Taking part

By having a voice. Central government is recognising the need to involve service users in the planning and evaluation of services. Local service provides have a duty to listen to your needs and issues and to work with the voluntary organisations that represent you.

What support is out there?

Arthritis Care in North England supports people with arthritis to campaign for positive change in a number of ways:

• Campaigners Network – a loose affiliation of people with arthritis dedicated to highlighting issues of importance to themselves and others with arthritis. Arthritis Care provides offers online tips and guidance about campaigning issues. There are also practical tools for letter writing etc.
  
• Local branch network – Arthritis Care has a number of branches across the region who offer support to its members. They have successfully campaigned on a number of issues in the past. The louder the voice, the bigger the impact.
  
• Area development manager (ADM) – working in North England on behalf of people with arthritis, the ADM develops relationships with statutory bodies and campaigning on your behalf. The ADM is available to offer help and guidance. Contact us for more information.

Why should I campaign?

Without campaigning for positive change, positive change will not happen. Campaigning does not have to be at a national or international level. By addressing a personal issue, you could also benefit the community in which you live, improving the lives of others. Many small changes add up to one big change.