THE RiNG is a Rheumatoid Arthritis social and support group based in Hethersett, just outside Norwich.

We are an independent patient-led self-help group which operates independently of charities such as the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society and Arthritis Care, although we work with them and support their aims.

Membership costs £6 a year, with your annual renewal date coming up a year later. We are a self-supporting group and need funds to promote and publicise our activities and programme to current and potential members in the Norfolk area.

We have already set up a website, which is regularly updated, and are currently working on improving our meeting and event notifications to include postal reminders for those members who do not have internet access.

We also take every opportunity to promote THE RiNG to Rheumatology health professionals and encourage them to tell their patients about us. They are always welcome to attend our meetings, whether as visitors or guest speakers. This provides a valuable opportunity for our members to get to know people such as nurses and occupational therapists in a non-medical environment.

Partners, carers and friends are welcome to accompany group members to our meetings, and we do not expect them to join THE RiNG - merely make a £1 contribution per visit towards the cost of refreshments.

Members pay £3 when they attend towards meeting costs, to cover room hire and tea/coffee and cake.