Day in the life If we can help even a little, its a massive privilege We talk to Surrey-based Debbie Holden, England service manager for Living Well with Arthritis INTERVIEW: Phil Lattimore Debbie Holden I was an IT consultant, but switched careers because I was interested in working in the voluntary sector. Arthritis Care attracted me in particular, as I was interested in its model of delivering face-to-face services. I was familiar with the charity because Id looked for information on osteoarthritis for my mother and husband. Multiple family members have also experienced arthritis, so its always been on the periphery of my life. My background was in publishing and magazines, in service development and delivery. Before joining Arthritis Care, I was working with other voluntary-sector organisations, helping them roll out services involving volunteers for people with long-term health conditions. Ive also been a long-term volunteer for a childrens charity, as its advice-line director. One of the best parts of my job is working alongside our volunteers One of my favourite things about my role is that each day is different. With a team of 10 coordinators across England, a significant proportion of my time can be taken up by travelling meeting the Living Well with Arthritis team; talking about, planning and developing the services in their areas; and meeting the volunteers, which I love. I am also responsible for the commissioned services we have across England, working alongside the NHS. Some of my week will be spent talking to commissioners or GPs, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals about the existing contracts we have, or potential new projects. It can be difficult for people with arthritis to have that wide-ranging conversation that is needed to cover the challenges the condition can demand. By delivering our services directly to people with arthritis, we can help support them to address these challenges. Our services are there to ensure people have the information they need whether thats to manage their condition better, take control of their situation or to help people make an informed decision about the treatments and care options available to them. If you would like to know more, then contact volunteering@ arthritiscare.org.uk about volunteering opportunities The main aim of the programme is to support and empower people. When youre diagnosed with a long-term health condition, it often feels as if youve lost control. By getting support from people with experience, or information from an expert source, it helps people take back control and manage their condition more effectively. A person may call to ask about a specific topic, but it often turns out to be a much wider-ranging conversation. People sometimes say theyve had arthritis for 20 years or longer, but that their contact with our services is the first time theyve been given information, or had a detailed conversation about whats important to them. We have a UK-wide network of branches and groups. We can help provide longer-term support that many people tell us they are looking for. Most branches and groups offer peer support with people using their own experiences to help others as well as exercise classes and social activities. The best thing about my role is when a person says: That thing you told me has really made a difference. If we can give information that helps even a little, its a massive privilege. One of the best parts of my job is working alongside our volunteers. Their enthusiasm and knowledge is immense, and you come away really enthused. They just lift everybody, because theyre doing it for a good reason. You cant help but be affected by it. All about Listening Books Listening Books is a UK charity providing a fantastic selection of high-quality audiobooks to around 50,000 people across the UK who find it difficult or impossible to read due to an illness, disability, learning or mental health difficulty. It offers audiobooks on three easily accessible formats: through the post on MP3 CD, or downloaded and streamed online. Members can choose from a range of