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helend
helend Member Posts: 35
edited 21. Oct 2010, 04:50 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi can anybody give me some info regarding joining a support group I would like to but feel a bit awkward.Do you phone first or just turn up.Dont want to turn up and nobody speak to me.Wish i could take a tablet to give me courage.Helend :oops:

Comments

  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Helend

    Just sending you a bucket full of courage and good luck.

    JuliePF x
  • noeltone
    noeltone Member Posts: 878
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi just click on Arthritis Care home page go into the area you live in on UK map and you should find any supprot groups in your area i would think most would be friendly
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Helend

    I haven't ever done this - for the same reasons as you. But if you have found a support group you want to go to you might find that, by phoning first, you "break the ice" so to speak.

    Really good luck - and please do post to let us know how you get on.

    Love Tilly xxx
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I just clicked on the front page of Arthritis Care....Your Area and it gives a list of groups close to you. Check them out on the web and then try and decide and ring one of the numbers. Thats what I did and she said she would look out for me, explained where it was etc and to come and sit with her and a few friends. That was a couple of years ago...now I'm a volunteer for them.
    Give it a try....if you dont like it you dont have to go back.
    If you have a couple of meetings to chose from think about parking.
    I had one on the outskirts of Newcastle and one in Gateshead Civic Center....plumped for the Civic center one because the parking would be easier in a civic center rather than on a street.
    Hope that helps
    Love
    Hileena
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Helend, definitely go for it. Most groups are glad of new faces. Good idea to ring up first, makes the first visit easier. Let us know how you get on.

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • keira74
    keira74 Member Posts: 32
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Actually came on to ask the same thing. I have found a support group local to me but no phone number. I'd rather speak to someone on the phone before I turn up so at least I kind of know someone. To be honest I actually feel a bit young to go but would like to speak to others face to face. I'm actually struggling since I was told I had OA on top of my MS. I took the diagnosis of MS better than I have the OA.
    Failing that if there is anyone fairly local to me who'd like to meet up that would be great.
    Leigh
  • beowolf
    beowolf Member Posts: 88
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi Leigh

    that's a good idea....what area are you? :D


    Beo
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Keira
    If there isnt a number for the group there will be an e.mail contact for the region...eg North East Eng or S.E England. What about an e.mail and ask them for the telephone number of your local group?
    Give them your telephone number incase for some reason they arent allowed to give out numbers at least they could ring you.?????
    Love
    Hileena
  • keira74
    keira74 Member Posts: 32
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    beowolf wrote:
    hi Leigh

    that's a good idea....what area are you? :D


    Beo

    Hi I'm in North Lincolnshire in sunny Scunnie.
  • keira74
    keira74 Member Posts: 32
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hileena111 wrote:
    Hi Keira
    If there isnt a number for the group there will be an e.mail contact for the region...eg North East Eng or S.E England. What about an e.mail and ask them for the telephone number of your local group?
    Give them your telephone number incase for some reason they arent allowed to give out numbers at least they could ring you.?????
    Love
    Hileena

    Thankyou I'll have another look