England

Branches and groups

Our branches and support groups are a great way of meeting other people with the same condition in your area.

Face to face services

Do you have osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee? Would you like to talk to someone about osteoarthritis? Or get information on managing symptoms such as pain? 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, our services below may help.

North East Hampshire and Farnham, Surrey Heath and East Berkshire:
Services: Information and Peer Support Group Session
Referral by GP or Physiotherapist

Surrey Heartlands:
Services: Information and Peer Support Group Session, face to face 121’s and telephone 121s
Referral by GP or Physiotherapist

Berkshire West:
Services: Information and Peer Support Group Session, face to face 121’s and telephone 121s
Referral by GP

Northumberland:
Services: Information and Peer Support Group Session, face to face 121’s and telephone 121s
Referral by GP or JMAPs

Living Well with Arthritis service

Our local Living Well with Arthritis Service Coordinators offer support to people with arthritis and work with volunteer groups offering a range of activities from gentle exercise to social activities, peer support and informative talks. Do get in touch to find out what's available local to you!

Self management courses and workshops

We provide a number of group sessions to help you make improvements in your quality of life. Delivered by trained volunteers, topics cover:

  • communication
  • pain
  • management
  • activity and exercise
  • finance
  • welfare and employment
  • managing change and goal setting.

Young People and Families Service

Our Young People & Families service offers a range of services to support young people and their families.

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.

Weekend Breaks

We run several weekend breaks across the UK, where young people from the age of 11-18 years have the opportunity to meet others who really understand their condition. Each weekend is different, in the past we have done rock climbing, graffiti art, canoeing, archery, crafts... We know you are not defined by your condition – our events are about having fun too.

Workshops

Young people from the age of 14-25 years and if you want, a family member or friend, are welcome to these day events. They will help to build your confidence in navigating health services, school, university and employment; find out your rights and what support you are entitled to.

Family Events

Young people from the age of 11-18 years and their whole family are welcome to these day events, a mix of activities and an opportunity to speak to other families and health professionals about living with arthritis, in a relaxed environment.

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 events

We have an easy way to see all of 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, 126 KB).

Volunteers

All of our services are either delivered or supported by our amazing volunteers. Volunteering is at the very heart of Versus Arthritis. It is thanks to the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment of volunteers that we are able to support millions of people living with arthritis every year.

Campaigns

We need your help to make arthritis a government and health service priority.

For more information about our campaigns, head over to our dedicated campaign pages.

92 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

Aylesbury Vale branch

When: Second Saturday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm

Location: Church of the Good Shepherd, Church Square, Churchill Avenue, Aylesbury, HP21 8NH

Aylsham Arthritis Support Group

When: Fourth Monday of each month
Time: 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm

Location: Aylsham Care Trust, 1 St Michaels Avenue, Norwich, NR11 6YA

Barking & Dagenham Arthritis Support Group

*No meetings are taking place at the moment* 

When: Second Friday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm

Location: Dagenham Fire Station, 70 Rainham Road North, RM10 7ES

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 - 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

Bridgwater branch

When: First Friday of each month
Time: 10.00 am

Location: The Baptist Church, St Mary Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3LY

Cannock branch

When: First Saturday of each month
Time: 10.00 am

Location: Davy Unit, Cannock Chase Hospital, Brunswich Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 5XY

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, Tewkesbury, 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

East London Asian branch

When: First Saturday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm

Location: Venue to be confirmed

Enfield Arthritis Social Group

When: 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

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

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

Joints 'R' Us Group - Watford

When: Third Monday of each month
Time: 8.00 pm

Location: Various locations

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

Kingston upon Thames branch

When: Third Tuesday of each month
Time: 7.30 pm

Location: The Alfriston Care Centre, Berrylands Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 6AG

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 - Bowling night

When: Thursday 6 February 2020
Time: 4.30 pm - 7.00 pm

Location: Evelina Children’s Hospital, Westminster Bridge Rd, St Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH

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 weekend breaks (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 weekend breaks (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 14 March 2020
Time: 11.30 am - 4.00 pm

Location: Manchester, venue to be confirmed

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: Gibson Centre, Newmarket Hospital, CB8 7JG

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
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

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

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 Weekend Break (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 Weekend Break (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

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

Sheringham Arthritis Support Group

When: Third Monday of each month
Time: 10.00 am - midday

Location: Sheringham Community Centre, Holway Road, Sheringham, NR26 8NP

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

St Albans branch

When: Third Wednesday of each month
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

Swindon Versus Arthritis

When: First Friday of each month
Time: 11.00 am - 12.30 pm

Location: Family Room, The Gorse Hill Community Centre, Chapel Street, Gorse Hill, Swindon, SN2 8DA

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

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 branch

When: Last Wednesday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm

Location: Methodist Church Hall, Tanner Street, Thetford, IP24 2BQ

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

Wear Valley Arthritis Care Self Help Group

When: Second Tuesday of the month
Time: 10.00 am - 12.30 pm

Location: Four Clocks, Newgate St, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7EH

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

Worthing and District branch

When: First Tuesday of each month (except January)
Time: 2.30 pm

Location: Jubilee Hall, Lancing Parish Hall, BN15 8AJ