It’s Lisburn Versus Arthritis!
March 7, 2019
A new group for people with arthritis and similar conditions has just launched this month. Lisburn Versus Arthritis will provide support and encouragement for people with arthritis through a range of activities and social events, offering a chance to meet with others in a similar situation, share experiences and build friendships.
This group is part of Versus Arthritis, a national charity working to ensure that one day, no one will have to live with the pain fatigue and isolation of arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
The Mayor, Councillor Uel Mackin, hosted the group’s launch at Lagan Valley Island. He said: “With more than 10 million people in the UK with arthritis or similar conditions that affect the joints it is very important that they receive the necessary support. Arthritis affects all ages and its symptoms make simple tasks like going to work or socialising difficult.
“This new local group has been formed by dedicated individuals who want to come together and support others, share exercises and treatments that have helped them deal with their pain. I look forward to seeing this group grow in size and would encourage anyone in the Lisburn area who suffers from a joint condition to get in touch with Versus Arthritis.”
Chronic pain is difficult to treat, but Versus Arthritis has identified self-management techniques, which can make a real difference in people’s lives.
Tracey Latimer, the group’s lead volunteer, speaking about why she set up the group said: “People don’t realise how serious arthritis is. It’s not just a bit of pain and it has a huge impact on your ability to work, raise a family and do things that other people take for granted. Lisburn Versus Arthritis offers a friendly space where you’ll meet others who understand what you’re going through.
"As a volunteer for Versus Arthritis I deliver self-management programmes and after a session in Lisburn we all agreed that we should form a group to meet regularly and continue to socialise and support each other. We look forward to welcoming new members and raising awareness of arthritis. We need to help society to understand our condition.”
One of the benefits of support groups like Lisburn Versus Arthritis is learning from others experiences to help break the pain cycle that can take control of your life.
Alderman William Leathem, who suffers from ME and Fibromyalgia attended the launch and added: “I am delighted that this support group has been set up to help those who are suffering from musculoskeletal pain. As a member of a ME & fibromyalgia support group I am very aware of the importance of having a community that understands your condition and is committed to helping you have as normal a life as possible when dealing with chronic pain.
“Lisburn Versus Arthritis is open to all musculoskeletal condition sufferers and I can confirm that forming social bonds helps to battle against the pain. Through identifying measures that help improve your sleep pattern, improve your movement and allow you to talk in confidence about how pain affects your mood will all help to break the pain cycle; and allow you to regain control of your life from the chronic pain that may currently be in charge! I look forward to attending more of these local support group meetings.”
John McCormick, the Charity’s Policy and Engagement Manager thanked the Council for its support: “We are extremely grateful to the Mayor for his generous support in hosting the launch of Lisburn Versus Arthritis and recognising the seriousness of the condition. Too often it’s dismissed as ‘just a bit of arthritis’, but it has a huge impact on quality of life.”
To find out more about Versus Arthritis, call 028 9078 2940, email: nioffice@versusarthritis.org or visit www.versusarthritis.org