A new arthritis support group is looking to fill a void stretching from Windsor to London.
Volunteers with the Ontario South West Region of the Arthritis Society have set up the only arthritis-specific support group in the area.
Co-Organizer Gabriela Guerra says the idea came up at one of their meetings where the volunteers identified the need.
"The only support group nearby is actually for fibromyalgia in London and there was a support group, but I believe it's been over 15 years since there's been one in Windsor," says Guerra.
She says a support group is a great way of helping boost a patient's mood and outlook when dealing with the pain that comes with arthritis. Guerra also sees it as an opportunity to better inform those dealing with arthritis about medication and other remedies.
Guerra says a support group can be a big help to get you through a difficult period.
"When you're going through something like this there's a lot of pain involved and it's very isolating and [the support group] brings people together that know exactly what you're going through," says Guerra.
The inaugural meeting for the group was in March.
The next meeting is set for today at Kensington Court near St. Clair College from 6pm to 9pm. Anyone looking for information can email windsorarthritis@gmail.com.
Poster for Windsor arthritis support group. (Photo courtesy Arthritis Society)