Community Resources for People with Arthritis: Support Groups

The Arthritis Society
1490 Richmond St. Rm 211 London
(519) 646-6309
Information Line: 1-800-321-1433
The Arthritis Society is a not-for-profit organization devoted to funding and promoting arthritis research, education and client services. Widespread support from volunteers and donors across the country enable the Society to offer help to people with arthritis all over Canada. The following services are available through The Arthritis Society:

Arthritis Bluebird Club: (519) 453-3110. Support group for people affected by arthritis. This club is formed by people living with arthritis who get together for mutual learning and emotional support, and to sponsor educational events. Held on the second Monday of the month from March to November 7:30-9:30. Topics presented by guest speakers are published in the London Free Press.
Scleroderma Society of Ontario: Support for individuals who suffer with scleroderma and their families
Fibromyalgia: Support groups offer information and share coping techniuqes. Provides books, videos and guest speakers
Lupus Association Ontario: Provides information and support through patient education, public meetings and forums. Email: olalondon@execulink.com
Ontario Ankylosing Spondylitis Association: Provides information and support through patient education, public meetings and forums.
*Taking Charge of Your Rheumatoid Arthritis (The Arthritis Society)
A program of five two-hour classes over five weeks. A comprehensive, therapeutic education and exercise program for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
*Taking charge of Your Osteoarthritis. (The Arthritis Society)
A one day program from 9am-3pm. A comprehensive, therapeutic education and exercise program for people with osteoarthritis.
*Arthritis Self Management Program
A program 2.5 hours per week for six weeks led by trained volunteers who have arthritis themselves. Participants learn how to cope with chronic pain and how to take a more active role in their care.
* Fibromyalgia education and exercise one day program (519) 646-6309
This program uses a self-management philosophy in a group setting to provide information and care to people with fibromyalgia. Runs from 9:00 am to 3:00pm. Wait list is about 2-3 months. Location is 1490 Richmond Street, parking is free.
The Arthritis Society, Client Services, Arthritis Rehabilitation and Education.
St. Joseph's Health Care Annex- Mount St. Joseph
1490 Richmond St. Rm. 211
646-6309
Email: abertin@on.arthritis.ca
This service provides physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers with special training in the management of arthritis. Individual treatment or group programs are available in the home, school, gym, clinic or workplace. Funding provided by The Arthritis Society and a grant from the governmnet with a confirmed diagnosis. You can self-refer to this service.

Arthritis Foundation
1-800-283-7800
An American web-site that provides information about many types of arthritis and coping with arthritis. The foundation publishes the magazine "Arthritis Today". It also offers some education materials in the Spanish language.

Arthritis Bell Connection (ABC)
1-800-321-1433
Arthritis support and information line.

Arthritis Institute. St. Joseph's Health Centre:
Monsignor Rooney Centre, St. Joseph's Health Centre. 268 Grosvenor St. London
(519) 646-6001.
*Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy Services are available with a referral from your rheumatologist or family doctor.
*Arthritis Day Programs (519) 646-6340
These are two-week long programs in osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. They run from 9:00am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. Various health professionals are involved in the program with the goals of helping people cope with symptoms, foster independence, learn appropriate exercise and improve quality of life. A referral from a physician or an arthritis institute therapist is required.
*Fibromyalgia Day Program (519) 646-6340
This program runs Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00 pm for four weeks and a referral from a rheumatologist is needed. It is a multidisciplinary treatment program that teaches a self-management approach to those with fibromyalgia. The goal is to reduce the degree of suffering and life disruption associated with fibromyalgia.
*Depression Treatment Groups for Rheumatology Patients (519) 646-6340
This group is led by a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of chronic pain. 8-10 ninety-minute sessions are held on Monday afternoons. OHIP covered except for session materials.

Also at St. Joseph's Health Care London within the Arthritis Institute:
*London Regional Osteoporosis Self-Referral Program
(519) 646-6100 x 64774
This two-hour program provides information about osteoporosis, discussion and an ultrasound bone density test to assess potential risk of developing osteoporosis. $30.00 fee (for ultrasound bone density test).
*London Fracture Education Program (519) 646-6068
Located at Arthritis Institute. Provides information to people who have had a fracture due to osteoporosis.