charity Northern Ireland gets involved The annual volunteers conference in Northern Ireland went with a real swing this year A rthritis Care in Northern Ireland gave the annual volunteers conference a new twist this year by hosting the volunteer appreciation event immediately after the March meeting. More than 100 volunteers, members and supporters attended the conference, which had the theme of Getting Involved. The morning sessions covered healthrelated issues with presentations from occupational therapist Emma Henry and hospital pharmacist Hilary McKee. Members of the audience had the opportunity to share their problems and ask the health professionals a range of questions. The session ended with an update from the CEO, Judi Rhys, who shared her vision of the way forward for Arthritis Care. She thanked the many volunteers in Northern Ireland who helped make it possible to deliver our services, through the various projects, to benefit people living with arthritis. After lunch, Arthritis Care NI launched a DVD on chair-based exercises, bringing the final year of the Big Lottery NI Fit as The event helped all the volunteers to get involved a Fiddle project to an end. The DVD will be shared with all NI branches and is available to buy from our Belfast office by calling at 028 9078 2940. We hope that the DVD will provide a sustainable legacy from the project by encouraging all the branches to keep getting involved in exercise. Rising to the challenge This is a challenging time given the cuts in the health service, and Steve McBride, policy officer Northern Ireland and Scotland, gave an update on the various challenges that lie ahead for people living with arthritis, including the possible reintroduction of prescription charges. His presentation was followed by a workshop session, led by the chair of the NI Committee, Gillian Coward, showing how all our volunteers and supporters can get involved in lobbying and campaigning on issues that affect them both locally and nationally. The conference came to an end with a session of tai chi and Qigong, led by Bernie Lafferty. This enabled all the participants to end the day on a relaxed note and prepare themselves for the party that followed a pleasant meal. The evenings entertainment was provided by comedian Gene Fitzpatrick and musical group The Dimes. There was certainly a party mood with all those who attended enjoying the craic, as well as the dancing. FEATURE APP BOXOUT HEAD 4 OVERHEARD AT CONFERENCE XXXXXXXXXX This is my first year attending and I have to say the speakers, staff and overall running of the day has gone very smoothly very enjoyable. Our branch is looking forward to the appreciation event and dinner! The appreciation event after the conference was an excellent idea. The band played brilliant music and I cant believe how many people were up dancing, myself included. This whole day has been a brilliant opportunity for myself and other volunteers to meet one another and share experiences. Arthritis Care staff have organised another fantastic event. Thank you very much. The speakers this year were outstanding. The pharmacist was very quick to answer any questions asked. Very impressed!