England
Due to outbreak of the Coronavirus, face to face services and activities have been suspended until further notice. 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.
Branches and groups
Our branches and support groups are a great way of meeting other people with the same condition in your area.
Please get in touch on 0300 790 0400 or email volunteering@versusarthritis.org before attending any branches or groups for the first time.
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!
- Yorkshire and Humber - l.williams@versusarthritis.org
- East Anglia - c.preston@versusarthritis.org
- East Midlands - j.millar@versusarthritis.org
- North West - g.park@versusarthritis.org
- North East - c.boshier@versusarthritis.org
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.
Residential weekends
We run several residential weekends 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, 121 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.
98 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
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 - 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
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, 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
East London Asian branch
When: First Saturday of each month
Time: 2.00 pm
Location: Venue to be confirmed
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
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
Kessingland Versus Arthritis Support Group
When: First Wednesday of the months January, March, May, July, September and November
Time: 10.30 am to 11.30 am
Location: Marram Green Centre, Hall Road, Kessingland, Suffolk, NR33 7AH
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
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 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
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
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
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 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