Branch news

Arthritis Care's branches in Central England region are constantly involved in their local communities in so many ways. Here you'll be able to find out the latest news from some of the branches within the region.

Arthritis Care's Rushden and Higham branch have celebrated their 20th anniversary by publishing a book called Tips, tasties and tickles. Featuring contributions from members, supporters and guests including Arthritis Care's chief executive Neil Betteridge and president Jane Asher, the book has helped to raise branch funds.

The chair and vice-chair of Arthritis Care's Northampton Link Group have received awards in a ceremony run by their local newspaper.

Ann Woodbridge, vice-chair of the group, won the Unsung Hero award at the Pride of Northamptonshire awards run by the Northants Evening Telegraph and the Northampton Chronicle and Echo.

Karen Badcock, group chair, was the runner-up in the Caring in the Community category.

Congratulations to Ann and Karen from everyone in Central England.

Arthritis Care Together Burton-on-Trent became the first branch to use Arthritis Care’s microsite software, to launch their own website .

The website has been developed by branch chair Carol Allsopp and branch secretary Ian Bateman, with support from Suzanne Osborne, information services manager.

The motivation behind the website came when several GPs commented that they'd like to be able to refer patients to a website that contained information about local services that support people with arthritis.

Carol said: 'We can't thank Arthritis Care enough for giving our group the chance to have our own web site. It looks great. I'm sure our members are going be thrilled with it.'

Arthritis Care's Leicester Self-Help group have every reason to celebrate after being awarded funding to develop and expand their hydrotherapy provision. The funding is from Community Champions, who fund projects for volunteers who want to become active and make a difference in their community. Congratulations from everyone at Arthritis Care.

Chris Groves and Sally Watt of Arthritis Care's Cannock branch ran an information stall at a Strong Man competition. They were able to raise funds to go towards an activity day for young people with arthritis in the region. There's still a fair way to go with the fundraising, but this was a great opportunity to raise awareness of arthritis in a very different setting.

Arthritis Care's Walsall branch won the Older Peoples Award at the first Walsall Disability Awards. The awards were organised by Walsall Disability Forum and aimed to celebrate the achievements of organisations based within the borough.

Members of Arthritis Care’s Cannock branch ran a sponsored swim to raise money for their hydrotherapy services. Around 10 people took part in the swim, while others who were unable to swim took part in a sponsored walk.

Branch members also ran an information stall and tombola at the leisure centre. The branch estimates that they raised around £1 500.

'The money we’ve raised will be used to subsidise the hydrotherapy services that the branch runs' said Sally Watt who took part in the sponsored swim. 'I find hydrotherapy really helps my arthritis, and I really enjoy attending the sessions' Sally continued.