Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania seeks to make a positive difference to the lives of people affected by arthritis, osteoporosis and related conditions.

Largely volunteer based, Arthritis & Osteoporosis relies on the generosity of the community to fund its programs and services, including the Arthritis Helpline 1800 011 041; warm water exercise classes; tai chi for arthritis classes; community speakers program; juvenile arthritis support services; advocacy and research support.

A not for profit Registered Training Organisation (RTO Provider 60108) Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania provides nationally accredited education and training opportunities for allied health professionals to enhance their capacity to prevent and reduce the impact of arthritis, osteoporosis and related conditions.

Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions are a major cause of disability and chronic pain in Australia, with 3.85 million Australians affected - 2.4 million of whom are of working age. Arthritis is not a natural part of ageing. Arthritis can affect anyone, anywhere at any time, from young children to elite sportspeople. Arthritis leaves people in chronic pain and financially worse off.

How will the funds be used?

• To provide information to the almost 1 in 4 Tasmanians living with arthritis, osteoporosis and related conditions.
• To help raise awareness in the Tasmanian community
• To provide healthy lifestyle and self-management programs such as warm water exercise, tai chi for arthritis, and strength exercise.
• To expand programs to rural and remote areas to meet the increasing needs in the Tasmanian community.
• To support children with JIA (juvenile idiopathic arthritis).
• To support research into the treatment, prevention and cure of arthritis.

Key Areas of Expenditure

• Awareness
• Education and Information Services
• Research support