The Encephalitis Society

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain and is often caused by a virus such as the cold sore virus or by the body’s own immune system attacking the brain. Early symptoms may be flu like and the affected person may seem disorientated and may act differently or erratically. They may appear drowsy and in many cases seizures occur.

The Encephalitis Society provides support to both adults and children affected, as well as to their families and those professionals supporting them.

How We Help

• Helpline and support Team - If you or a relative/friend or have been affected by Encephalitis and you require advice and information in respect of the illness and its long term consequences, please contact our support team via the helpline, email, skype or post
• Connections Scheme - The Connections Scheme has been set up to enable our Members to make contact with others in similar situations to themselves. This scheme may be able to connect Members, helping to relieve feelings of isolation that are felt by many, following Encephalitis. Visit the website or call for more information

Our friendly support team are here to help. Whether you need information about encephalitis, advice about recovery or rehabilitation, or if you just want someone to talk to, we are here for you.

You can reach out to us in a number of ways:

TELEPHONE

Our support team are available from 9am to 5pm (BST), Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 4.30pm (BST) on Fridays.

We try to be flexible and can pre-arrange telephone appointments out-of-hours if that helps.

To get in touch, simply call +44(0)1653 699599.

It is important to note that if you do have any urgent concerns regarding health or mental welfare, we recommend that you seek guidance from your family doctor or the emergency health care services.

EMAIL

Emails are another method for getting in touch with our support team.

Please note that we do try to respond to all email requests promptly. Regrettably, on rare occasions email servers or other technology may fail. Should you suspect that there have been difficulties with your email request, please re-send your email or get in touch with us via our telephone number - +44(0)1653 699599.

SKYPE

You can also make a voice or video call to us on Skype, anywhere in the world - for free - using your laptop, tablet or mobile phone.

Simply download the Skype app, search for the Encephalitis Society and add us to your contact list. When you’ve added us, simply make a call.

We do ask that you pre-arrange a skype call with us by contacting the support team (so we can free some time in our diaries for you).