Meningitis not only affects the individual but also the wider family, mum, dad, children, grandparents. The whole family unit can often feel isolated and alone when living with the impact of meningitis whether that's because of dealing with long term after-effects or bereavement due to the disease - their lives have been turned upside down and they can struggle to cope.

Meeting with others who share similar experiences helps the family unit to feel less alone and this is facilitated in a safe and supportive environment. Parents can talk to each other, share their concerns and help each other out. Children are given one on one attention, particularly siblings of a meningitis sufferer so that they too see the impact it has had on the entire family helping them to understand better what has happened and why their life has changed.