Arthritis awareness event big hit in Featherstone

During this year’s arthritis awareness week the Wakefield health and wellbeing team invited local people to a special coffee morning to find out more about coping with arthritis.

The health and wellbeing service, which is provided by the Trust, consists of a range of distinct services – all aimed at working with local people to help them improve and maintain their wellbeing.

A health and wellbeing development worker was on hand to offer advice and support to local people who have arthritis or to those who know someone who is suffering. They also helped people learn more about arthritis and the massive impact it can have on somebody’s life.

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation of the joints and bones. The main symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, restricted movements of the joints and swelling. In the UK there are more than nine million people with arthritis.

There is no cure for arthritis, but there are a number of treatments that can help to slow down the condition’s progress and a number of things that can be done to help people cope and live with arthritis.

The awareness event at Featherstone Methodist Church was held in support of arthritis awareness week, which is designed to raise awareness about the condition and support available.

Blood pressure checks were offered and an occupational therapist was on hand to offer demonstrations of the latest gadgets that are available to help make life that little bit easier.

Speaking about the event Cath Boyd said, "The event proved to be a big hit and we were able to perform 33 blood pressure checks on the day as well as hand out 14 new gadgets that hopefully will help make life a bit easier for people with arthritis. As a result of attendance we were also able to refer three people to the occupational health team for more help."