A NEW support group for people with arthritis is to be launched at Westmorland General Hospital.

The group, which is to launch on May 18, will be aimed at people living with rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis.

Called the South Cumbria Rheumatoid Arthritis Group, it will be open to sufferers of the condition, as well as their families, carers, and health professionals.

Gill Weedon, external projects and groups supervisor, National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) said: "NRAS and UHMBT are working together to encourage people with Rheumatoid or Inflammatory Arthritis living in the Kendal and surrounding areas, to attend the meeting on 18 May to find out more about the disease, local rheumatology services and the invaluable resources on offer to them from the Trust and NRAS."

Liz Axten, ward manager on the Dunmail Treatment Centre at WGH, said: “We are really pleased to be working with the NRAS to provide a support group for local people living with Rheumatoid arthritis. We hope that by raising awareness of the types of help available and having a support network will really will help those directly suffering with the condition and their loved ones."

For more information, visit www.nras.org.uk.