Arthritis Ireland has announced details of a new support programme for people with arthritis living in Cork who are currently working or considering returning to work.

The unique programme, entitled Working with Arthritis, has been developed by Arthritis Ireland with support from Abbott and FÁS and is the first time that such an intensive support programme has been offered in this field.

It aims to increase the number of people with arthritis in the workforce by providing them with the practical supports and skills necessary to remain in or return to work. The programme consists of four sessions of three hours in duration delivered once a week over four weeks to a group of 18 people. Each session is delivered in a workshop format that provides scope for the group to participate and support each other. Participants are taught the skills needed to become an active self-manager of their condition, they are given an introduction to life coaching and advice on how to manage their health at work. They are also provided with practical career guidance and development.

Commenting on the new programme, John Church, Chief Executive of Arthritis Ireland said, "Arthritis Ireland is delighted to be leading this pioneering project, which for the first time offers a practical, extended support programme on the issue of working with arthritis to people in the Cork region. There are many people aged between 18 and 65 living with arthritis who have struggled with their work and who have tried to find ways of working effectively on their own. This programme will provide them with the necessary skills to meet this challenge and overcome the obstacles that currently face them."

Working with Arthritis is open to people living with arthritis aged between 18 and 65. The four week programme will start on Thursday, October 2 in Bru Columbanus in Cork and will continue every Thursday evening for four weeks, finishing on Thursday, October 23. Pre-registration for the event is essential. Further information is available on 01 6618188 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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