The Hospital Research Foundation Group - Arthritis

Answer the call of the wild 🐾

We’re hosting a FREE family day at Monarto Safari Park for young people living with juvenile arthritis and their families.

🗓 Saturday 30 May 2026
🕘 Full day experience (transport + lunch included)

This is more than a day at the zoo. It’s about connection, community, and creating moments that go beyond the diagnosis. A chance for kids, siblings and families to recharge, have fun, and just be kids again.

Spots are filling fast, so if this is on your radar, now’s the time to move.

Register by Friday 22 May
📞 0493 495 205
🔗 Learn more & RSVP: https://thrf.link/7a8b47

Big energy and even bigger smiles at our Children and Youth Arthritis Events Program outing to AFL Max.

Families came together for a high-movement, high-fun afternoon, with kids tackling skills sessions, games and challenges alongside AFL Max coaches. The session wrapped with well-earned food, drinks and plenty of connection time between families.

A strong reminder that creating spaces for kids to move, connect and just be kids remains a core part of what this program delivers.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. More events are on the way.

Stories like Montanna’s remind us why accessible support services are so important. Read her experience and learn how THRFG – Arthritis is helping Australians live better with arthritis. Read more here: https://thrf.link/ef820c

The Hospital Research Foundation Group – Arthritis and Arthritis Australia are inviting children and young people living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and other childhood rheumatic diseases to a free, fun-filled event at Adelaide.

This is a great chance to:
✔️ Connect with other families
✔️ Let the kids have some well-earned fun
✔️ Enjoy a supportive, welcoming environment

📍 Where: AFL Max Adelaide
📅 When: Saturday 28 February
⏰ Time: 3:30pm – 5:30pm

What’s included:
🏃‍♂️ 1 hour of activities with an AFL Max coach
🍽️ 1x meal and drink for each guest
🧦 AFL Max grip socks

👨‍👩‍👧 This event is for children and young people living with arthritis. An adult will need to stay for the duration of the session. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to register your interest as soon as possible. Once registered, a team member will be in touch to confirm your place. Register here: https://thrf.link/jia-events

Do you have knee osteoarthritis?

Learn the latest evidence-based ways to manage knee OA and connect one-on-one with someone who truly understands what you’re going through.

Researchers from Adelaide Universityare inviting adults living in Adelaide, South Australia with knee OA to take part in a community-based peer mentorship program called OA Champions.

Peer mentorship involves personalised one-to-one support between two people with the same condition - one who has been trained to deliver the program (Mentor) and one who is seeking support and advice (Mentee). We are currently recruiting Mentees – people who would like support and advice for managing their knee OA. The OA Champions program includes up to 6 one-to-one peer mentorship sessions, delivered by a trained Mentor.

Best of all, the program was designed by people with knee OA – and participation is free! To find out more, please visit this link: https://www.unisa.edu.au/research/research-volunteers/oa-champions Or contact the primary researcher: Monique Wilson at [email protected] for more information. This project has been granted ethics approval by the UniSA HREC (protocol number: 206953).

Hot weather can increase fatigue, swelling and discomfort for people living with arthritis. Taking a few simple steps during warmer days can help protect your joints and overall wellbeing.

Swipe for practical tips to help you stay cool and comfortable.

Research is uncovering new ways to help Australians living with chronic pain thrive.

Senior researcher Dr Tasha Stanton is leading innovative studies that use technology to reduce pain and improve recovery.

Using a VR cycling system, her team found that people with chronic pain exercised 20% longer and enjoyed it 15% more when combining movement with virtual reality a breakthrough for those living with arthritis.

🧠 Your support this Christmas helps fund life-changing research like this creating a future where pain doesn’t define life. Donate here: https://fightingarthritis.org.au/christmas/

Wishing our community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Please note, our office will be closed for the Christmas period from Wednesday 24th of December and will reopen on Monday 5th of January 2026.

For any urgent situations, you are advised to call:

000 for a medical emergency
Your own GP or the after-hours GP helpline on 1800 022 222
Carers Respite and Emergency Respite: 1800 422 737
Mental Health Triage: 13 14 65

We look forward to seeing you in the new year.

When Amy was diagnosed at 54 with scleroderma and Sjögren’s Syndrome, life changed overnight. The pain was confronting but kindness gave her hope. 💛

Inspired by the care she received, Amy and her husband Mark began volunteering with The Hospital Research Foundation Group Arthritis more than 20 years ago.

💬 “For what I receive, I have to share.”

This Christmas, Amy is giving back by supporting research that helps people living with arthritis move freely and live pain-free.

🎁 Join Amy and give the gift of hope this Christmas: https://fightingarthritis.org.au/christmas/