The Arthritis Society recommends that people living with arthritis should become involved with their local arthritis community group. Community groups provide contact with other people who have similar needs and are coping with similar problems.
Community groups are comprised of local volunteers who provide support for people with arthritis within their community. They are affiliated with The Arthritis Society and help to provide information about arthritis, research, medications and surgeries, as well as information on current issues related to arthritis care and treatment. Many groups are also instrumental in providing programs and services and/or raising funds for arthritis programs. The meetings may feature visiting speakers, panel discussions or social events.
Some community groups may attract people with arthritis:
- In the same geographical area
- Within similar specific-disease groups
- In the same age specific group
Community Groups are located at the moment in:
| Campbell River [0] | Chase [0] | Coquitlam [0] | Cowichan Valley [0] |
| Creston [0] | Enderby [0] | Grand Forks [0] | Kamloops [0] |
| Kelowna [0] | Langley [0] | Mission [0] | Nanaimo [0] |
| North Shore [0] | Osoyoos [0] | Powell River [0] | Prince George [0] |
| Quesnel [0] | Richmond [0] | South Delta [0] | Surrey [0] |
| Vancouver [0] | Vernon [0] | Victoria [0] | White Rock-South Surrey [0] |
If your community group is not listed above and you are interested in becoming involved in your community or are seeking information please contact the appropriate person for your area.
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delia_cooper@telus.net [1].
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jan.norwood@telus.net [2]
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edlowe@kootenay.com [3].
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desiree_roell@hotmail.com [4]
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shawnaschuh@lycos.com [5].
Volunteer(s) participate in community awareness activities such as fallfairs. To have a volunteer at your event, or if you would like to volunteer for The Arthritis Society, contact Shawna in Grand Forks or Trudy Battaglio, Regional Coordinator with The Arthritis Society, Interior and Okanagan, at 250-868-8643 (Kelowna) or by email at tbattaglio@bc.arthritis.ca [6].
Community Contact
Shawna Schuh
Phone: 250.442.4276
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gst_mccaffrey@telus.net [7]
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tbattaglio@bc.arthritis.ca [8].
*The Arthritis Society, BC and Yukon Division acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia to support this program.
Take Charge! Early Intervention for Osteoarthritis (OA)
This weekend workshop is designed for baby boomers experiencing early signs and symptoms. Topics include understanding OA, adapting exercise and activities, protecting joints, medications and supplements, managing pain and stress, nutrition and weight management (Fee: $35.00 includes manual). Program is presented by four professionals - a Rheumatologist, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist and a Nutritionist.
Arthritis Self-Management Program
Six-session program (2 hr/wk) facilitated by trained volunteers who, themselves, have arthritis. Helps you understand arthritis and how to better manage your symptoms. (Fee $25 includes cost of book).
Inflammatory Arthritis Education Course
Developed by the Mary Pack Arthritis Program, this four-session program is facilitated by a physiotherapist. Learn about inflammatory arthritis, treatment principles, hand exercises, pain management, exercises, protecting joints, saving energy, management of fatigue and sleep. The course is offered monthly on the first two Tuesdays and Thursdays of each month. Fee: $25. Requires a doctor’s referral. Referrals may be faxed to the Kelowna Arthritis Centre at 250-868-0779.
Fibromyalgia Management Program (FM)
Developed by the Mary Pack Arthritis program, this eight session program is facilitated by a physiotherapist. Learn about understanding fibromyalgia, pain management and coping skills to improve your quality of life. Fee: $30. Requires a doctor’s referral. Referrals may be faxed to the Kelowna Arthritis Centre at 250-868-0779.
We partner with other arthritis services offered at the Centre
Physiotherapy
A private practice Physiotherapist with arthritis management skills is located at the Kelowna Arthritis Centre. A broad range of treatment techniques are offered, including education and self management skills to help deal with arthritis. Phone Stuart Kircher at 250-718-9099 for an appointment.
Arthritis Exercise Classes for the Less Active Person
Led by an arthritis physiotherapist, this exercise class is geared toward those who are unable to keep up with the pace of community based exercise programs because of their arthritis. Offered 3rd and 4th Thursday of each month 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Drop In Fee: $2.00 per session. No registration required but participants are encouraged to phone 250-868-8643 to ensure space is available. Maximum class size is 12.
We liaise with and support Wellness and Support Groups in the Okanagan
Kelowna – “Lunch and Learn” Arthritis Club Meets 3rd Monday of every month (September - June) from noon – 2:00 p.m. Different speakers each month. $2.00 donation covers cost of lunch.
Kelowna Arthritis Fellowship: This social support group that meets at the Capri Mall food court every Wednesday afternoon 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Call Eileen 860-4869.
Sjogren’s Support Group: (Enderby) Meets periodically. Call Desiree at 250-838-9378.
