Workshops show how to challenge pain (From The Oxford Times)

Workshops show how to challenge pain

7:50am Thursday 10th November 2011 in Features

There are about 10 million people with arthritis in the UK. That’s 10 million individuals, plus their families, each affected in a unique way.

Arthritis Care helps thousands of people every year who are seeking reliable and practical information, emotional support, or the sharing of experiences to make living with the pain of arthritis more bearable.

We do this by providing support through a variety of options such as pain management workshops, information packs, or simply a sympathetic ear to be found at the end of our freephone telephone helpline or at a local branch.

Our charity is user-led, consulting with our members and supporters as the experts. Consequently Arthritis Care has been the voice of people with arthritis over the last 60 years, empowering people with arthritis to lead rich and fulfilling lives, and to live with their arthritis and not around it.

Arthritis Care South England is offering a free self-management workshop, ‘Challenging Pain’, for adults over age 18 who register with our office to attend.

It’s being held in Abingdon (specific venue details will be made available on booking) over two consecutive Tuesdays; 17 and 24 November starting at 2pm and finishing by 4.45pm. It’s delivered by trained volunteers and staff who experience pain on a daily basis as they live with their arthritis.

You’ll learn about self-management techniques such as relaxation, distraction, coping with the stress of pain, as well as communication skills and information about how to exercise safely for your arthritis.

The workshop will also provide support for people experiencing pain from other long term (chronic) conditions such as diabetes, migraine and cancer.

Booking is essential since place numbers are strictly limited to 18 participants. Please contact Toyin Onasanya, South England Training Administrator, Arthritis Care South England Office, on email ToyinO@arthritiscare.org.uk or telephone 0207 386 6511 or low cost call 0844 888 2111.

If you are affected in any way by arthritis and would like free and confidential advice, visit www.arthritiscare.org.uk or telephone our helpline on 0808 800 4050. Arthritis Care is here for you.