GSK has announced the next phase of Tackle Meningitis, an awareness campaign in schools and sports clubs across the UK, in partnership with Former England rugby player, Matt Dawson.
Schools and clubs will be asked to participate by running an on-site event for parents and children to increase understanding of the disease and its symptoms and strains. As part of the campaign, GSK is urging parents and families to go and see their local pharmacist to receive more information about meningitis and what actions they can take.
GSK is currently developing a Tackle Meningitis microsite (www.tacklemeningitis.org), to be launched in May, which will provide participants with all the relevant materials and guidance they need to run an event. Schools will also have the opportunity to enter a draw to win a coaching session from Matt and gold medal-winning Olympic hockey player, Kate Richardson-Walsh, OBE.
Further building upon the power of sport to reach people at a community level, Matt will also be joined by Six Nations Captain, Rory Best. The current and former players have broadened the geographical reach of Tackle Meningitis and are running an awareness campaign in Ireland.
Matt has also conducted a Thunderclap on social media, with more than 258 people pledging their support for the schools’ and sports clubs’ campaign and a social reach of 6,185,512.
Tackle Meningitis was first launched in September 2016 during Meningitis Awareness Week, with support from UK charities, Meningitis Research Foundation and Meningitis Now. A nationwide survey was also conducted last November, aimed at finding out how much parents knew about meningitis, and highlighting any gaps in information.
The survey uncovered some worrying findings; most notably, more than a third of UK parents wrongly believe a rash is the first symptom of meningitis, when it often appears later, or not at all. In addition, only 16 per cent of parents were aware that the rash is caused by the onset of septicaemia (blood poisoning).
Matt said, ‘It’s great to be able to widen the reach of the campaign, both geographically and to different audiences. We are encouraging as many schools and sports clubs as possible across the country to participate and raise awareness in your local communities.
‘When running these events, we are putting a particular emphasis on symptoms to look out for beyond the distinctive rash, the different age ranges at risk and the need to trust your instincts and act fast if you suspect meningitis. We would also recommend that people go and speak to their local pharmacist, nurse or GP to get more information about the disease and what actions they can take.’
