Northern Ireland Versus Arthritis

10/09/2025

It's official we are coming to Lurgan!

Learn how to manage your long-term condition at a Versus Arthritis FREE 6-week Pain Management Programme. The course aims to help manage the many symptoms, such as pain and fatigue, caused by a long-term condition.

Jethro Centre
6 Flush Place
Craigavon
BT66 7DT
Thursday's 18th September – 23rd October 2025
11.00am - 1.30pm

Versus Arthritis courses are delivered by trained volunteers who have their own lived experience of a long-term condition and who all attended a similar course in the past which benefited them so much, they became part of the VA family and trained to support others. Anyone with any type of long-term condition is welcome.

These courses follow a weekly structure but are still relaxed enough for you to feel comfortable and confident to share your own experiences and in doing so learn from each other as well as from the evidence-based approaches offered on the course.

At the end of each course, you will be welcomed into the VA family and informed about all the other support and opportunities we can offer you.

You can register by clicking on the link https://forms.office.com/r/4YxHbWPmid
Phone: 028 90 782940
Email: NIServices@versusarthritis.org

08/09/2025

Join us for an online health talk from the Yellow Card Scheme on Wednesday 17th September, 12noon-1pm.

In partnership with the Belfast Trust, the Pharmacist will be talking about:

-An introduction to the yellow card scheme
-What and how to report to yellow card scheme
-What to do if you have medication side effects

To register:
Call: 028 90 782940
Email: niservices@versusarthritis.org

05/09/2025

Join us for an online health talk from the Yellow Card Scheme Wednesday 17th September, 12-1pm.

In partnership with the Belfast Trust, the Pharmacist will be talking about:

An introduction to the yellow card scheme
What and how to report to yellow card scheme
What to do if you have medication side effects

To register:

Call 028 90 782940
Email niservices@versusarthritis.org

26/08/2025

Our Newry course is filling up fast, we have a few places left, so if you have a long-term condition and would like to learn strategies and techniques to manage better get signed up!

The course aims to help manage the many symptoms, such as pain and fatigue, caused by a long-term condition.

Newry Leisure Centre
60 Cecil Street
Newry
BT35 6AU
Tuesday's 9th September – 14th October 2025
11.00am - 1.30pm

Versus Arthritis courses are delivered by trained volunteers who have their own lived experience of a long-term condition and who all attended a similar course in the past which benefited them so much, they became part of our VA family and trained to support others.
Anyone with any type of long-term condition is welcome.

These courses follow a weekly structure but are still relaxed enough for you to feel comfortable and confident to share your own experiences and in doing so learn from each other as well as from the evidence-based approaches offered on the course.
At the end of each course, you will be welcomed into the VA family and informed about all the other support and opportunities we can offer you.

You can register by clicking on the link https://forms.office.com/r/4YxHbWPmid
Phone: 028 90 782940
Email: NIServices@versusarthritis.org

15/08/2025

Learn how to manage your long-term condition at our 6-week Pain Management Programme. The course aims to help manage the many symptoms, such as pain and fatigue, caused by a long-term condition.

Cookstown Leisure Centre
78 Fountain Road
Cookstown
BT80 8QF

Monday's 8th September - 13th October 2025
11.00am - 1.30pm

Our courses are delivered by trained volunteers who have their own lived experience of a long-term condition and who all attended a similar course in the past which benefited them so much, they became part of our VA family and trained to support others.

Anyone with any type of long-term condition is welcome.

These courses follow a weekly structure but are still relaxed enough for you to feel comfortable and confident to share your own experiences and in doing so learn from each other as well as from the evidence-based approaches offered on the course.

At the end of each course, you will be welcomed into the VA family and informed about all the other support and opportunities we can offer you.

You can register by clicking on the link https://forms.office.com/r/4YxHbWPmid
Phone: 028 90 782940
Email: NIServices@versusarthritis.org

14/08/2025

Join Us in Glasgow for the Core Skills in Musculoskeletal Care Workshop
📅 Thursday 11th September 2025 | 🕘 9:00am – 5:00pm
📍 Golden Jubilee Conference Centre, Beardmore Street, Glasgow, G81 4SA
🎟️ Cost: £220 (in-person)

Are you a healthcare professional looking to build confidence and strengthen your practical skills in musculoskeletal (MSK) care?

