Volunteer conferences

Two volunteer conferences have been held in the Central England region. The conferences were held to celebrate the achievements of all of Arthritis Care’s volunteers across the region.

A wide range of volunteers attended both conferences, including specialist volunteers and branch members. John McGregor, regional operations manager said, ‘Both conferences were a huge success. It was great for everyone involved to get together, learn about developments in volunteering, find out more about some of Arthritis Care’s services and share ideas’.

Visit our volunteering section if you would like more information about volunteering opportunities near you.

Rob Jackson, director of volunteering development and grant making for Volunteering England, delivered the keynote speech. Rob talked about his own history as a volunteer and then looked at some of the issues relating to volunteering. Rob highlighted the economic value of volunteering in England, and also emphasised the importance of volunteering being both rewarding and fun.

Anne Cossins, physiotherapist at Grantham hospital then got the audience moving with an armchair exercise session. Anne focussed on gentle exercises that aimed to improve mobility and muscle strength.

Jo Cumming, helpline manager for Arthritis Care closed the morning session with a presentation about the helpline service.

Following lunch the participants broke off into one of four workshops that covered:-

• providing information to people with or affected by arthritis
• how to campaign at a local, regional and national level
• how to give a presentation
• applying for Awards for All funding

‘It was great coming together’

‘The keynote speaker, and the armchair exercise were the most useful parts of the day for me, but the whole day was very good’

Neil Betteridge, chief executive of Arthritis Care, delivered the keynote speech. Neil talked about his own past and present experiences as a volunteer, including current roles within various national and European arthritis and disability related organisations. He then went on to look at the issues that Arthritis Care is involved in and the role of volunteers within that work.

Erica Gould, rheumatology nurse specialist at Sandwell General Hospital then lead an armchair exercise session. Erica showed the audience some simple exercises that can help joints stay mobile.

Jo Cumming, helpline manager for Arthritis Care closed the morning session with a presentation about the helpline service.

Following lunch the participants broke off into one of four workshops that covered:-

• providing information to people with or affected by arthritis
• how to campaign at a local, regional and national level
• how to give a presentation
• applying for Awards for All funding

‘I found it very informative. I didn’t realise what went on behind the scenes’

‘It was great to be able to put faces to names; it also helps to feel part of a bigger team’