We are a new self help group organised by and for people with rheumatoid arthritis who are setting up to provide support, information, social events and activities to those of us who live with rheumatoid arthritis, our Partners and Carers, living in the Plymouth, East Cornwall and West Devon Areas

We have the support of NRAS (National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society) and The Consultants and Staff of the Rheumatology Department at Derriford Hospital.

The aim of the group is to share local information and offer support to people living with rheumatoid arthritis with the aim of helping them to manage their condition, and help to make their day to day lives more manageable and rewarding. To promote social activities and events in a relaxed, friendly, safe environment where people can have to opportunity to meet others living with rheumatoid arthritis to chat, share experiences, concerns and knowledge, as well as enjoying themselves. It is hoped that guest speakers can be encouraged to join us to share their professional knowledge and expertise in areas that would be helpful to the wellbeing of group members.

We have arranged monthly meetings at Mount Gould Hospital, Plymouth, thanks to the hospital who have donated a room to us for our meetings. (See 'Social Events' page)

The geographical area we are trying to cover which is the same as the area covered by the Derriford Hospital Rheumatology Department is quite vast. It is hoped that as the group develops it will be possible to to arrange some meetings and social events closer to the more distant areas, so reducing the travelling burden for those further afield and making the group more inclusive.