Grant for arthritis patients

Volunteers, working alongside health and social care professionals, will provide contact at drop-in points to offer information, explain self-management techniques and flag-up other services.

Arthritis Care started the new service, called Arthritis Champions, in Kirklees on Monday following a successful pilot programme in the north-east, which helped 846 people. The grant is from the Department of Health.

Arthritis Care CEO Judi Rhys said: “There is a pressing need to reach out and support people with arthritis in Yorkshire who face tremendous pain and disability in their everyday lives.

“Our message is that practical support can help people get their lives back. We will be mobilising an army of volunteers in central Lancashire, Kirklees and Leeds to help people with arthritis to develop the skills and confidence to manage their condition.”

More than 700,000 people in Yorkshire and Humberside live with osteoarthritis, and half of them have had to give up work or reduce walking.

Dr David Kelly, chairman of North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group said: “This project fits well with our strategy and will help support people living with long term pain within the region.”

To be involved contact project manager Melanie Eve on 07711 557858.