England
Due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, we have transitioned all face to face services into virtual delivery. Do get in touch with us for further information using the Search for Services in Your Local Area search box.
If you need support or information please contact the Helpline on 0800 5200 520, email helpline@versusarthritis.org or visit the online forum.
We are currently exploring other ways to provide support during this time and would welcome ideas to volunteering@versusarthritis.org. We would really appreciate your help in spreading this message throughout our network, particularly to those who attend our Branches and Groups who may access this information online. Please do all you can to support our network at this difficult time.
Find out more about what this means for you.
What we do
Versus Arthritis is here to make sure that people with arthritis have all the support and information they need to live well with their condition, as well as to ensure the needs of people with arthritis are a priority with policymakers in England.
Living Well with Arthritis (Services for adults)
Versus Arthritis offers a range of support and information to all adults affected by arthritis across England. This includes:
- Physical activities such as hydrotherapy, Tai Chi, chair-based exercise, walking groups.
- Talks and workshops on topics such as managing pain.
- Information stands in places such as rheumatology departments, libraries and local events.
- Social activities and informal support from people like you through regular group meetings.
Our local Service Coordinators offer support to people with arthritis and work with volunteer groups in the areas they cover. Do get in touch to find out what is available local to you by emailing the relevant contact below or calling the Versus Arthritis Helpline on 0800 5200 520.
- North West – g.park@versusarthritis.org
- North East – services@versusarthritis.org
- North Central – l.strudwick@versusarthritis.org
- East Midlands – j.millar@versusartritis.org
- East of England – c.preston@versusarthritis.org
- West Midlands - services@versusarthritis.org
- London and South East - services@versusarthritis.org
- South West - services@versusarthritis.org
Local branches and groups
Our branches and support groups offer friendship, fun, information, and a chance to meet other people who know what it is like to live with arthritis or other muscular skeletal conditions.
We have support offered by local branches and groups across England including the West Midlands, London and surrounds, the South West and the South East. Search to find your local branch or group.
Commissioned services: Osteoarthritis of the hip/knee services
Do you live in one of the area’s listed below and have osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee?
Do you want to get information on managing symptoms such as pain or want to talk to someone about your osteoarthritis?
Are you preparing for or considering joint replacement surgery?
Versus Arthritis believe there is always something you can do to reduce the impact of osteoarthritis, whether you have been recently diagnosed, or have been living with it for some time.
In some areas of the country we provide face to face, virtual and over the phone services for people with osteoarthritis of the knee/hip, which are commissioned by the local NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG). Please note you need to be registered with a GP surgery in the following areas:
To access our services please see below:
Berkshire West CCG – referral by GP or Physiotherapist.
Northumberland CCGs – Refer yourself online, or referral by GP or Joint Musculoskeletal and Pain Service (JMAPS).
East Riding of Yorkshire CCG – referral by First Contact Practitioner, Physiotherapist or GP.
To check which area your GP surgery comes under please check out this website: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/Clinical-Commissioning-Group/LocationSearch/1
If you do live in one of the above areas and are interested in attending one of our commissioned services, please refer yourself online using the above link (only available for people in the Northumberland area at the moment), speak to your health care professional for a referral or call our services number on 0300 790 0433.
Young People and Families Service
Our Young People and Families service offers a range of services to support young people and their families. We encourage young people to get together for a variety of fun activity and discussion-based events across England.
Our Activities
Young people tell us that sometimes friendships and activities have been affected by their health and coming along to one of our events gives them the opportunity to rebuild confidence in themselves and trust in others. All events are run with our volunteers who themselves have grown up with arthritis or similar conditions, so we know there is no such thing as being too young to have arthritis.
We know it is daunting to try something new, but our volunteers and the other young people remember their first time and know exactly how that feels and work hard to make sure everyone feels welcome and safe.
Take a look at our leaflet on the virtual event we do and how to contact us (PDF, 359 KB).
Local Events for young people
We run regular small social meet ups for young people aged 11-18 in London, Manchester and the West Midlands. These are a chance to meet others in your local area, listen to talks and try out different activities.
All our events are fully funded, insured, and run by qualified and experienced staff. All staff and volunteers have criminal records check. Find out more and keep an eye on what’s coming up in your area or contact us at ypf@versusarthritis.org.
Calendar of young people and family events
We have an easy way to see all the young people and family events on our downloadable calendar. This will give you an 'at a glance' view of what's happening in your area: Young people and families calendar of events (PDF, 174 KB).
