Week Ending 14th August

Brynmor

I'm always interested in the unusual, so was particularly delighted when sent an image of camel hair art - not something I had come across before. I have now spent a happy couple of hours looking and reading up about the subject after giving up trying to get to sleep on a particularly hot night.

1. Arthr and the Changemeakers

Arthr, a new social venture powered by Versus Arthritis, is developing new products for and with people with arthritis to make daily life easier.

By joining the ChangeMaker community, you’ll be part of a network of passionate, like-minded people who want to contribute the solutions to everyday challenges.

You’ll have a chance to take part in research, test products in development, and co-create new product ideas. With your help, Arthr can make more and better products to help more people live well with arthritis.

http://www.arthr.com/

2. Featured Story - Nobody with arthritis should feel this way.

“Falling over in the morning is one of my first strong memories of having arthritis.”

Chloe Umpleby from Middlesbrough has been living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) all her life. Her parents noticed symptoms at 18 months old, before she could even walk.

Now 20, and in her third year at Lancaster University studying history, she tells us about the stigma she’s faced growing up with the condition, how she manages her symptoms and how she’s feeling about the future. Chloe is passionate about dispelling the myth that arthritis is something only elderly people get.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/june/i-felt-invalidated-nobody-with-arthritis-should-feel-this-way/

3. How to beat... Pain

The first of a 3-part series on Channel 4, How to Beat Pain was broadcast earlier this week. The programme features Professor David Walsh and Dr Joanne Stocks from our Pain Centre.

Posing the questions

• What simple techniques help relieve chronic pain, from migraine to backache?
• Is it often in the mind?
• Do yoga, tai chi, or acupuncture work?
• And who tolerates pain best, men or women?

the programme is available on the catch-up service for the next 4 weeks.

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/how-to-beat/episode-guide/

4. Research: the shielding experiences of millions with arthritis

Our research shows that whilst 4 in 10 people with arthritis shielded during lockdown, only 1 in 4 of those people received a Government letter advising them to, meaning many made the decision to do so on their own.

The results of our survey highlight the widespread confusion around shielding advice from the Government, which is still present now, leaving many feeling worried and anxious about their future prospects.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/july/new-research-reveals-shielding-experiences-of-millions-with-arthritis/

5. Coronavirus

Restrictions around many daily activities are changing across England, with varying levels of advice in place for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales still in effect.

For example, in Wales vulnerable people who are shielding can stop after the 16th August. People in the shielded group will be advised they can return to school or work – where their workplace is Covid-secure.

In Scotland, guidance has been issued regarding restrictions for people living in Aberdeen.

As well as keeping up with the latest information on our Coronavirus (COVID-19) information page, do check out our dedicated resources for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Stay safe, stay well.

Brynmor