DEESIDE'S Assembly Member is backing a new project that benefits those with arthritis.
Jack Sargeant AM met with representatives of Cymru Versus Arthritis to hear about the lottery funded project and how exercise and physical activity can be beneficial.
He said he was 'delighted' to give the project his full support.
The unique project in Wales aimed at tackling low levels of physical activity for people with arthritis has demonstrated dramatic results in helping people manage the condition.
Data from Versus Arthritis shows that 50 per cent of adults living in Wales with long-term musculoskeletal conditions are currently inactive, and 70per cent overweight or obese.
Activity and exercise can be a challenge for people living with arthritis who may have given it up due to the debilitating symptoms and lack of local support and information.
The Alyn and Deeside AM said: "I congratulate everyone involved in the projects, it is making a real difference to people lives in North East Wales. I would encourage residents in Deeside living with arthritis to find out more.
“This can be an extremely painful condition and I am really hopeful that the lessons learned from the project will help inform the development of our services in the future.”
The project aims to support participants to take control of their own activities and signpost local activities available in their local communities. Support is also provided to participants to set up and run their own Activity Groups.
This has helped address specific local issues such as accessibility for people living in rural locations.
Mr Sargeant was given a demonstration of seated Tai Chi at the Assembly meeting.
Also attending the meeting at the Welsh Assembly was Alison Williams, Chair of the Versus Arthritis Support Group in Wrexham who became involved after her own arthritis diagnosis and now leads a Get Active for Arthritis exercise group once a week.
She said: “I thought I wasn’t old enough to go but I eventually went and found it really helpful and supportive.
"I was offered the chance to go and do some training to help other people and that’s where it started. I’m obviously doing something right through the fact that they do continue to come back week after week."
Versus Arthritis promotes exercise and physical activity as a crucial component in dealing with arthritic conditions and works alongside the Welsh Government to support those affected.
Cymru Versus Arthritis is committed to the roll out of Get Active Services across Wales and volunteers will continue to have training and support beyond the initial funding.
Mary Cowern, Director of Cymru Versus Arthritis added: "There’s often a fear that exercise will damage already painful joints, but the reality is that increasing activity levels and re-engaging with exercise can strengthen joints and reduce the impact of arthritis.
"However, we’ve learnt that providing information alone often isn’t enough, many people living with a painful long-term condition like arthritis need additional help and guidance to overcome concerns and barriers to exercise and peer support can help sustain lifestyle changes."
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