Connecting with us online
Arthritis Tracker: A mobile app for teens and young adults
Created with young people for young people, Arthritis Tracker lets you rate your symptoms in seconds and see a simple summary of your recent pain, sore joints, medication side effects, energy levels, activity, sleep and emotions. You can use these summaries to help you talk to your healthcare professionals at medical appointments or simply to see how you have been doing recently. Download the app here.
Social Media
We have social media pages available for both parents and teenagers, to allow you to connect with others locally who understand. These are a great place to stay updated and ask any questions you may have for people who have been through similar experiences. Connect with us on social media here.
Volunteers
To volunteer for an organisation is to give the invaluable gift of time and at Versus Arthritis our volunteers play a vital role in raising funds and raising awareness about the pain of arthritis. We couldn't operate without them. All of our services are delivered or supported by our amazing volunteers, and there are opportunities to get involved in campaigning, fundraising, take part in events or even organise your own. Volunteering is at the very heart of Versus Arthritis and it is thanks to the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment of volunteers, that we can support millions of people living with arthritis every year.
We have several volunteering opportunities available across England and provide all the necessary training and support that will help you feel part of our organisation and equipped to perform your role. As a volunteer, we will support you to learn new skills, meet new people and help you increase your confidence and self-esteem. Many of our volunteers live with arthritis and related conditions, which means together we can deliver a quality service, and help you to enhance your self-management skills.
Please get in touch to find out more by emailing volunteering@versusarthritis.org.
Campaigns
We need your help to make arthritis a government and health service priority. Sign up to our Campaigns Network today and join thousands of others campaigning for change. We’ll email you with campaign updates and how you can get involved. Find out more about the issues we’re campaigning on. Do get in touch to find out how you can support our national campaigns by emailing campaigns@versusarthritis.org.
97 results in 'England'
Acle Versus Arthritis
When: Second Tuesday of each month
Time: 10.00 am to midday
Location: Acle Library, Bridewell Lane, Acle, Norwich, Norfolk, NR13 3RA
Alnwick branch
When: First Wednesday of each month (except May)
Time: 7.00 pm
Location: Anchor House, Church Lane, Anwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NP
Altrincham and District branch
When: Fourth Wednesday of the month
Time: 7.30 pm
Location: The Larkhill Centre, Timperley, Altrincham, WA15 7AZ
Arthritis Care Wakefield Rural Group
When: First Thursday of every month
Time: 10.00 am - midday
Location: Hall Green Community Centre, Painthorpe Lane, Hall Green, Wakefield, WF4 3JU
Barnsley and District branch
When: First and third Wednesday of every month
Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Location: Silverdale Community Centre, Silverdale Drive, Monk Bretton, Barnsley, S71 2PP
Beverley branch
When: Third Tuesday of the month
Time: 7.30 pm
Location: Harvest Court, St. Marys Lane, Beverley, North Humberside, HU17 7AS
Bexley and District branch
When: First Thursday of each month
Time: 1.15 pm
Location: United Reform Church Hall, Kelvin Road, Welling, DA16 2EH
Birmingham - Adulting with arthritis
When: Saturday 14 November
Time: 11.00 am – 4.00 pm (tbc)
Location: Birmingham (venue tbc)
Birmingham - Family event
When: Saturday 11 July 2020
Time: 11.30 am - 4.00 pm
Location: Birmingham, venue to be confirmed
Bramley Versus Arthritis
When: First Thursday of each month
Time: 10.00 am - 11.30 am
Location: Bramley Lawn, off Rossefield Approach, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 3TG
Cannock branch
When: First Saturday of each month
Time: 10.00 am
Location: Conference room, Level 3, Cannock Chase Hospital, Brunswich Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 5XY
Cannock Online Exercise
When: Weekly on Thursday evenings
Time: 5.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Location: Online virtual classes
Cheltenham Arthritis Support Group
When: Last Tuesday of each month
Time: 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm
Location: Holy Apostles, Church Hall, London Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 6HW
Chester branch
When: Second Monday of the month
Time: 2.00 pm
Location: Caldy Village Neighbourhood Centre, Chester, CH3 5PR
Chesterfield Arthritis Support Group
