Self-management courses

Self-management is about learning and using skills and behaviour that enable people living with a long-term condition like arthritis to have a better quality of life. Arthritis Care offers a range of fun, relaxed self-management courses for people with arthritis.

Our flagship course is called Challenging Arthritis. It covers topics such as handling pain and fatigue and getting the most from your medical care. Participants feel more positive about what they can achieve. It is also a great way to meet people who share similar challenges in their lives.

Run by and for people with arthritis

Our courses are run across the UK and are presented by people living with arthritis and other long-term conditions so they can really relate to you. People who have attended say the programmes have changed their lives for the better.

General courses

1. Challenging Pain - NEW

This two half-day programme helps people tackle the pain of arthritis or a long-term chronic condition and improve their quality of life through pain management techniques. These include relaxation and breathing techniques as well as management of stress and combating negativity.

2. Challenging Arthritis

This is a series of informal practical sessions to empower and enable participants to take control of their arthritis. A range of self-management techniques is covered from personal goal setting to appropriate exercise and relaxation.

Challenging Arthritis improves self-confidence and people who have taken part say that they experience less pain, fatigue and anxiety than before. Many find that they make new friendships too.

3. You can Break the Pain Cycle

This is a one-day self-management programme to help people with arthritis manage their pain. The course covers understanding the pain cycle, discovering ways of combating fatigue and learning about the importance of taking regular exercise.

4. Chronic Disease Self-Management

This is a series of practical sessions to help people manage a chronic long-term condition. It teaches simple techniques for staying positive and taking control.

Courses related to work

1. Arthritis Awareness

This one-day course is for employers and organisations. It is also for people who care for someone with arthritis. The course is designed to raise awareness and understanding of the needs of employees and customers with arthritis.

The programme can easily be tailored to the needs of any organisation or group wishing to raise awareness about the practicalities of arthritis.

2. Preparing for Work

This eight-week course has similar contents to Challenging Arthritis but with additional job seeking skills such as: knowing your limits, identifying transferable skills, completing an application form and CV, interview techniques and negotiation skills with employers.

Courses for young people

1. Kids Have Arthritis too

This course is for 11-16 year old pupils at key stage 3-4. It aims to:

• make students aware of the disability caused by arthritis
• give students an experience of the difficulties of arthritis
• increase awareness of Arthritis Care’s services

2. Positive Future Workshop

This is a weekend workshop for young people with arthritis, often held in a holiday centre.

It gives young people the opportunity to meet others with arthritis and to take part in activities. As well as discussing the impact of arthritis skills in being assertive are taught.

To find out more about these courses contact your local Arthritis Care office.