Arthritis Action is proud to launch a new people-focused project featuring individuals with arthritis from Staffordshire who have found hope, inspiration and support through community connection.
The project features portraits taken by local photographer Stephen Lawson, alongside participant’s stories of their journey with arthritis. Each photo and story demonstrates the power of local community to support the wellbeing of people with arthritis. All based in the Staffordshire area, they have found solace, companionship and purpose in five separate community-based activities. Collectively, they demonstrate the power the social connection has in self-manging arthritis.
Participating groups included: The New Vic Open House, FRONTLINE Dance, Father Hudson’s Caritas, the New Vic Dementia & Creativity Group and Birches Head Get Growing.
Leah Boylan, Head of Services at Arthritis Action said:
“We have been delighted to work so closely with community groups in Staffordshire to bring these stories to light. It has been a true pleasure seeing how people find support, growth and understanding of their condition through social participation. We want to thank all these groups in allowing us to meet with them”
Arthritis Action is a UK wide charity giving hands-on, practical help to improve the quality of life for people affected by arthritis, through its membership services, online and via community engagement at a local level. It offers an integrated, self-management approach that addresses both the physical and mental health challenges of living with arthritis. By empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge they need, it helps people take control of their condition and live life to the full.
Arthritis Action was able to undertake this in-depth project thanks to a generous legacy donation from Janet Upton, a Staffordshire resident. By leaving a legacy in a Will, those that do are helping future generations benefit from the self-management advice and programmes to enable better living with arthritis.
Learn more about the campaign, view the photographs and delve into the stories at https://arthritisaction.org.uk/portraits-of-the-potteries/
Find out more about how arthritis affects daily life, the self-management services or how a legacy can help future generations, at www.arthritisaction.org.uk
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