When: First Thursday of each month
Time: 10.00 am - midday
Location: Grassmoor Methodist Chapel, 1 Chapel Road, Grassmoor, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S42 5EL
Chippenham branch
When: Third Wednesday each month
Time: 2.00 pm
Location: St. Pauls Church Hall, Malmesbury Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1PS
Chorley Versus Arthritis
When: Third Wednesday of the month
Time: 11.30 am – 1.00 pm
Location: Chorley library, Union St, Chorley PR7 1EB
Cromer Arthritis Care Group
When: First Monday of the month
Time: 10.30 am - 12.30 pm
Location: Meadow Close Residents Lounge, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9JF
Deal branch
When: Fourth Saturday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm
Location: Deal Centre, Park Street, Deal, Kent, CT14 6AG
Dereham Versus Arthritis Support Group
When: First Thursday of each month
Time: 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
Location: Dereham Library, 59 High Street, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DZ
Downham Market Versus Arthritis Support Group
When: Second Wednesday of the month
Time: 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Location: Downham Market Library, Priory Centre, Priory Road, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9JS
Eaton Versus Arthritis Support Group
When: First Tuesday of each month
Time: 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
Location: Eaton Room, The Cellar House, Eaton Street, Eaton, Norfolk, NR4 7AD
Enfield Arthritis Social Group
When: First Wednesday of each month
Time: 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm
Location: The Art Town, 29-30 The Town, Enfield, London, EN2 6LW
Ferndown
When: First Saturday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm
Location: Ferndown day centre, Library Rd, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9JP
Gateshead branch
When: First Monday of the month
Time: 6.30 pm - 8.45 pm
Location: Function Suite, Gateshead Civic Centre, Regent Street, Gateshead, NE8 1HH
Gaywood Arthritis Care Group
When: First Monday of the month
Time: 10.30 am - midday
Location: Gaywood Library, Rivers Lane, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 4HD
Gloucestershire - Online yoga and mindfulness
When: Wednesdays from 12 May
Time: 6.15 pm - 7.15 pm
Location: Online virtual classes
Guernsey branch
When: Third Tuesday of each month
Time: 7.30 pm
Location: Castel Douzaine Room, Castel Parish, Guernsey, GY5 7PE
Halifax
When: Third Monday of every month
Time: 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm
Location: Maurice Jagger Centre, Winding Road, Halifax, HX1 1UZ
Herefordshire Versus Arthritis Support Group
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Online in Herefordshire
Huddersfield Versus Arthritis
When: First Tuesday of every month
Time: 10.30 am - 12.30 pm
Location: Paddock Village Hall West View, Paddock, Huddersfield, HD1 4TX
Hull and East Riding branch
When: Every fourth Thursday of the month
Time: 12.30 pm - 3.00 pm
Location: Grove House, Beverley Road, Hull, HU5 1NA
Islington Arthritis Support Group
When: First Thursday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm - 3.30 pm
Location: Isledon Road, Mental Health Resource Centre, 76-80 Isledone Road, London, N7 7LB
Kendal Hydrotherapy Group
When: Every Tuesday except the first Tuesday of the month
Time: Midday
Location: Sandygate School, Sandylands Road, Kendal, LA9 6JG
Kettering branch
When: Fourth Monday of each month
Time: 7.30 pm
Location: Cornmarket Hall, London Road, Kettering, NN15 7QA
Kirkby in Ashfield branch
When: Last Wednesday of each month
Time: 6.00 pm
Location: Sherwood Court Community Centre, Sherwood Street, Kirkby in Ashfield, NG17 7BE
Lancaster Versus Arthritis
When: Second Friday of the month
Time: 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm
Location: Positive Futures North West, 701 Cameron House, White Cross Business Park, Quarry Road, Lancaster, LA1 4XQ
Leeds branch
When: Third Tuesday of the month
Time: 7.30 pm
Location: St. Chads Hall, Otley Road, Headingley, LS16 5JT
Lichfield branch
When: Last Tuesday of each month
Time: 7.30 pm
Location: Lichfield Fire Station, Birmingham Road, Lichfield, WS13 6HU
Lincoln Versus Arthritis
When: First Thursday of each month
Time: 1.30 pm - 3.00 pm
Location: Cliff House Medical Practice, 82 Burton Road, Lincoln, LN1 3LJ
London - family event
When: Saturday 17 October
Time: 11.30 am - 4.00 pm
Location: Ronald Mcdonald House, 216 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7JY
London - Family event
When: Saturday 4 July 2020
Time: 11.30 am - 4.00 pm
Location: Weston House, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH
London - University and Me
When: Friday 30 October 2020
Time: 11.30 am - 4.00 pm
Location: London Metropolitan University, London, N7 8DB
