North West – Support in Your Area

Together Versus Arthritis – an exciting new project that will strengthen and broaden the support available to people with arthritis in the North West.

We are delivering an exciting project in the North West (Northern Ireland) to support people to manage their condition, meet others with similar experiences, to become more active and get connected to the support they need.

We will be providing free classes to people living with arthritis of any kind. There are a range of options with both in person and virtual sessions available.

Physical Activity Support Groups

We have launched a number of support groups where you will have the chance to:

• Get together with others living with arthritis and/or pain conditions
• Learn from Healthcare Professionals
• Try a range of gentle physical activities such as Chi Me (Tai Chi inspired activity) Boccia (all ability bowling) and many more.

Self-Management courses

We know how much strength it takes to live with arthritis, chronic pain and MSK Conditions. Our range of self-management programmes are designed to support you to manage your condition better and improve your confidence. The programmes can give you the tools you need to feel empowered, take back some control and to push back against arthritis.

Our Self-Management Programmes are delivered by our Accredited Peer Trainers who themselves live with a long-term health condition. They know from personal experience the challenges of living with a long-term condition and use many of the skills learnt through our Self-Management programmes to support them to cope better.

Through the programmes you will also have an opportunity to meet with other people who are also living with long-term conditions in a small, supportive group.

Participants will develop their skills and knowledge on:

• Managing fatigue
• Coping with anxiety and stress
• Improving sleep and rest
• Managing anger and frustration
• Managing change and goal setting
• Improving lifestyle including activity and healthy eating

Online Information sessions

We facilitate a number of information sessions online which are led by Health Care Professionals and our Voluntary/Community Sector partners.

Sessions from Health Care Professionals range from nutrition to fatigue management and pain medication. Voluntary sector partners have delivered sessions on employment rights and benefits support.

Online Chi Me classes

Chi Me is a series of simple movements, linked together to create a gentle, flowing and easy to follow tai chi style class. It can be practiced in either standing or seated positions.

• Improves balance and leg strength, reducing the risk of falls
• Promotes mobility in the ankles, knees, hips and shoulders
• Promotes efficient breathing
• Is simple, easy to follow and accessible to a range of ages and abilities
• Promote mental wellbeing and leaves participants feeling calm and relaxed

Online Support group

We offer an online support group for those that are struggling with work.

The groups will give you the opportunity to gain valuable peer support, and receive information from guest speakers.

Volunteering opportunities

if you would be interested in volunteering with us to support people with arthritis in your area then we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch

For more information or to book a session please complete the registration form and we will be in touch.

Alternatively contact Susan Gilchrist on s.gilchrist@versusarthritis.org Tel 028 9078 2940