More than 1000 residents across the City of Tea Tree Gully have had their knowledge of arthritis boosted, thanks to the engagement of The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) Group – Arthritis.
Over the past year, THRF Group – Arthritis’ dedicated health educators made a number of appearances at events held across the council area, providing consumers from the north-east with direct access to information and education about arthritis.
This included five community talks, three appearances at expos and a presentation at the Tea Tree Gully Community Services Forum.
Originally slated to only be six appearances, significant interest and demand from residents saw THRF Group – Arthritis add three more events to the schedule.
Health educator Ben Trobbiani said the level of engagement from the community was extremely positive.
“Participants benefited significantly from the grant through educational talks, expos, and events,” he said.
“Knowing what is available empowers people to act and share this information within their families, friends, and community, raising overall health and well-being.”
According to data from the 2021 Census, arthritis is the most common chronic health condition in South Australia.
Despite this, many people don’t know what services and supports are available, meaning they rely on the internet or their social circles, or they don’t seek support at all.
Education has a major impact on life expectancy and quality of life, and these appearances play an important role in bridging that gap.
THRF Group – Arthritis continues to receive requests for community talks from groups in the area, such is the level of engagement from consumers.
These appearances wouldn’t have been possible without the support of City of Tea Tree Gully, who provided THRF Group – Arthritis with funding through its Community Grants program last year.
Thank you for the support!
If you’d like to learn more about arthritis, you can call THRF Group – Arthritis’s free information line on 1800 011 041, 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or visit https://arthritissa.org.au/.
