical or other specialist information or counselling. Dealing with press, media and PR is not included in this role also.

Length of commitment: To be assessed on yearly basis.

Estimated total hours: Flexible, depending on individual commitments and Society’s agenda, but an estimate of five hours a month are expected.

Project overall responsibility: Director of Operations

Day-to-day management: Information Coordinator

Place of volunteering: Home based; occasionally attending various meetings and events in public locations.

Qualities/skills sought:

Willingness to read different types of information resources
Willingness to provide constructive feedback
Good computer skills
Attention to detail
A good understanding of encephalitis and its implications
Willingness to develop through training

Benefits to the volunteer:

Personal development
Recognition of their contribution to The Society
Reasonable expenses paid
Increased likelihood of gaining paid work from voluntary experience
Regular training, updates and supervision from The Encephalitis Society
Feel that you are part of a team
Possibility to make a difference in somebody’s life

For further information or to request an application form please contact: Laura Bowditch

Volunteer Coordinator

Tel: +44(0) 1653 692583

Email: [email protected]

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Get to know some members of Team Encephalitis, our volunteer scheme.
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To provide support to people affected by encephalitis, their families and friends.
Awareness Volunteer

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

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.