Testimonials

Joint Potential is a new project in Scotland, but the events have been running elsewhere in the UK for some time. Below are comments given after these events.

• "I met other young people with arthritis, one of whom is taking the same medication as me – we swapped email addresses so we can keep in contact. It was invaluable to have time to chat to them and share experiences as so often having arthritis can cause me to feel isolated from my peers.
  
  Having taken part in the workshop, I feel a lot more positive about my condition as I feel I understand my medication regime and the importance of taking my drugs much better – and I feel more connected with other young people with whom I can share my worries and concerns. It showed me that there is a whole support network out there which I can take advantage of. This has made me feel more empowered and able to push for the care I need."

• "The arthritis workshops have had a huge impact on my life, because I now feel that I am not my arthritis, my arthritis is only a small part of me. I think that since the workshops I have become a lot more positive about myself because I don’t feel alone anymore, I know there are people that know exactly what I am going through.
  
  My family and friends understand me more purely because I understand myself more and therefore don’t get as angry. The workshops helped me to talk to my friends and explain how I was feeling – they now know that I can’t walk as fast but still want to be included."

Arthritis Care have also carried out evaluations regarding the effectiveness of the workshops.

Participants completed evaluation forms for the Positive Future Workshops run in South England. Those received in 2008 showed the workshops had been hugely beneficial for both the participants and the youth volunteers:

• 100% participants and volunteers reported feeling more confident after the course
• 100% participants and volunteers reported feeling less isolated after the course
• 100% participants and volunteers reported feeling more positive about their condition after the course

If you'd like to benefit from Joint Potential, want to come on one of our events or just want to know more, then please get in touch with us or request a place.