About Group B Strep Support

Group B Strep Support (GBSS) is the world’s leading charity working to eradicate group B Strep infection in babies. We educate the public and health professionals about group B Strep and provide information and support to affected families through.

National

We provide confidential support and information to families and professionals in several ways including digital, telephone and email services.

Support for professionals

We are the main provider of patient information on group B Strep in the UK and attend training days to talk with health professionals involved in maternity care.

Support for families

We support families suffering from the devastating consequences of group B Strep infection as well as expectant parents concerned that their baby is at risk of group B Strep infection.

Campaigns and Research

We campaign to improve awareness of group B Strep infection and for the introduction of effective and accurate testing. The charity actively supports research that looks at new and enhances existing ways to prevent group B Strep infection in babies.

Upcoming Events

For more information on how you can get involved visit gbss.org.uk/get-involved/

Front cover image: London Marathon

Peter Morris was keen to raise funds for GBSS after hearing all about the charity's work from his father and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dr Edward Morris. Peter raised £2650 and told us, “This was by far the greatest day of my life!”

Ezrah

When Ezrah died at 19 days old from lateonset group B Strep infection, his parents, Sarah and Craig, were heartbroken. They want to see all pregnant women being offered a test late in pregnancy and symptoms of infection in babies being discussed as part of maternity care. Sarah shares their story:

“Ezrah became poorly very suddenly at home. He needed to be transferred by specialist ambulance from our local hospital to Bristol Children’s Hospital due to how unwell he was. He was diagnosed with sepsis and meningitis as a result of group B Strep.

Together with family and friends, Sarah and Craig have raised over £18,000 for GBSS by setting up a MuchLoved Tribute Page in his memory and participating in various events. They have also helped change antenatal care appointments in their local area where GBS is now discussed during pregnancy.

Alyx

Jorgia was petrified when she became pregnant seven months after son Jenson was born with a group B Strep infection. Here Jorgia shares her story.

“Jenson contracted sepsis and pneumonia after birth due to a group B Strep infection. Thankfully, he made a full recovery, but that didn’t stop me from feeling anxious when I found out I was pregnant with his sister.

The doctors kept her safe and kept me in the hospital; being monitored until midnight at 37 weeks when my baby decided she was on her way!

Following UK guidelines, I was administered IV antibiotics to prevent her from getting a group B Strep infection. I received the full dosage before my daughter, Alyx, arrived healthy.”