London Bowling Night (12-18yrs)
When: Wednesday 4 March 2020
Time: 5.00 pm - 7.30 pm
Location: Evelina Children’s Hospital, Westminster Bridge Rd, St Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH
London residential weekend (March)
When: Friday 13 March 2020 and Sunday 15 March 2020
Time: 6.00 pm and 4.00 pm
Location: Scout Adventures Gilwell Park, Chingford, London, E4 7QW
London residential weekend (September)
When: Friday 18 September 2020 and Sunday 20 September 2020
Time: 6.00 pm and 4.00 pm (for specific times see below)
Location: London south, venue to be confirmed
Long Sutton Arthritis Care Group
When: Second Monday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Location: Long Sutton Library, Trafalgar Square, Long Sutton, PE12 9HB
Macclesfield Versus Arthritis
When: Third Monday of the month
Time: 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm
Location: Bollington Room, Townley Church Hall, Townley Street, Macclesfield. SK11 6HZ
Manchester - Bowling night
When: Thursday 30 January 2020
Time: 6.00 pm - 8.30 pm
Location: Tenpin, Parrs Wood Entertainment Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 5PG
Manchester - Family event
When: Saturday 21 March 2020
Time: 12.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Location: Hathersage Rd, Manchester M13 0BH
Manchester - Youth session
When: Thursday 19 March
Time: 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm
Location: Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital
Manchester South Branch
When: Second Wednesday of the month
Time: 7.00 pm
Location: Westcroft Community Centre, 26 Westcroft Rd, Manchester M20 6EF
Moving On Up - ages 10-11
When: Thursday 23 July
Time: TBC
Location: Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, B4 6NH
Newmarket Branch
When: First Monday of each month
Time: January to March: 2.00 pm, April to December: 7.00 pm
Location: George Gibson Close, Community Room, Exning, Newmarket, CB8 7LE
Newton Abbot branch
When: Second Wednesday of each month
Time: 7.30 pm
Location: Buckland Athletic Football Club, Holmers Heath, Kingskerswell Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 5JU
North Hampshire Arthritis Support Group
When: See below
Time: 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Location: Fleet Town Football Club, 8A Crookham Road, Fleet, GU51 5DZ
North Walsham Arthritis Support Group
When:
- North Walsham Arthritis Support Group: Second Monday of each month
- North Walsham branch: Third Thursday of each month
Time:
- North Walsham Arthritis Support Group: 10.30 am - 12.30 pm
- North Walsham branch: 2.30 pm
Location: North Walsham Community Centre, New Road, North Walsham, NR28 9DE
Northampton Link Group
When: Fourth Thursday of each month
Time: 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Location: Elizabeth House, Tyringham Close, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN3 3DE
Norwich Versus Arthritis
When: Third Wednesday every two months (January, March, May, July, September, and November)
Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Location: Nuffield Wellbeing Centre, Barrack Street, Norwich, NR3 1TS
Nottingham Arthritis Care Self Help Group
When: Last Friday of each month
Time: 11.00 am
Location: Sherwood Community Centre, Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG5 3FN
Nottinghamshire (South Forest)
When: Tuesdays from 9 March 2021
Time: 11.30 am - 12.30 pm
Location: Virtual event, Nottinghamshire
Oldham Versus Arthritis
When: Last Thursday of each month
Time: 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Location: Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre, Room 2, Greave Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL
On-line gentle movement and strengthening sessions in Gateshead and Newcastle Upon Tyne
When: Wednesdays from 28 April
Time: 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm
Location: Virtual event, Gateshead and Newcastle Upon Tyne
Oswestry Self-Help
When: Every Monday
Time: 1.15 pm - 2.00 pm and 2.00 pm - 2.45 pm
Location: Orthopaedic Hospital, Gobowen, SY10 7AG
Peak District residential weekend (March)
When: Friday 27 March 2020 and Sunday 29 March 2020
Time: 6.00 pm and 4.00 pm
Location: Thornbridge Outdoors, Longstone Lane, Great Longstone, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1NY
Peak District residential weekend (September)
When: Friday 25 September 2020 and Sunday 27 September 2020
Time: 6.00 pm and 4.00 pm (for specific times see below)
Location: Peak District, venue to be confirmed
Pontefract and District Branch
When: Second and fourth Tuesday of the month
Time: 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Location: Thornycroft, Halfpenny Lane, Pontefract, WF8 4AY
Preston Versus Arthritis
When: Last Friday of each month
Time: 10.30 am - 12.00 pm
