Do it! Get involved! Versus Arthritis works with and for people who have any type of arthritis. We are here to help you manage your condition better, and stay active, independent and connected Knitting versus arthritis Bring together your friends, family and colleagues this winter to try your hand at knitting, and fundraise while having fun. Whether youre a keen knitter, a sewing enthusiast or have never knitted before, you can help push back against arthritis by holding a knitter natter. Why not hold a knitting class and teach friends, bring everyone together for a knitting-themed coffee morning, or start a knitting group with colleagues at work? If youre already part of a knitting group, get them involved by holding a competition, raffle or bake sale for members. If youre thinking of holding a knitter natter, let us know! We can answer any questions and provide Versus Arthritis promotional materials for your event. You can get in touch via email at localfundraising@versusarthritis.org or call us on 0300 790 0405. iSTOCK.COM / SERG VELUSCEAC Opportunity knocks in North Wales Versus Arthritis is launching Taking the Next Step a new project to help young people, aged 16 to 25, living in North Wales who have arthritis or a related condition and want to get into work. It aims to develop employability skills and give young people confidence to thrive once they are in the workplace. A series of workshops will help them access higher education, to apply and be interviewed for jobs, and develop professional skills, such as presenting and time management. Sharyn Williams, young people and families coordinator at Versus Arthritis, says: We know through conversations weve had with young people who are engaged with the charity that they are worried about applying for jobs. They are concerned that employers wont be able to provide flexible working patterns or adaptions. Equally, many young people who apply for further and higher education have told us that they are often forced to change courses or drop out after not being offered the support they need. Register interest in the project by contacting Sharyn Williams on S.Williams@versusarthritis.org or call 07483 370550 or 0800 756 3970. Getting creative The Joint Creativity project, part of the Young People and Families Service in Scotland and supported by Children in Need, is holding its annual exhibition this year in collaboration with the Teapot Trust. FACEing ARThritis shows artwork created by young people, aged 10 to 18, who are affected by arthritis or related conditions. This exhibition, to be held in Edinburgh, will help raise awareness that young people get these conditions by allowing them to express their experiences though art. It will be open to the public from 5pm on Monday 4 November until 3pm Saturday 9 November. A private event for contributors and their families will follow until 6pm. For more information, email I.Mertowska-Shand@versusarthritis.org Volunteers Week National Volunteers Week from 1-7 June was led by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). We are extremely fortunate to have a broad network of volunteers, who are vital to the work we do. A social media message from Versus Arthritiss CEO Liam OToole said: The amazing things you do are what makes Versus Arthritis so powerful. At the North East England Volunteer Forum, volunteers were thanked in person for their contribution, and social media was awash with images of staff offering everyone a great big thank you CFor more information email volunteering@versusarthritis.org