We have joined forces with the University of Gloucestershire to create a podcast episode for their Behind the Uni podcast series.
The special episode aims to educate students about the risk of meningitis and the importance of taking steps to protect themselves.
Tilly, whose story we heard earlier this year, and Lana, a Meningitis Now volunteer, headed to UOG to record at their student union. They both shared their experiences of meningitis and how they have had to become more aware of their health and wellbeing since contracting the disease.
Light at the end of the tunnel
Tilly said: “I want to use my experience to educate others and show how serious viral meningitis can be and how much your life might be impacted, but also that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and with time, things will start improving.
“I now have had to be more conscious of my health and not to push myself. I make sure I have enough rest and that am doing all that I can to help my recovery.
“I still have days where everything is overwhelming and emotional, but the good days outweigh the bad days now. I am now able to do lots of things again that I couldn’t do for months. I feel in a much better place both mentally and physically.”
An insight into student life
The Behind the Uni podcast gives current and future students of UOG an insight into student life with hosts and guests discussing everything from drag shows, which sports club to join and sustainability. The conversations are candid, open and aim to reach beyond the walls of their campus in Cheltenham and Gloucester.
CEO, Dr Tom Nutt, said: “We are really delighted to be collaborating with University of Gloucestershire for our student awareness campaign.
“Our focus for the campaign is for young people with an experience of meningitis to have the opportunity to share their story directly with their peers.
“One of the most important aspects of our student campaign is getting the message about the risk of meningitis out to as many young people as possible.
“The podcast serves as a great reminder about the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of meningitis, especially as students start university and their risk of contracting meningitis rises.
“We hope the podcast will resonate with listeners and persuade any young people who hear it to check their meningitis vaccination status.”
Helpful reminders
The Navigating Meningitis at University episode set out to remind students to:
- Get vaccinated before moving to uni – the MenACWY Vaccine is free on the NHS.
- Download the NHS app and register with a GP surgery local to your uni so that you can access medical help quickly if you need it.
- Know the common symptoms of meningitis, which can include: a fever with cold hands and feet, vomiting, feeling drowsy or difficulty waking, a severe headache, a stiff neck, confusion and irritability, severe muscle pain, blotchy skin which might have a rash, and a dislike of bright lights.
For more information about the risk of meningitis to students and how they should best protect themselves please read our student pages.
