Information Volunteer

Summary of this role:

To provide support to the information services of the Encephalitis Society.

Description of tasks:

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 complete the training programme delivered by the Encephalitis Society.
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.

Estimated total hours: Flexible, depending on individual commitments and the Society’s agenda, an estimate of five hours a month would be ideal but even if you can only give one hour a month we would still love to hear from you!

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 Manager by email in the first instance - [email protected] If this isn't convenient please write to Laura at: 32 Castlegate, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 7DT, UK.

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Volunteer adverts

Interested in joining the team? Take a look at what's involved
Why become a volunteer?

Listen to some of our volunteers explain why they joined Team Encephalitis, what they do and what they enjoy.
Support Volunteer

To provide support to people affected by encephalitis, their families and friends.
our volunteers

Get to know some members of Team Encephalitis.
Awareness Volunteer

To provide support to the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Encephalitis:after-effects, recovery and rehabilitation

This booklet provides key information about the type of issues that people may have after encephalitis, why rehabilitation/support from professionals and families are important and what options for self-help are available.
Emotional and behavioural changes

Following encephalitis, some people may experience emotional and behavioural changes including low mood, increased anxiety, depression, mood swings, frustration, aggression, impulsivity, disinhibition, and/or poor emotional regulation.
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.