Spotlight My job is so rewarding Sarah Stanyer, Versus Arthritis helpline advisor, on giving back As told to: Phil Lattimore Working on the helpline, you can never share your story or tell people you understand but I really do. Im 55, and Ive had osteochondritis in my knees since I was 12. I started to get back problems at 23, and had a partial knee replacement 12 years ago. I have osteoarthritis pretty much in every joint now, and I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2015. The week before I saw the job with Versus Arthritis advertised, I discovered Id won a Volunteer of the Year award from Versus Arthritis. Seven years ago, with the help of the charitys north-west coordinator, I set up and started running a volunteer pain support group near Chester, which is still going. I successfully applied for the helpline advisor role in 2021 I now work three days a week from home, so I still have time to run the pain support group, which is great. A typical morning starts by logging onto our system and preparing to take calls or deal with emails. We have a database log for callers details, and a system to order booklets. Were on a rota for whos on the online forum or social media we deal with those elements first, then take calls as and when they come in. Whats great on the helpline calls is that were able to be there for as long as people need us. Emotional support is key. Being there to listen is incredibly Sarah Stanyer important for people. There is a lot of advice that Versus Arthritis can offer, and we can signpost people to appropriate information and other organisations when that is helpful. We also have our online community, and local groups we can direct them to. The Versus Arthritis YouTube channel is also really useful for people to see exercises they can try at home. When you hear [people] sigh with relief because theyre being heard, it is truly wonderful I love my job its so rewarding, and were learning all the time. I love the team. The support from the other advisors is superb. When someone calls and theyre emotional and in pain, it is hard to stop your own feelings coming across. But when you hear them sigh with relief because theyre being heard, it is truly wonderful. I used to sing in a rock choir before Covid, but now Im drumming in a samba band thats my latest passion! Ive always tried to be as active as possible. Ive just started aquafit at a gym. I also love gardening and colouring. And I do a lot of spiritual work, which has been key for my healing. Working with Versus Arthritis has made me realise just how important self-care is. I used to feel I was being a bit selfish taking time out for me, but self-care allows me to be at my best. 14 Inspire Spring 23 pp14 Spotlight.indd 14 15/02/2023 09:22