People living with inflammatory arthritis, their families and carers are being invited to share their experiences and help shape how they can be better supported to live well with their condition.
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust is holding a free online Living Well with Inflammatory Arthritis workshop next month, bringing together patients, healthcare professionals and support organisations to discuss the challenges people face and the information, services and support that could make a difference.
Living with a long-term condition can mean managing symptoms and treatment alongside the impact it can have on everyday life. The workshop aims to provide an informal space where people can learn from experts and one another, find out what help is available and share their own experiences.
The session will cover a range of inflammatory arthritis conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus and vasculitis, as well as the support available locally and nationally.
Attendees will hear from Anu Desai, Rheumatology Consultant at The Dudley Group, and Debbie Wilson from Inflammatory Arthritis UK, sharing information about support, resources and opportunities available to people affected by these conditions.
Importantly, a significant part of the session will be dedicated to listening to patients and families. Attendees will be encouraged to talk about the barriers they experience, where they feel additional support is needed and what could help people with inflammatory arthritis feel more informed and supported.
Helen Codd, Head of Involvement at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Living well with inflammatory arthritis is about much more than managing the clinical aspects of a condition. We know it can affect many different parts of people’s lives, and having access to the right information, advice and support can make a real difference.
“This workshop is an opportunity for people to find out more about the support available, but it is equally important that we listen to their experiences. We want to understand what challenges people face and what more could be done to help them live well with their condition.”
The Living Well with Inflammatory Arthritis workshop takes place on Tuesday 29 September, from 5.30pm to 7pm, and will be held online via Microsoft Teams. It is open to everyone, including people living with inflammatory arthritis, family members, carers and anyone interested in learning more.