Location: Harris Library, Market Square, Preston, PR1 2PP
REAL Support Group in Harrow
When: The dates for 2019 are below
Time: 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Location: Trinity Church, Hindes Road, Harrow, HA1 1RX
Redcar Versus Arthritis
When: First Tuesday of the month
Time: 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm
Location: Community Stepping Stones, 5 Farndale Square, Dormanstown, Redcar, TS10 5HE
Reigate and District Branch
When: Fourth Thursday of each month
Time: 2.30 pm
Location: The Woodhatch Centre, Whitebeam Drive, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 7LS
Rochford branch
When: Fourth Thursday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm
Location: Ashingdon Memorial Hall, Ashingdone Road, Ashingdon, Essex, SS4 3HF
Rushden and Higham branch
When: Second Monday of each month
Time: 7.00 pm
Location: St Peter's Catholic Church Hall, Higham Road, Rushden, NN10 6AG
Scunthorpe branch
When: Last Tuesday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Location: Central Community Centre, Lindum Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 6QU
Sheffield Branch
When: First Monday of each month (2nd Monday for bank holidays)
Time: 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm
Location: Quaker Meeting House, 10 St James Street, Sheffield, S1 2EW
Skills for Success - ages 14+
When: Monday 17 February 2020
Time: 10.00 am - 3.00 pm
Location: The Priory Rooms, Quaker Meeting House, 40 Bull Street, Birmingham, B4 6AF
Sleaford branch
When: Fourth Wednesday of each month
Time: 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm
Location: St Deny's Church Hall, Market Place, Sleaford, NG34 7SH
Somerton Branch
When: First Thursday each month
Time: 7.30 pm
Location: United Reform Church Hall, West Street, Somerton, TA11 7PS
South Forest Arthritis Self-Help Group
When: See below for dates
Time: 1.30 pm
Location: South Forest Leisure Complex, Edwinstowe, NG21 9JA
South Shields Versus Arthritis
When: Second Monday of the month
Time: 10.00 am to 12.00 pm
Location: Marsden Road Health and Wellbeing Centre, Marsden Road (Horsley Hill), NE34 6RE
St Albans branch
When: Third Wednesday of each month (no meetings in August and in December the meeting is on the second Wednesday)
Time: 2.00 pm
Location: Christchurch Centre, 3 High Oaks, St. Albans, Herts, AL3 6DJ
Stafford branch
When: Third Thursday of each month
Time: 7.30 pm
Location: The Sandon Road Baptist Church, Stafford, ST18 0GB
Suffolk Versus Arthritis Support Group
When: Third Friday of each month starting on 16 July 2021
Time: 12.00 pm
Location: Online in Suffolk
Tai Chi - Watford
When: Tuesdays afternoons in term time
Time: 1.30 pm - 2.30 pm, beginners class 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm
Location: acred Heart Church, London Road, Bushey WD23 1BA
Tai Chi for arthritis in Leicestershire
When: Mondays from 22 March 2021
Time: 12.00 pm - 1.00 pm (pre-class chat 11.30 am - 12.00 pm)
Location: Virtual class, Leicester
Tattenhall Versus Arthritis
When: Third Wednesday of the month
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
Location: Babour Institute, High Street, Tattenhall, CH3 9PX
Thetford Versus Arthritis
When: First Tuesday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm
Location: Fulmerston Church, Fulmerston Road, Thetford, IP24 3LF
Thornton Cleveley Branch
When: First Wednesday of the month
Time: 7.00 pm - 7.30 pm
Location: Get in touch for venue details
Thornton Cleveleys Versus Arthritis
When: First Wednesday of the month
Time: 7.00 pm
Where: Various locations
Location: Various locations
Torbay Branch
When: Second Monday of each month (excluding January and August)
Time: 7.00 pm
Location: Livermead House Hotel, Torbay Road, Torbay, Torquay, TQ2 6QJ
Wansbeck Branch
When: Last Wednesday of the month
Time: 11.00 am
Location: Newbiggin Maritime Centre, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland, NE64 6DB
Watford Central Group
When: First Monday of each month
Time: 1.45 pm
Location: Holyrood Social Centre, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NP
Wells branch
When: Last Monday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm
Location: Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells, BA5 2RB
West Bromwich Link Group
When: Last Wednesday of each month
Time: 5.30 pm
Location: Sandwell Medical Education Centre, Sandwell General Hospital, West Bromwich, B71 4HJ
Wolverhampton - Family event
When: Saturday 4 July 2020
Time: 11.30 am - 4.00 pm
Location: Wolverhampton - venue to be confirmed
Worcestershire Versus Arthritis Support Group
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Online in Worcestershire
Worthing and District branch
When: First Tuesday of each month (except January)
Time: 2.30 pm
Location: Jubilee Hall, Lancing Parish Hall, BN15 8AJ