Annual General Meeting 2011

Arthritis Care’s Annual General Meeting took place at the University of West England, Bristol on Saturday 25 June 2011, followed by a showcase event celebrating some of the work of Arthritis Care in South West England.

The meeting attracted members and trustees from across the UK, along with regional, national and UK office staff. Members voted on a range of resolutions, which were all passed, as outlined in the AGM minutes, the results of which may be viewed at: Members and Proxy Results. Although our president, Jane Asher, could not be at the meeting she sent her apologies to all the members. The meeting was addressed by:

• the chair, Rosemary Blair,
• the treasurer, Samantha Peters,
• and the chief executive, Neil Betteridge.

This year also saw the launch of the annual Volunteer Awards, which were presented on the day. Find out who in your area won an award:

• Central England
• North England
• South England
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland
• Wales 
  

Following lunch the AGM showcase session opened with Dr. Rachel Gooberman-Hill, Head of Health Services Research, Orthopaedic Research Group, Musculoskeletal Research Unit, University of Bristol, who gave a presentation outlining the research trials taking place with the help of the Arthritis Care which will identify the impact of patients receiving ‘usual care’ in comparison to patients offered to attend an Arthritis Care self management training course.

This was followed by presentations on our Young Persons and Families programme in the South of England. Colin Beevor, Matron/Service Manager and Clinical Nurse Specialist from Portsmouth Hospitals gave a presentation on the outreach support offered to young people and families by Portsmouth Hospitals working with the Arthritis Care Young Peoples and Families team. 　Charlotte Bateman, Arthritis Care volunteer youth worker, gave a presentation on the impact that volunteering within the Young Peoples and Families Project has had on her life. Joanne Hunt, Young People’s Services Manager, closed the session by giving a presentation on key objectives for the project in the future.

The afternoon was rounded off with an interactive session from our Northern Ireland team who demonstrated chair based exercises from their F.I.T. (Fitness, Information and Therapies) project. The project helps people with arthritis learn how to exercise safely with all elements being motivational, fun and inclusive.

Outside the meeting, members had the opportunity to talk to staff and trustees at a series of stands that had been set up to showcase parts of Arthritis Care’s work during the year.  Special thanks goes to Wells branch members who showcased the work of the branch and what they do for their members and people with arthritis in their local area.

2012 AGM moves to London

The 2012 AGM will be held on 23 June 2012 in London.  Further venue details and notices will be added to the website in due course.