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 2009 we had our first Joint Potential activity weekend for 16-25s - and it was a blast! 100% of those who came would do it again. We went canoeing, kayaking, gorge walking AND had a great camp-fire in the evening... and now we can offer the same FREE weekend to 12-16 year olds. If you have any form of arthritis, are aged between 12-16 at the time of the weekend and live in Scotland, how about coming along?

So why go on an activity weekend? The group in 2009 were really surprised by what they could do, given the right support and teamwork. That's why gorge-walking was the favourite activity - as one person said: 'it was a challenge but showed me I can do almost anything if I put my mind to it'.

The weekend is from Friday evening til Sunday evening, and we'll be at Lagganlia Outdoor Activity Centre (run by Edinburgh City Council). We'll stay in lodges, one of which is fully accessible, and all food will be provided; a bus will leave Glasgow 6pm on Friday, returning 6pm Sunday, stopping off at Stirling and Perth if required.

There will be a range of activities taking into account the range of abilities that people may have. Activities may include:

• kayaking/canoeing
• gorge walking
• archery

Fully qualified instructors lead the activities, and you don't need any specialised clothing or equipment. Our Joint Potential contacts, will lead some creative, fun sessions on Saturday afternoon exploring ways to tackle everyday issues faced when living with arthritis.

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 and we'll pay your travel expenses. It's for a maximum of 12 participants (and we currently have ONLY 3 places left!) - 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
• Text or Call: 07880 500437 (Mon-Weds) or 0141 954 7776 (Mon-Fri, office hours)
• Post: Arthritis Care, 25a Anniesland Business Park, Glasgow G13 1EU

We'll need to know the following:

• Your name
• Your date of birth/age
• Postal address
• Their name/relationship to you and a contact telephone number

We'll let you know whether a place is still available; registration forms and further information (inc clothing list) will be sent mid-April.