FAMILIES and individuals from east Cleveland who have suffered from meningitis are being encouraged to get involved with a national organisation.

The Meningitis Research Foundation offers help and support including free information about meningitis and befriending services to sufferers and their carers. It is looking for people from the area to join its team.

Julia Warren, from the organisation, said: "Meningitis and septicaemia are devastating diseases which have affected many families in east Cleveland. We want to get the message out that there is help for people who had meningitis, or who are caring for someone with the disease, or who have lost someone, that there is help for them.

"We would also encourage people to become members of our organisation. Some people may find it very therapeutic to get involved in organising awareness stalls and fundraising."

The organisation's free-phone 24-hour helpline is (08088) 003344, which is manned by trained staff and nurses.

To make a donation to the foundation call (01454) 281 814.