Arthritis Care Helpline is here to ‘hear’ and help people living with any one of the many types of arthritis in the UK today. The Helpline is answered by trained counsellors who listen to the concerns of the callers. With their vast experience they can give people with arthritis help and guidance.
The counsellors can also supply free booklets such as the popular ‘Exercise and Arthritis’ booklet as more people see how important it is – especially for people with arthritis – to have a healthy lifestyle, by losing weight and keeping moving.
Arthritis Care Helpline has been established for over 25 years – and has helped millions of people with arthritis in that time.
Over 8,000 people called the Helpline in the past year and 75 % of callers are women. However, this is only a small fraction of the 10 million people in the UK who currently live with arthritis. Lisett Brown, Helplines Team Manager at Arthritis Care says “Besides offering clear and accurate information about arthritis we also provide emotional support, often helping people who feel isolated by their condition. Our Helpline team offers practical, confidential support backed up by a wealth of useful publications, and it is free and confidential!”
What the callers to the Helpline say:
“Can I just say what great support I received today via your telephone support Helpline! I spoke to Lynda who was so lovely, kind and understanding. I am so happy I picked up the phone and made the initial contact and really relieved to have found a great support resource after feeling unsupported I may be in a great deal of pain today but at least I now know some of the steps I need to take to manage it. Thank you x.”
“I was feeling very anxious and depressed having just received my x-ray results but when I rang, I felt that there was help and maybe the picture isn’t as grim as I thought.”
“The service was great; Lynda was so kind and understanding as I’ve been so frightened thinking about surgery and all the problems that come with living alone. Anxiety and feeling very low seems to follow this condition. I’m leaving surgery for a while and back on my cycle to keep weight down and spirits up. Thank you Lynda for your kindness to me.”
The Helpline has free booklets, and downloads, available on everything from ‘Living with Arthritis’ to ‘Healthy Eating for People with Arthritis’ and ‘Surgery and Arthritis’ to ‘Working with Arthritis’. Simply email or call the free helpline on 0808 800 4050 between Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm or email on helplines@arthritiscare.org.uk
