News | Updates, campaigns and press

Latest

Thousands of people with arthritis are missing out on support from the Access to Work scheme

02 July 2019

A significant number of people with arthritis have no awareness of or have ever used the Government’s Access to Work scheme, a new report published today by charity Versus Arthritis reveals.

Campaigning
Work

Press phone
0300 790 0400
Press email
press@versusarthritis.org

Who am I and what can I do?

I'm AVA, the Arthritis Virtual Assistant, and I'm being trained by Versus Arthritis to give you general information about your condition and how to manage your symptoms. I can suggest exercises and tell you about medication.

How do I work?

I've been built using artificial intelligence powered by IBM Watson, and I learn and improve through every conversation. Whenever you use me, you're indirectly helping another person get the answers they need.

What can you ask?

I respond best to clear, simple questions about one type of arthritis. For example, "What exercises should I do?" or "How can I help myself?"

What if I want to speak to a real person?

If you need help from a real person here at Versus Arthritis, you can call our free helpline on 0800 5200 520.

Are you sure you want to close your conversation?

Your conversation will not be visible the next time you visit the Arthritis Virtual Assistant. If you want to keep a copy of the advice you've been given, you can print it using the button at the top of the chat window.

How would you rate your experience so far?

5 4 3 2 1

If you would like to share any additional feedback with us, please email supportercare@versusarthritis.org

Arthritis Virtual Assistant

Use our Arthritis Virtual Assistant (AVA) to get quick answers to your questions about living with arthritis.

The AVA provides general information. If you need more information or have any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional.

The AVA is intended for UK users. Medical practice may differ in different regions, so please seek local advice instead of using the AVA if youâ€™re not in the UK.

By using the AVA, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of use and consent to how weâ€™ll use the information you provide.

See full terms

Call our helpline 0800 5200 520

Call us for free help and advice on your type of arthritis. Calls are recorded for quality purposes.

November 17th, 4:15 pm

Need support?

You don't need to face arthritis alone. Call our free helpline today (Monday–Friday, 9am–8pm).

Thousands of people with arthritis are missing out on support from the Access to Work scheme

Press phone

Press email

Thousands with arthritis spend years struggling at home before getting vital support

Research reveals hidden toll of arthritis on relationships

Young people with arthritis at highest risk of isolation this festive season

Five years' worth of quality life stolen

Thousands of people with arthritis losing out on vital support to stay in work

Children and young people living with arthritis in Scotland are set to display their artwork

Who am I and what can I do?

How do I work?

What can you ask?

What if I want to speak to a real person?

Are you sure you want to close your conversation?

Arthritis Virtual Assistant

Call our helpline 0800 5200 520

Need support?

0800 5200 520

Thousands of people with arthritis are missing out on support from the Access to Work scheme

Press phone

Press email

Thousands with arthritis spend years struggling at home before getting vital support

Research reveals hidden toll of arthritis on relationships

Young people with arthritis at highest risk of isolation this festive season

Five years' worth of quality life stolen

Thousands of people with arthritis losing out on vital support to stay in work

Children and young people living with arthritis in Scotland are set to display their artwork

Helpline

Arthritis Virtual Assistant

Who am I and what can I do?

How do I work?

What can you ask?

What if I want to speak to a real person?

Are you sure you want to close your conversation?

Arthritis Virtual Assistant

Call our helpline 0800 5200 520

Need support?

0800 5200 520