Launch of Arthritis Self-Help Network (London)

Last night I was at the launch of Arthritis Self-Help Network (ASNet) as a charity at Chigwell Hall.

ASNet began life as a support group for those with rheumatoid arthritis at King George Hospital in 2000. Over the years ASNet has grown to deliver many different projects such as Creative Writing, Evening Therapy Sessions, a day out for the housebound in partnership with Redbridge Voluntary Care, GP Education days, 6 week course called ‘Living Life Differently with Arthritis’, and Pain Management Sessions.

With ASNet's launch as a charity there have also come further new developments including a website containing film interviews with members (which can also be seen on http://www.humanrightstv.com/) and a contract to become part of the ‘Enabled 4 Growth’ programme run by the Leonard Cheshire Disability. This programme is designed to help new charities in all areas that are relevant for good practice and growth as well as teaching them how to become financially secure.

ASNet's founder, Diane Wynne-Fitzgerald says the time is right for ASNet because:

"Whatever the cause of disempowerment of people living with disability, in the twenty-first century we surely cannot pliantly accept such low social standards. Cases have to be made, positions adopted and followed through but most importantly the community must be empowered and supported practically. This is exactly why this charity is so important, at its core is the need to assist people to find their own powers, gain their own solutions and be in control of their own lives."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Monsters of Folk - The Right Place.