•Every year around 2,500 cases of bacterial meningitis, and possibly double that of viral meningitis, occur in the UK. •10% of cases result in death. •15% of those who survive meningitis are left with severe after-effects such as brain damage, hearing and sight loss, and where septicaemia (blood poisoning) has occurred, loss of limbs and scarring. •Meningitis kills more UK children under the age of five than any other infectious disease. •Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to meningitis as they cannot easily fight infection because their immune system is not yet fully developed. •Babies and toddlers can’t tell you how they are feeling, so it can be easy to miss vital signs and symptoms of meningitis. •More than three babies, toddlers or young children will be taken ill with meningitis every day. There are several vaccines available to babies and toddlers in the UK, to help protect against some types of meningitis. However, there isn’t a vaccine to protect against all strains. Without vaccines for all strains of meningitis, knowledge of the signs and symptoms, remaining vigilant and getting medical help quickly is vital. The main organisations like Meningitis Trust and Meningitis UK receive no government funding. Meningitis Trust was set up following an outbreak of meningitis in Stroud by those affected and works to raise awareness of the illness and support families and survivors across the UK, e.g. 24 Hr helpline, paying for funeral expenses, providing counselling and home visits. Meningitis UK is a charity that was set up by a father who lost his young son to the illness and works tirelessly to research it and find a solution.