Delivered by Versus Arthritis, the Core Skills Workshop is a hands-on, practical training programme designed to enhance your ability to assess, diagnose and manage MSK conditions in everyday practice.

Delegates who’ve completed this workshop have reported:
✔️ A 47% increase in subject knowledge
✔️ A 30% improvement in MSK examination skills
✔️ A 31% boost in confidence when diagnosing and treating MSK conditions

This one-day course is ideal for GPs, nurses, AHPs, and other clinicians who regularly encounter MSK issues in their practice and want to sharpen their core clinical skills.

🌟 Bursary Support Available!
We are offering limited bursaries to help with travel and accommodation costs for healthcare professionals travelling from remote, rural, and island locations in Scotland.
To apply, please contact Caron Jenkins, Professional Engagement Manager at C.Jenkins@versusarthritis.org, and include your estimated travel costs for more information.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, network, and gain practical, career-enhancing skills in MSK care.

👉 Register early to secure your place – spaces are limited!
Booking: https://action.versusarthritis.org/page/167420/event/1
Further details: https://www.versusarthritis.org/coreskills/

04/08/2025

Do you know about our Online Community?

It's a safe and welcoming space, away from the noise of social media platforms, where people living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions can connect and share helpful advice.

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have lived with your condition for a while, anyone is welcome to join our online community. You just have to be over the age of 18: https://www.versusarthritis.org/get-help/online-community/

01/08/2025

We know that arthritis can cause pain and fatigue, but what about the affects it can have on other parts of the body? For example, your heart.

We heard from Emma, 36, who is diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis about her experiences.

“...I am more aware of heart health and with all the scares I’ve had over the year, I am determined to do all I can to keep it strong and healthy.”

Head to the link to find out more about heart health: https://bit.ly/4hJSxQQ ❤️

30/07/2025

Calling all MSK Health and Care Professionals! Help us shape the future of MSK services in NI by sharing your expertise and experience in our survey. Your voice will help us lobby decision makers to improve services for patients and staff.
Link to survey below:

Versus Arthritis is undertaking research to create a picture of musculoskeletal healthcare provision in Northern Ireland, focusing on osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis and what needs improvement across primary, secondary and community care.

28/07/2025

As the weather gets warmer, you might be wanting to build more outdoor walking into your day. We've pulled together tips to help you on your walking way this Summer🌞

Read our top tips for walking with arthritis, including choosing the right shoes and clothing, stretching, tracking progress and planning a good route for you.

25/07/2025

Join our 6-week online Pain Management course and connect with others as you learn vital skills for managing pain and fatigue from long term conditions like arthritis.

When: Tuesday 5th August 2025 – 9th September 2025 11.00am - 1.30pm (Daytime Course)

Learn strategies on:
• Improving strength, flexibility and endurance
• Communicating effectively with family, friends and health professionals
• Nutrition
• Pacing activity and rest
• Action planning, goal setting and problem solving
• Dealing with frustration, fatigue, isolation and poor sleep

To register:
Complete our online booking form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=YDhjs6gV00atMg-6XssdX7ydcAJjSMRDqxZ05ev8PwpUQUgwUTFJT0ZUTldHUVBCQkowQTg5MUhaNCQlQCN0PWcu&fbclid=IwY2xjawLwkCFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBsRWlUOTNWblNBZ1BxaHBpAR5v-wbgEsIjEbCLPBUxVG9jghRr771ibrbESm_ZaYOqtI2e_8TUHc8UYc_DXA_aem_DLDHK06euYjPHHD5T-FO3A
Call: 028 90 782940
Or email: niservices@versusarthritis.org

25/07/2025

Join our 6-week online Pain Management course and connect with others as you learn vital skills for managing pain and fatigue from long term conditions like arthritis.

When: Wednesday 6th August – 10th September 2025 6.00pm – 8.30pm

Learn strategies on:
• Improving strength, flexibility and endurance
• Communicating effectively with family, friends and health professionals
• Nutrition
• Pacing activity and rest
• Action planning, goal setting and problem solving
• Dealing with frustration, fatigue, isolation and poor sleep

To register:
Phone: 028 90 782940
Complete our online booking form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=YDhjs6gV00atMg-6XssdX7ydcAJjSMRDqxZ05ev8PwpUQUgwUTFJT0ZUTldHUVBCQkowQTg5MUhaNCQlQCN0PWcu
Or email: niservices@versusarthritis.org