Team Encephalitis Support Volunteers

Team Encephalitis Support Volunteers are people who have personal experience of encephalitis, either directly affected or as a family member/carer or friend. They have completed the Society's Support Volunteer Training which includes a DBS police check and Safeguarding training.

If you would like to get in touch with one of our Support Volunteers please contact Laura, Volunteer Manager -[email protected]

Volunteer-led Regional Virtual Gatherings

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

You can find a list of when these are, here under the Volunteer-led Regional Virtual Gatherings section of the page.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and events of the Encephalitis Society by becoming a free member today.

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In-person support groups

We run in-person support groups across the UK and in Ireland. Hosted by our Support Volunteers in the local area, this is an opportunity to meet like-minded people in an informal and relaxed setting.
International Research Seed Funding

Researchers in low to middle income countries are being invited to apply for seed funding from the Encephalitis Society. Deadline 9 September 2022!
Twitter Art Exhibit: An Interview with Susannah Cahalan

Susannah Cahalan, author of Brain on Fire, chats to Mathew Bose about the Twitter Art Exhibit and how the drawing of a clock helped a doctor diagnose her with autoimmune encephalitis

Encephalitis Support Forum

Our online community where members of the Encephalitis Society can connect and support others who have been directly or indirectly affected by encephalitis
Virtual gatherings

Join the staff and supporters of the Encephalitis Society in a regular online chat. Meetings held weekly.
Connection scheme

The Connection Scheme enables people affected by encephalitis and their families to make contact with others in similar situations to themselves.

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.
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.
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.
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.
Get support

Our Support Service is here to help you with any questions about encephalitis, recovery and rehabilitation or emotional support.