In 1990, after a lot of work and preparation, a nurse and doctor on the Rheumatology ward at Battle Hospital, together with other like-minded local volunteers, a lot of local fundraising and some generous bequests, set up Reading Charity ‘Arthros’, to help local Arthritis sufferers.

Staff Nurse Lya Turner saw firsthand the impact of Arthritis and related conditions on her patients, and, together with the other Arthros trustees, they worked to support local sufferers with grants, equipment, and appliances, so they could live independently. Arthros’ band of volunteers continued delivering support for the next 3 decades.

Now, thirty years on, Arthros, a registered charity and limited company, is looking to relaunch into the modern world, with changes that reflect the current needs of Arthritis sufferers and new ways of working.

Arthros is a small charity, run by volunteer trustees, who play a very important role in making sure the charity is run for those it is there to support. Arthros still has funds available, but fundraising is always needed. Arthros has recently been working with two business consultants who have looked at what support local people now need. The plan is to adjust Arthros’ focus and priorities, based on feedback from local sufferers. People of all ages can experience arthritis and it comes in many forms and affects one in six people in the UK.

Arthros have made an immense impact on my life. Arthros have given me the confidence that I can do anything!” (Grant beneficiary supported to access University)

As part of that change, Arthros is looking to recruit new trustees. Would you like to be part of that change? Could you make a difference and help Arthros to develop our new strategy and vision? We would love to hear from you?

• Treasurer: We are keen to recruit a new Treasurer to help transform Arthros financial systems and processes, and help the rest of the board understand finances to make good decisions for the future
• Website: We are looking for you if you have skills and experience in website development. We are hoping to develop our online presence, including a website for information and other support.
• Lived-experience trustees: People with lived experience of Arthritis, personal, professional, or family. This is a great opportunity to be part of an organisation that wants to work to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis. You will meet new people, work as part of a team and know you are making a difference. We will provide induction and training, starting with some creative thinking space at a face-to-face meeting in Reading in November, with current and new trustees. You will need to be able to commit to around 4-6 hours a month and we will hold meetings online and face to face in Reading.

For more information, please visit the links above to the RVA Volunteer Connect website or contact Julie Close by emailing julieclose340@gmail.com.

The closing date is 30 September and we are just asking for a side of A4 saying how and why you would like to be involved.