North Yorkshire support group grant

A Broadacres grant is benefiting a North Yorkshire support group which aims to bring people together in the battle against a condition that many are unaware of despite it devastating thousands of lives in the UK every year.

Encephalitis International, whose world headquarters has been based in Malton for over 30 years, offers help, support and advice to families affected by encephalitis – an inflammation of the brain caused through infection or faulty immune system.

The impact can be devastating for both the patient and their family and friends as the condition can completely change a person’s character with symptoms including confusion, altered behaviour, psychosis, seizures, hallucinations and memory loss. It can also lead to epilepsy and chronic fatigue making a return to work or education incredibly challenging if not impossible.

“We describe it as a thief, because it steals the person you were, the person people knew,” said Joanne Brooke, Trust and Foundations Manager based at Encephalitis International in Malton.

She added: “To make matters worse, 77% of people have never heard of the condition which can add to the feeling of isolation and fear and that is what we are determined to change.”

The Malton group is pioneering a “Life after Encephalitis” project which aims to improve the provision of support across all platforms for those affected and connection to vital services including helplines, virtual and in-person support groups.

A £200 donation from Broadacres’ Community Development Fund will go towards helping to run the project in 2025. Currently there are over 400 members from North Yorkshire on their database with 227 local cases recorded in the past five years.

“We want to show people they are not alone, support is available and there is life after encephalitis diagnosis,” said Joanne. “To allow more meaningful connections, the groups will be focussed on specific relationships to encephalitis, for example, people directly affected, family members and those who have lost someone to the condition.”

To find out more about Encephalitis International  in North Yorkshire and beyond visit encephalitis.info

The Broadacres Community Development Fund supports local organisations, groups, and projects in areas where Broadacres has homes. The Association’s own residents approve all grants.

To apply to the Fund click here.