History

ACT History

ACT for Meningitis: A Legacy of Awareness, Action, and Impact

What began as a family’s personal tragedy has become one of Ireland’s most influential health awareness charities. Since its founding in 2011, ACT for Meningitis has grown into a national voice for meningitis awareness and support, ensuring that no family has to face the disease alone.

From Grief to Action

In 2008, Siobhán and Noel Carroll from Galway faced the unimaginable loss of their four-year-old daughter Aoibhe, who died suddenly from meningitis. In the midst of their heartbreak, the Carrolls saw an urgent need for greater public awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and the devastating speed at which it can take hold. Determined to turn their pain into purpose, they launched ACT for Meningitis in 2011 — named in honour of Aoibhe and standing for Aoibhe Carroll Trust.

Raising Awareness Nationwide

From the outset, ACT for Meningitis set out to make a tangible difference. The organisation quickly gained attention for its grassroots approach to outreach: educational workshops, school visits, and community engagement formed the backbone of its work. 

Driving Change Through Media and Events

Over the years, ACT for Meningitis has successfully leveraged both traditional and digital media to amplify its campaigns. By 2018, its reach had expanded dramatically:

• A single March awareness campaign engaged over 200,000 people organically across social media.

• World Meningitis Day  annualy sees personal stories shared across national radio and newspapers, creating powerful connections between lived experience and public understanding.

•  ACT founder Siobhán Carroll sits on the “Defeat meningitis 2030” panel for the World Health Organisation (WHO) represents the charity at the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO) Global Conference in Various locations globally — a moment that positioned ACT as a leader not just in Ireland, but on the international stage.

Our awareness approach has featured prominently in ACT’s seasonal campaigns and public education materials, garnering further media attention during high-risk periods like winter and exam season.

Continued Growth and Community Impact

Today, ACT for Meningitis continues to offer a range of support services for families affected by meningitis — from bereavement counselling to one-on-one support sessions. Their fundraising events regularly appear in regional news and serve as vital touchpoints for community involvement.

Even as digital outreach expands, ACT remains grounded in its personal touch — meeting families face-to-face, visiting schools, and offering vital support that larger organisations often cannot.

Looking Ahead

Now in its second decade, ACT for Meningitis stands as a testament to the power of purpose-led advocacy. It continues to challenge misconceptions, champion early intervention, and ensure that EVERYONE – every parent, teacher, and healthcare provider in Ireland knows the signs — and knows to ACT.

From one family’s devastating loss has grown a movement that has undoubtedly saved lives.