What is Arthritis Assist?

Arthritis Assist is an evidence based telephone support program using the Peers for Progress model. This is recognised world-wide as a leading guide for designing peer-support programs.

We know all too well that life with arthritis can be daunting, uncertain or overwhelming. You are not alone – Arthritis Assist can connect you with a fully trained peer-mentor who will phone you at a time that suits you. You can have up to 6-support calls with your peer-mentor.

  • Over 614* people across Australia have now spoken with one of our Peer-Mentors since the Program launched in late 2019.
  • Peer-Mentors have made over 1,313* calls to people living with arthritis in Australia.

*Data updated December 2024.

How can Arthritis Assist help?

  • Free, confidential arthritis support for anyone living with arthritis in QLD or NSW.
  • People who have completed the program have reported that they
    • feel more supported to manage their arthritis, and
    • have much better knowledge of where to find more arthritis information and support.

Speak with someone who understands

  1. Register for Arthritis Assist using the form below. It will open to a new page with a pre-program questionnaire.

  2. The form should only take 5 minutes to complete. We cannot organise a peer mentor to phone you until the form is completed.

  3. Once completed, we’ll reach out via email with further details about the program and to discuss a time for your peer-mentor to call you. Keep an eye out for our email!

  4. Your peer-mentor will give you a call at a time that suits you!

I hesitated at first after contacting Arthritis Assist, but that was short lived after I had my first phone consult. The help I received was so helpful and understanding. I would certainly recommend a friend to make this move.

Participant

I was impressed that [my Peer-Mentor] called on time, and gave me some very useful information. She has a great understanding and empathy and I felt supported and validated.

Participant

Appreciated talking to my mentor. It gave me support in talking about what I want to do, validation for the way I feel which I realise was important to me. Thank you.

Participant

My peer-mentor was warm and friendly, with lots of tips and affirmations on ways to manage my arthritis. This is a valuable service.

Participant

My peer-mentor helped me understand more about my condition, what I can do to help my day-to-day life, and ways to reduce my pain. This is a great service and I highly recommend it to people who feel alone and confused with their condition.

Participant

Register Now

Register

For more information please contact Beatriz Torres
Email Us 1300 275 826 (extension 19)

Arthritis Assist Program FAQs

Every one of our Peer Mentors lives with arthritis and our goal is to match you with someone with a similar diagnosis.

Yes, we have a number of fully trained Peer-Mentors who can help support Australians of all ages living with arthritis. Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or have been living with arthritis for many years, we can connect you with a peer that understands your experience.

Once you’ve completed the questionnaire (please remember to include your phone number and email address), we will look for a Peer Mentor best positioned to help you, and we will arrange a time that suits you both for your first call

The Peers for Progress Model describes peer support as “practical, social, emotional, ongoing support from a person who shares similar experiences with a disease or health problem.”

Arthritis Assist Peer-Mentors are volunteers who provide to Australian’s living with arthritis through active listening, sharing personal experiences, and by helping to find and access suitable information and services to support living well with arthritis.

Arthritis Assist is funded through the generous support of The Arthritis Movement’s donors.

Completing the form on this webpage and sharing some information about yourself and your arthritis journey will help us match you with one of our trained Peer Mentors who closely shares similarities with you.

Our Health Promotion Coordinator will reach out via email with further details about the program and your assigned peer mentor. They will arrange a time suitable to both of you so you can have your first call!

Your Peer-Mentor will give you a call at a time that best suits you. They’ll get to know you a little and listen to what you’re going through.

Everyone’s situation is different, and so is their support needs. Peer-Mentors tailor their support to each person they speak with. They may share their own experiences and tips, help to answer your questions, assist you in setting goals or taking actionable steps to take control of your arthritis. Or, they may simply just listen.

You can organise up to 6 calls with your Peer-Mentor.

When you register your interest in speaking with a Peer-Mentor, we’ll ask you to complete a few questions to tell us a little about yourself. We then use this information to match you with one of our trained Peer-Mentors that closely shares similarities with you.

We match on similarities like age, gender, type of arthritis, type of treatment, life situations (e.g. being a parent or carer), your/Peer-Mentor available times, or anything specific you would like a Peer-Mentor to help support you with.

While we do our best when finding your Peer-Mentor match, we understand that sometimes the connection might just not be right. If this is the case, we’ll match you to a new Peer-Mentor.

You can have up to 6 support calls. On average a call can last between 30 minutes to 1 hour however the exact duration may vary depending on you and your peer mentor.

Some people may like to have a partner, family member or close friend join them in a conversation with their Peer-Mentor. Peer-Mentors should be made aware of anyone else intending to join a call and decide if they are comfortable with this before continuing.

Arthritis Assist is a confidential service. All information provided to The Arthritis Movement or discussed with your Peer-Mentor falls under The Arthritis Movement’s Privacy Policy and Privacy Collection Statement.

You can register to speak with a Peer-Mentor if you are living in NSW or QLD, and you live with arthritis, or care for a child living with arthritis.

All that is needed to access the Program is a phone connection and internet access to complete the questionnaire and receive the initial information about the program via email.

No, Arthritis Assist is a free service.

We understand that plans can change, appointments may arise, or somedays you just may not feel up to talking. If you organise a time for your Peer-Mentor to phone but will no longer be available, just let us know before the call and we’ll help you and your Peer-Mentor reschedule.

Our Peer-Mentors each have differing availabilities, and many are available to phone outside of usual business hours. Once you’ve registered your interest to speak with a Peer-Mentor, we’ll check with you what times you are available and take this into account when matching you to your Peer-Mentor.

If you live outside NSW or QLD, please reach out to your local Arthritis organisation for support. If you have any questions, you’re always welcome to email us.

Become a Peer-Mentor

Share your personal experience with arthritis by offering one-to-one phone support to someone who needs understanding, encouragement, and connection. Contact our team to learn how you can become a peer mentor.

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