England
As pandemic restrictions ease, we are cautiously re-opening some face to face activities while continuing some online meetings. We offer a wide range of activities across England for adults and young people from Commissioned services to new walking groups to various types of gentle exercise, peer support for adults and young people and families, information sharing and social activities. All activities are fully risk assessed and approved by Versus Arthritis. Do check what’s in your local area using the Search for Services in Your Local Area search box. If you need support now, please contact the Helpline on 0800 5200 520, email helpline@versusarthritis.org or visit the online forum.
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 from healthcare professionals and researchers on topics such as managing pain and fatigue.
- 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 searching In Your Area, emailing services@versusarthritis.org or telephoning 0300 790 0433 during business hours.
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 volunteer-led branches and groups across England. Branches and groups usually meet monthly, some during daytime, some in the evenings. Activities vary based on local interests and can include guest speakers, physical activity and social activities. 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:
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 (YPFS)
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.
YPFS - 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.
YPFS - 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.
87 results in 'England'
Alnwick branch
When: First Wednesday of each month (except May)
Time: 7.00 pm
Location: Anchor House, Church Lane, Anwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NP
Barnsley and District branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Silverdale Community Centre, Silverdale Drive, Monk Bretton, Barnsley, S71 2PP
Bexley and District branch
When: First Thursday of each month
Time: 1.15 pm
Location: United Reform Church Hall, Kelvin Road, Welling, DA16 2EH
Bradford Pain Group
When: Weekly on Wednesdays
Time: 10.30 am - 11.30 am
Location: Clayton Village Hall, Reva Skye Road, Clayton, Bradford BD14 6AE
Bramley (Leeds) Versus Arthritis
When: First Thursday of each month
Time: 10.00 am - 11.30 am
Location: Bramley Lawn Social Centre, Rossfield Lawn, off Rossfield Approach, Bramley, Leeds LS13 3RU
Bridlington Versus Arthritis Group
When: First Monday of the month
Time: 1.30 - 3.30 pm
Location: North Bridlington Library, Marton Gate, Bridlington YO16 6YD
Broadland Versus Arthritis Group
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Bridewell Lane, Acle, Norwich NR13 3RA
Burton on Trent Versus Arthritis Group
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Red Lion House, 233 Horninglow Road North, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 0ST
Cambridgeshire Versus Arthritis Support Group
When: Second Tuesday of each month
Time: 5.30 pm - 6.30 pm
Location: Online in Cambridgeshire
Cannock branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
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
Cheshire Rural support group Versus Arthritis
When: 3rd Monday every month
Time: 10.30 am - 12.30 pm
Location: Cheshire
Chester Branch support group
When: Second Monday of the month
Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Location: Caldy Village Neighbourhood Centre, Chester, CH3 5PR
Chester online seated exercise group
When: Weekly on Thursdays
Time: 10.00 am - 10.45 am
Location: Station Road, Chester, CH1 3AA
Chester Walking Group
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Station Road, Chester, CH1 3AA
Chesterfield Versus Arthritis Group
When: First Thursday of each month
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
Location: Grassmoor Methodist Chapel, 1 Chapel Road, Grassmoor, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S42 5EL
Chippenham branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: St. Pauls Church Hall, Malmesbury Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1PS
Chorley Versus Arthritis
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: East Way, Chorley, PR6 0UU
Cromer Versus Arthritis 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 Social Group
When: Fourth Saturday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Location: Deal Centre, Park Street, Deal, Kent, CT14 6AG
Deal Education and Support Group
When: Last Wednesday of the month
Time: 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm
Location: Astor Community Theatre, Stanhope Road, Deal CT14 6AB
Dereham Versus Arthritis Group
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Dereham Library, 59 High Street, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DZ
Dereham Versus Arthritis Walking Group
When: 4th Tuesday monthly starting Tuesday 28 September 2021
Time: 10.15am - 11.30 am
Location: Dereham Library, 59 High Street, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DZ
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
Enfield Walking Group
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Church Street, Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 6AQ
Fenland Versus Arthritis
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Broad Street, March, Cambridgeshire
Ferndown
When: First Saturday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm
Location: Kings Park Care Home, Church Road, Ferndown, BH22 9EU
Gateshead
When: Virtual Meeting once a month (date can change so contact for next meeting date)
Time: 10.30 am - 11.30 am
Location: Online meeting only for people in the Gateshead area.
