Young people 12-16

But you're too young to have arthritis...

How often have you heard that, as a young person with arthritis? And what about wanting to get on and live your life, have fun, do the things that your friends do? What can help you to positively manage arthritis as part of the life you want to lead?

Joint Potential is run by Arthritis Care in Scotland to help young people with arthritis in Scotland get the most from their lives. Our weekends are led by young adults with arthritis; you'll have fun, meet other young people with arthritis and perhaps learn how to change your life for the better...

In 2010 we had our first Joint Potential activity weekend for 12-16s; we went canoeing, kayaking, gorge walking AND had a great camp-fire in the evening...

So why go on an activity weekend? The group in 2010 were really surprised by what they could do, given the right support and teamwork. That's why the weekend was such a hit - it's a challenge, but as one of our past participants said: 'it showed me I can do almost anything if I put my mind to it'.

Please contact us to find out about our current plans.

Activity weekends run from Friday evening til Sunday evening, and have been at Lagganlia Outdoor Activity Centre (run by Edinburgh City Council). We stay in lodges, one of which is fully accessible, and all food is provided.

All activities take into account the range of abilities that people may have, and may include:

• kayaking/canoeing
• gorge walking
• archery

Fully qualified instructors lead the activities, and specialised clothing and equipment is all provided. Our Joint Potential contacts are there to help everyone; all Joint Potential volunteers and staff have had disclosure checks for working with young people.

We've got funding from a variety of sources, so the weekend is free. It's for a maximum of 12 participants  - so if you want to come, book your place quickly.

We'll need to know that your parent or guardian is happy for you to come along - so please ask them to contact us:

• Email: Info@JointPotential.org.uk
• Phone: 0141 954 7776 (Mon-Fri, office hours)
• Post: Arthritis Care, 25a Anniesland Business Park, Glasgow G13 1EU