Alnwick branch
When: First Wednesday of each month (except May)
Time: 7.00 pm- Location: Anchor House, Church Lane, Anwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NP
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.
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.
Versus Arthritis offers a range of support and information to adults affected by arthritis across England. This includes:
We support people living with arthritis or any other long-term medical condition to get active and stay active, in order to live well with your condition.
Evidence shows that physical activity is good for us, even when we have a long-term condition like arthritis. Regular physical activity has many benefits and helps us to remain well for longer and manage our pain more effectively.
Chi-Me courses
Chi Me is a gentle exercise technique that can be practiced in either standing or sitting positions. It’s Tai Chi influenced and is a simple and relaxing way to develop better flexibility and muscle strength for people of all ages and abilities. Sessions will be led by a trained instructor in small groups. Sessions will be a mixture of face to face or virtual.
Somerset Chi-Me Course: Registration form
Seated Yoga courses
Seated Yoga is a form of Yoga that is done in the seated position and may be most suitable for people who have difficulty standing.
If you would like to join one of our Chi-Me or Seated Yoga sessions, full details of our current opportunities and how to register can be found in our registration forms below.
Swimming
Swimming is a great exercise if you have arthritis because it doesn't put too much strain on your joints. Find a local swimming pool or club near you with Swim England's Pool Finder.
South England
Berkshire face-to-face courses: Chi-Me Registration Form
North England
North East: Chi-Me, Seated and Boccia Yoga Registration form
Bitesize are information sessions that cover a range of issues faced by people living with arthritis including pain, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep. These are delivered in small groups where you’ll meet other people facing similar issues and will spend a couple of hours exploring ways to manage your symptoms.
If you would like to join one of our Bitesize sessions, full details of our current opportunities and how to register can be found in our registration forms below.
Registration form Somerset: Bite size Registration form
Registration form Hampshire and Surrey: Bite size Registration form
Registration for Berkshire: Bite size Registration form
We are currently rolling out face-to-face 5 week courses where you will explore different techniques and strategies for living with arthritis. Participants are encouraged to attend each session if possible in order to get the most benefit. If you would like to join one of our Self-Management courses, full details of our current opportunities and how to register can be found in our registration forms below.
South England
Hampshire and Surrey Living Well with Arthritis - Self-Management Course: Registration Form
Midlands
Sutton Coldfield: 5 week Self Management : Wyndley Leisure Centre - Tuesday 4th June 2024 to Tuesday 2nd July 2024 - 10:00 am - 12:30 pm - https://forms.office.com/e/f9J3CAS254
If you require more support with registration please email northenglanddelivery@versusarthritis.org or call 0300 790 0433
North England
Barnard Castle: 5 week Self Management : Richardson community hospital -Tuesday 10th September to Tuesday 8th October 2024 - 14:00 - 16:00 - https://forms.office.com/e/f9J3CAS254
Newcastle: 5-week self-management course, Disability North, Dene Centre, Gosforth, weekly, Tuesday 4th February – Tuesday 4th March 2025, 13:00 – 15:00 https://forms.office.com/e/f9J3CAS254
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When: First Wednesday of each month (except May)
Time: 7.00 pm
Opportunity to attend information sessions that cover a range of issues faced by people living with arthritis including fatigue, pain, and fibromyalgia.
The sessions will be delivered in groups where you’ll meet other people facing similar issues and will spend a couple of hours exploring ways to manage your symptoms.
Refreshments available.
September/October 2024
Places are FREE, but limited so book now to avoid disappointment-
Places are FREE, but limited so book now to avoid disappointment
Opportunity to attend information sessions that cover a range of issues faced by people living with arthritis including pain, fatigue and fibromyalgia.
The sessions will be delivered in groups where you’ll meet other people facing similar issues and will spend a couple of hours exploring ways to manage your symptoms.
Refreshments available.
When: June and July 2024
Places are FREE, but limited so book now to avoid disappointment
Opportunity to attend information sessions that cover a range of issues faced by people living with arthritis including pain, fatigue and fibromyalgia.
The sessions will be delivered in groups where you’ll meet other people facing similar issues and will spend a couple of hours exploring ways to manage your symptoms.
Refreshments available.
When: June and July 2024
When: Weekly on Tuesdays.
Time: 2.00pm - 3.00pm (with an extended chat to 4.00pm every third Tuesday of the month)
When: First Saturday of the month
Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm
When: Second Monday of the month
Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
For more information about this group, please contact the Services Team at services@versusarthritis.org
When: Weekly on Tuesdays
Time: 3.30pm - 4.30pm
When: First Thursday of each month
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
When: Third Wednesday each month
Time: 2.00 pm
When: Fourth Saturday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
When: Last Wednesday of the month
Time: 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm
This group is currently paused
When do we meet
Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm (Online Zoom)
Tuesday 10.00am - 11.00am (Online Zoom)
Wednesday 9.30am - 10.30am and 11.00am – 12.00pm in person at Clayton Village Hall BD14 6QN
Friendship Group
When: First Wednesday of the month is our Friendship Group
Time: 12 noon - 3:00 pm
Location: Function Room at the Stonetrough Pub, Durham Road, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 7TA
Coffee Group
When: Third Wednesday of the month is our Coffee Get Together
Time: 10:00 am - 12 noon
Location: Coffee Shop at Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Road, Gateshead NE8 4LN
When: First Friday of the month
Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
When: Every fourth Thursday of the month.
Time: 12.30 pm - 3.00 pm
When: Every Tuesday except the first Tuesday of the month
Time: 12.00 pm - 1.00 pm
A 5-week self-management course with the opportunity to meet others living with arthritis or a musculoskeletal condition, in a small, supportive group. A Chance to develop your skills and knowledge on areas including:- Managing Pain and Fatigue, Improving lifestyle including activity, and Managing change and goal setting.
Refreshments will be available.
Thursdays - on 31st October, 7th November, 14th November, 21st November, and 5th December Time: 10.30am-1.00pm
When: Last Monday of each month
Time: 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm
When: Second Wednesday of the month
Time: 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm
When: Bi-monthly - first Wednesday of the month
Time: 11.00 am – 1.00 pm
Wednesday 3 January
Wednesday 6 March
Wednesday 1 May
Wednesday 3 July
Wednesday 4 September
Wednesday 6 November
Do you have arthritis or a long-term musculoskeletal condition. Come along and join us for our 5-week Self-Management Course. Our FREE 5 WEEK self-management course is designed to help support you to manage your condition better. It’s a combination of learning how to ‘do-it-yourself’ and ‘all the help you want and need from others. We give you the tools to take back some control and start living the life you want to.
August and September 2024 – 10am-12.30pm
Places are FREE, but limited so book now to avoid disappointment
If you're based near Nottingham you can meet with your local Versus Arthritis support group
11am to 1pm monthly (Thursday)
When: Every Monday
Time: 1.15 pm - 2.00 pm
When: First Tuesday of the month
Time: 10.00 am - 11.30 am
When: Last Tuesday of each month
Time: 1.30 pm - 2.30 pm
Dates: See details below
Time: 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm (refreshments are at 1:30 pm and speakers are 2.00 pm - 3.00 pm unless stated)
When: Fourth Wednesday of each month
Time: 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm
When:
Tuesdays - 12.00pm to 1.00pm
Thursdays - 9.00am to 10.00am and 10.15am to 11.15am
During school holidays one session only at 9.00am
When: First Thursday of every month
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
When: Last Wednesday of the month
Time: 11.00am - 12.30pm