Lincoln Open Day

Arthritis Care in Central England hosted an Open Day on 20th of January 2009 at the Drill Hall in the centre of Lincoln. The invitation was open to people with arthritis, their families and carers, GPs and other healthcare professionals and employers. The visitors to the event were offered information booklets on a variety of arthritis related topics  whilst Arthritis Care volunteers and staff were on hand to chat over a welcoming cuppa.

Taster sessions

The taster sessions in pain management and exercising for fun and fitness were very popular and many people now signed up for self management courses. 

First contact

“Even though for most this was the first contact with Arthritis Care we had several offers from people who wanted to be involved in helping others in a similar situation. We gained a committed group of people who will be starting a support group in Lincoln and several people have signed up to become volunteers in other roles” said Margo Basri, information services manager in Central England region.

Emotional support

Two members of the Helplines team who usually work behind the scenes joined the day to offer their support .  “The feeling of isolation, not being listened to and being written off were apparent in many of the people I spoke” said Jo Cumming, the helplines manager. A theme of poor medical referral to secondary care, frustration and deep concerns about treatment, the shock of being suddenly on the “scrap heap” after years of working life; the uncertainty of facing a life on benefits and being disabled in the early fifties - permeated my day”, she added.

Would you like more information?

Are you interested in volunteering? 

Would you like to join the new branch in Lincoln?

If you missed the Open Day would like more information for yourself or someone you know who has arthritis?

contact us