Lupus Support Group: Meets the second Thursday of each month. Contact Jackie 868-3540 or email Abe at abrehamm@shaw.ca [9]
Fibromyalgia Support Group: Meetings are informal. Generally held on 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Call Anne 250-762-6651 for more information.
We offer meaningful Volunteer Opportunities
We provide many opportunities to help those living with arthritis. Volunteer orientation sessions are held monthly. Call 868-8643 to register. Training and support provided for all positions.
Example of Positions Available:
- Kelowna Arthritis Centre Volunteer
- Educational Program Volunteer
- Arthritis Self Management Program Facilitator
- Public Speaker / Facilitator
- Wellness/Support Group Leader
- Health Fair Representative
- Fund Development Supporter
- Joints in Motion Team Member
- Other: assist with advocacy initiatives, materials distribution, graphic design, fundraising and events assistance.
Volunteers must provide references and sign a Letter of Confidentiality.
For More Information, please contact:
Trudy Battaglio
Regional Development Coordinator, Interior/Okanagan
The Arthritis Society, BC and Yukon Division
150A 1855 Kirschner Road, Kelowna V1Y 4N7
Tel: 250-868-8643
Fax: 250-868-0779
Email: tbattaglio@bc.arthritis.ca [10]
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www.langleyarthritis.com [11].
Contact
Visit the Langley Community Group at:
Fraser Arthritis Centre
Unit 110, 5769 - 201A Street
Langley, BC V3A 4H9
To find more information about the Langley Community Group, please contact Vickey Kidd at 604.514.9902 or langarth@telus.net [12]. The group’s fax number is 604.514.0434.
Langley Arthritis Support Group Meetings
When: Third Monday of each Month
Time: 1:30pm
Location: Langley Seniors Centre, 20605 51B Avenue, Langley
Contact: Grace Unger at 604.464.1545
Langley Fibromyalgia Support Group Meetings
When: Fourth Tuesday of each Month
Time: 12:30pm
Location: Fraser Arthritis Centre Boardroom, Unit #110, 5769-201 A Street, Langley
Contact: Donela Haynes at 604.576.7685 or by email at silverani@yahoo.com [13]
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hthompson64@hotmail.com [14].
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sreid@bc.arthritis.ca [15]
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jackedie@shaw.ca [16] .
The Arthritis Society also has contacts in:
Burns Lake Support Group:
Mildred Howett at 250.692.0077
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info@arthritis.ca [17]
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www.arthritis.ca/bc [18].
Contact
For more information on the Surrey Community Group, please contact Brenda Stubbs at 604.576.9294 bstubbs@telus.net [19] or Dixie Mogg at 604.581.6658 nanadixie@shaw.ca [20].
Our Motto....
There is Hope and There is Help!
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Click here [21] for our membership form then print it off and mail with your membership fee to The Arthritis Society.
Events and activities
The Victoria Learning Center - The Arthritis Society has a library in Victoria, offering the latest books, videos and audiocassettes on loan both to clients of the Victoria Arthritis Centre and to the public in the Greater Victoria area.
Visitors to the Learning Centre can:
- View videos
- Read and borrow books on a variety of arthritis and wellness related topics
- Access the Internet
For more information about the Victoria Learning Centre, please call: 250.519.4000, or send an e-mail to alyle@bc.arthritis.ca [22]
Arthritis Self-Management Program (ASMP)
The Arthritis Self-Management Program is a six-week program designed to help people take a more active role in managing arthritis and learn ways to cope with chronic pain. Click here to find out about upcoming classes in Victoria.
Pain Management Seminar (taken from ASMP series)
A FREE two hour seminar on how to manage and take control of the chronic pain of arthritis. Click here [23] to find out about upcoming sessions.
Take Charge! Early Intervention for Osteoarthritis Program
This program targets early intervention and is best suited for those aged 40-65 who are just beginning to experience the first signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and who have not previously taken the various classes and workshops given by Arthritis Centre staff. Click here to find out about upcoming sessions.
Joint Replacement Education
For anyone awaiting orthopaedic surgery, these classes should be taken as soon as possible for better preparation and improved post-op recovery. Offered by health care professionals in three sessions spaced over three weeks, covering important topics such as changes to a joint affected by osteoarthritis, guidelines for safe and effective exercises, joint protection, medications and healthy eating, pain management techniques. There is no charge but registration is required. Classes are held on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesday morning of the month from January to June and from September to November. Call 519.4000 for more info.
Victoria Community Group Contact
For more information on the Victoria Community Group, please call 250.519.4000 or send a fax to 250.598.1900. If you are interested in volunteering, please call 250.519.4000/2 or email jpainter@bc.arthritis.ca [24]
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ambeckwith@shaw.ca [25]
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