Arthritis NZ recently joined the community at a Senior Expo in Banks Peninsula, connecting with locals and sharing how we can support people to live well with Arthritis. The event held a special meaning for our Arthritis Assist Team Member and Health Coach, Rebecca, as it took place in her own community and was the first expo of its kind in the area. It was a great chance to be part of something new and see the community come together. The conversations that took place were meaningful, and our presence there was appreciated by many, including other community providers.

There was a steady flow of people throughout the morning, with plenty of korero around managing arthritis day to day. Many were particularly interested in practical self-management options, including joint-specific exercises for Osteoarthritis.

Events like this also highlight the value of community expos as a way to discover the range of services available. Alongside support from your GP, Nurse, Health Coach and HIP’s, connecting with local organisations can play a big role in managing your health and wellbeing. Expo’s offer a great opportunity to explore these options, ask questions and find the supports that best fit your journey. It was also fantastic to see a range of local and national organisations alongside each other, all working towards the same goal – supporting older people to stay well, connected and informed.