Lifestyle Volunteering gives me a purpose Claire OBrien, 31, is a rehabilitation and lifestyle management course facilitator for Arthritis Care inEdinburgh words: CLaiRe LaveLLe i know what its like to live with chronic pain. When I was 12, I had an operation for scoliosis of the spine, which Ive had since the age of five. Since then, Ive had constant nerve pain in the base of my spine and up my left side. The scoliosis is still there and Im just waiting for an arthritis diagnosis. Ive also had two strokes doctors think I may have had the first during the operation, and I had the second at the age of 25. Im on strong medication, but you build up a tolerance. Sometimes, when the pain seizes you, it takes your breath away. coming to terms with a life-changing diagnosis or event is very hard. People grieve for the person they were and the life that they had. Helping people to accept that things are different now is at the heart of what I do for Arthritis Care, but it only works if the person is ready. Imeet them and listen to their hopes and goals for the future, and help them break down the bigger picture so they can achieve things one step at a time. They leave the course a different person. im a twin the danny devito character to my brothers arnold schwarzenegger. I got all the duff genes and hes a strapping boy bursting with health. But were very close and Im thankful every day for the support I get from my friends and family. I know how much of a difference human contact makes; a condition that affects mobility, such as arthritis, means that sometimes youre isolated for days or weeks. Having someone listen to you, ask about you, and being part of something bigger, helps the people who come on my courses and it also helps me. Even if Im having a really bad week, I have to get out of bed and be there because theyre relying on me. And, by the end of the course, Im always so glad I did. Helping people to accept that things are different now is at the heart of what I do for Arthritis Care i get lonely. I get embarrassed about my left hand, which locks sometimes and looks a bit funny. It stops me socialising. I know it shouldnt, but it holds me back. Its another way in which I can empathise with the people who come on my courses. Theres no judgment when were all together in the room but, sadly,that doesnt always extend to the outside world. i was a department manager in a supermarket, then a nursery assistant. But, after my second stroke, I had to stop working. I am very limited physically. My aim is to get back into paid work I want a job. Volunteering gives me a purpose in the meantime and, if I can, Id like to go further with Arthritis Care. I work in a great team and they mean the world to me. i keep on keeping on. Its hard to be physically active when youre in pain, and Im a big lass so thatdoesnt make it any easier. But I know that keeping mobile is one of the best things Ican do for my back and overall health, so I make the effort every day. It means I can advisethe people who come on my courses todo the same without feeling guilty; I really do walk the walk. If youd like to volunteer, email here