About the helpline

Arthritis Care’s helpline is a free, confidential service, which is open to anyone affected by arthritis. We provide emotional and practical support, and information by phone (in 150 languages) by letter and email.

Is it for me?

Anyone can get in touch. We hear from people who have just been diagnosed; family members who want to know how to support a loved one; people who have had arthritis for some time and are looking for help; and health professionals also ask us for information.

How can I get in touch?

By Phone: 0808 800 4050: (10am-4pm). Free from UK landlines and mobiles using; O2/ Vodaphone/ T-Mobile/ 3 and Orange services.

By email: Helpline email form

By letter: Helplines team, Arthritis Care, 18 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD

By forum: Chat to Helplines forum

We also run The Source, a helpline for young people and the parents and families of kids with JIA.

By email: TheSource@arthritiscare.org.uk

What can I ask about?

People contact us wanting to know all sorts of things to do with arthritis, including:

• how to manage pain
• information about specific conditions
• options about medication and treatments
• what exercise or diet might be appropriate
• how to manage on an emotional level

Who will I speak to?

Because every member of our helpline either has experience of living with arthritis themselves (or has very close ties with someone who does), you can be sure you will speak to someone who understands.

The team's extensive knowledge is enhanced further as they are updated on new developments daily. So if there is something in the news that you want to ask about they will be able to help.

What happens when I get in touch?

If you call, write to, or email us you will receive support that is tailored to your needs. The team member will listen and give you balanced information and personal support. If appropriate, they will send you a personalised pack of information for you to read in your own time. You are welcome to get in touch again with any further questions you may have.

From time to time we will ask you if it is okay for someone to listen to the call for training purposes, please feel free to say no if this is not what you want to happen. Although that person will be bound by confidentiality it is your comfort and peace of mind which is paramount to us.

How do I know I’ll get what I need?

We pay very close attention to what people say about our service and are always striving to achieve the best standards. In 2005, 96 per cent of people we surveyed said our telephone service was either good or excellent.

Our Helpline service has been awarded the Telephone Helplines Association accreditation standard which shows that we comply with the very highest standards.