People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from all over Pembrokeshire are invited to attend informative talks and discussions hosted by the new local National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) Group and supported by the Rheumatology Department at Withybush Hospital.

The event for RA patients, their families, carers and health professionals will take place on Saturday, June 6, in the Main Foyer of Pembrokeshire College, Haverfordwest, from 11 am to 3 pm. This is the first such event organised by the new Pembrokeshire NRAS Group that has been set up by local volunteers to provide information and support to RA patients in the area.

The event will include presentations from leading rheumatology consultants and NRAS staff, discussions on how to manage RA effectively and advice on how to access the best treatment and ongoing care. This is one of many events being organised by NRAS during 2009: The Year of RA; a series of events that aim to raise awareness about the condition throughout the UK.

Dr. Julie Barber from Withybush Hospital will be speaking at the NRAS event.

"This event will inform local people in Pembrokeshire on how to cope with the day to day challenges of living with RA and make effective use of the local care services that are available" she said. "It is also an opportunity for RA patients to meet other people with the condition in the Pembrokeshire area and share their experiences. I would recommend that anyone who has RA or is affected by the disease to sign up to attend."

Jean Bailey Dering, who has worked tirelessly to establish the Pembrokeshire NRAS Group, said: "This event will provide valuable information and advice to people in Pembrokeshire with RA on the sorts of treatment and care that will enable them to manage their condition more effectively. It is vital that people are aware of the key indicators of RA so they seek swift medical advice treatment. Furthermore, people living with the disease need information on practical things they can do to control flare-ups and advice on who to contact when they need help most."

For more information about either information session and to register to attend, please call 0845 458 3969