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 a member of Team Encephalitis - and you don't need to be working in our office to get involved.

We usually ask for around five hours a month volunteering but we are really flexible, so even if you can spare one hour a month we would still love to hear from you!

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

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 soul and can bring fun and focus to your life. For anyone looking to return to work, it can help rebuild 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 by sending her an email ([email protected]) or call +44(0) 1653 692583, Monday - Thursday 9am - 5pm UK time.

Awareness Volunteer

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

Information Volunteer

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

our volunteers

Get to know some members of Team Encephalitis. Read more

Support Volunteer

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

Latest

Dave's Gaming Marathon

Dave Smith, a Trustee with the Encephalitis Society, will be taking on a 24 hour Gaming Marathon from 8pm on Friday, November 20.

Royal award for Professor Peter Kennedy

Professor Peter Kennedy honoured with RSE Royal Medal, awarded on the authority of Her Majesty The Queen

Childhood psychological adjustment following parental brain injury: the role of loss, trauma and parental grief

Seed funding Columbia University, USA

Awarded in 2020, this study will elucidate possible routes of CNS infection by the virus and identify brain regions and cell types most vulnerable to either direct infection or the effects of systemic cytokines.

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.