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 Delivering virtual support Versus Arthritis against COVID-19 Although we have had to pause our faceto-face services for the time being, Versus Arthritis is still here for you. We have been busy working with NHS England, Public Health England, the British Society for Rheumatology and many other organisations to ensure you have the latest information on COVID-19, and how it affects you. Take a look at our coronavirus information online. We are also looking at how we can deliver our vital services during this time. For up-todate information on whats happening in your area, visit versusarthritis.org/in-your-area You can also speak to a trained advisor on our freephone helpline on 0800 5200 520, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm. For all other queries, please contact our supporter care team on 0300 790 0400. As COVID-19 impacts how we deliver services across the UK, weve had to get creative. In March, our young people and families service was meant to be heading to the Peak District to host a residential weekend for young people with arthritis. Instead, the event moved online. Twenty-five of us met on Zoom [an online meeting site], joining from Telford, Manchester, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Oldham and elsewhere, reports Sally, our young people and families service manager for England. It was fab to see a gallery of faces looking back from the computer screen some very familiar, and some joining their first event with us, so brave! We were set various challenges, from general knowledge questions (which is taller, the Statue of Liberty or the Eiffel Tower?) to dashing round our houses for find and seek games who could return with a tin of tuna or a toilet roll first? We planned a 45-minute to an hour session, but at the end of two hours, 23 people were still online. And the feedback from parents was very positive. One said: My son enjoyed the online gettogether this afternoon. What a great idea! It was a really nice way for everyone to catch up. Find out more about how we are delivering services during this time. Speak Out against arthritis Arthritis can colour every part of life but, too often, society dismisses it as just aches and pains or just a bit of wear and tear. That can make it hard for people to talk openly about how theyre feeling for fear of being labelled a whinger. In fact, nearly half of people we asked said theyve hidden their pain from a loved one. We think thats unacceptable. Thats why Versus Arthritis is taking on a nationwide campaign to tell the world its not all right its arthritis. Throughout this spring, people from across the UK will share their stories of living with arthritis and together well raise awareness of this painful condition. Well also connect people to the support and services they need to live well with their condition. When we raise our voices together, we can make arthritis impossible to ignore. Visit versusarthritis.org/speakout