Gaywood Arthritis Care Group
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Gaywood Library, Rivers Lane, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 4HD
Gloucestershire walking group
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Swindon Road, Cheltenham, GL50 4BB
Guernsey branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Castel Douzaine Room, Castel Parish, Guernsey, GY5 7PE
Halifax Branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Maurice Jagger Centre, Winding Road, Halifax, HX1 1UZ
Hampshire Versus Arthritis
When: Last Tuesday of each month
Time: 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm
Location: Avonway Community Centre, Avonbridge, SP6 1JF
Herefordshire Versus Arthritis
When: First Friday of the month
Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Location: Kindle Centre, Belmont Rd, Hereford HR2 7JE
Huddersfield Versus Arthritis
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Paddock Village Hall West View, Paddock, Huddersfield, HD1 4TX
Hull and East Riding branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Grove House, Beverley Road, Hull, HU5 1NA
Islington Arthritis Support Group
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Isledon Road, Mental Health Resource Centre, 76-80 Isledone Road, London, N7 7LB
Islington Walking Group
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Upper Street, Islington, N1 1US
Kendal Versus Arthritis Hydrotherapy Group
When: Every Tuesday except the first Tuesday of the month
Time: 12.00 pm - 1.00 pm
Location: Sandygate School, Sandylands Road, Kendal, LA9 6JG
Kettering Versus Arthritis
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Cornmarket Hall, London Road, Kettering, NN15 7QA
Lancashire walking group
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Fenton Street, Lancaster, LA1 1AA
Lancaster Versus Arthritis
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Positive Futures North West, 701 Cameron House, White Cross Business Park, Quarry Road, Lancaster, LA1 4XQ
Leeds Walking Group
When: Weekly on Fridays
Time: 10.30 am - 1.00 pm
Location: Talbot Avenue LS17 6SF
Leicester Versus Arthritis
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Gallowtree Gate, Leicestershire, LE1 5GD
Leicester Versus Arthritis - Walking group
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Gallowtree Gate, Leicestershire, LE1 5GD
Lichfield branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Lichfield Fire Station, Birmingham Road, Lichfield, WS13 6HU
London - University and Me
When: Tuesday 26 October 2021
Time: 11.00 am - 4.00 pm
The event will be accessible online too.
Location: London Metropolitan University, London, N7 8DB
Long Sutton Versus Arthritis Group
When: Second Monday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Location: Lowgate, Lutton, Spalding, Long Sutton, PE12 9BN
Macclesfield Versus Arthritis
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Bollington Room, Townley Church Hall, Townley Street, Macclesfield. SK11 6HZ
Manchester South
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Westcroft Community Centre, 26 Westcroft Rd, Manchester M20 6EF
Newmarket Versus Arthritis Group
When: Second Monday of each month
Time: January to March: 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, April to December: 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Location: Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7JG
Newton Abbot branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Buckland Athletic Football Club, Holmers Heath, Kingskerswell Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 5JU
North Hampshire
When: Bimonthly, first Thursday of the month
Time: 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Location: Fleet Town Football Club, 8A Crookham Road, Fleet, GU51 5DZ
North Oxfordshire Versus Arthritis Group
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Murdock Road, Bicester, OX26 4ZZ
Norwich Versus Arthritis On-line Group
When: Second Wednesday of each month
Time: 1.00 pm - 2.00 pm
Location: On-line Group
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 the month restarting in November 2021
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
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Orthopaedic Hospital, Gobowen, SY10 7AG
Pontefract indoor bowls
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Thornycroft, Halfpenny Lane, Pontefract, WF8 4AY
Pontefract Versus Arthritis branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Thornycroft, Halfpenny Lane, Pontefract, WF8 4AY
Preston Versus Arthritis
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Harris Library, Market Square, Preston, PR1 2PP
REAL Support Group in Harrow
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Trinity Church, Hindes Road, Harrow, HA1 1RX
Redcar Versus Arthritis
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email Redcarversusarthritis@gmail.com for further updates.
Location: Community Stepping Stones, 5 Farndale Square, Dormanstown, Redcar, TS10 5HE
Reigate and District Branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: The Woodhatch Centre, Whitebeam Drive, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 7LS
Rochford branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Ashingdon Memorial Hall, Ashingdone Road, Ashingdon, Essex, SS4 3HF
Rushden & Higham Versus Arthritis
When: Second Monday of each month
Time: 7.00 pm - 9.00 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
Scunthorpe Versus Arthritis Hydrotherapy Group
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: St Hugh's School, Bushfield Road, Scunthorpe DN16 1NB
Sheffield Branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Quaker Meeting House, 10 St James Street, Sheffield, S1 2EW
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
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: United Reform Church Hall, West Street, Somerton, TA11 7PS
South Forest Self Help Versus Arthritis Group
When: Various times weekly.
Aqua classes: Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Location: South Forest Leisure Complex, Edwinstowe, NG21 9JA
South Norwich Versus Arthritis Group
When: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Leopold Rd, Norwich NR4 7AD
South Shields Versus Arthritis
When: Second Tuesday of the month
Time: TBC
Location: Mortimer Community Centre, Reading Road, South Shields NE33 4UG
St Albans branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Christchurch Centre, 3 High Oaks, St. Albans, Herts, AL3 6DJ
Stafford branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: The Sandon Road Baptist Church, Stafford, ST18 0GB
Suffolk Versus Arthritis
When: Third Friday of each month at 12 noon, online
Time: 12.00 pm - 1.00 pm
Location: Online in Suffolk
Thetford Versus Arthritis
When: First Monday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm
Location: Fulmerston Road, Thetford, IP24 3LE
Thornton Cleveleys Versus Arthritis
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
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
Wakefield Rural Group Versus Arthritis
When: First Thursday of every month
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
Location: Hall Green Community Centre, Painthorpe Lane, Hall Green, Wakefield, WF4 3JU
Wansbeck Branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
Location: Newbiggin Maritime Centre, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland, NE64 6DB
Wells branch
Group currently not meeting face to face. Please email services@versusarthritis.org for further updates.
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
Worthing and District branch
When: First Tuesday of each month (except January)
Time: 2.30 pm
Location: Jubilee Hall, Lancing Parish Hall, BN15 8AJ