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The Arthritis Foundation of Tasmania Inc (formerly known as the Rheumatism and Arthritis Foundation Tasmania – RAFT) was established in 1976.
Arthritis Tasmania (which incorporates Osteoporosis Tasmania) is a not-for-profit organization reliant upon grants funding, sponsorships, bequests, donations and other types of corporate and community support. All funds raised go to support arthritis research and the provision of information and support services for people affected by arthritis, osteoporosis and related conditions, including quality training and education programs, community based healthy lifestyle and self-management programs.
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 Our purpose
We are here to provide services and programs that make a positive difference to the lives of people affected by arthritis, osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal conditions.
To achieve this, we will:
- Provide high quality, up-to-date and relevant information in a variety of accessible formats.
- Offer a range of healthy lifestyle and self-management programs.
- Provide education and training programs for GPs, health professionals and volunteer peer educators to enhance their capacity to prevent and reduce the impact of arthritis and osteoporosis in the community.
- Advocate for increased awareness of arthritis, osteoporosis and related conditions, and to maintain and improve the quality of life for people affected through the availability of quality programs and services.
Our services are available to:
- People affected by arthritis, osteoporosis and related conditions.
- Their families and carers.
- Medical practitioners and health professionals.
The values that guide us
- We believe that people feel better when they have control of their own lives. All our services are geared towards helping people self-manage their own conditions through simple, practical and enjoyable steps.
- We understand the serious impact that arthritis and related conditions can have on people and offer our services with compassion and respect for each person’s unique experience and situation.
- Making the decision to seek assistance can be difficult. We offer a friendly voice and face to people who contact us.
- We value and appreciate the knowledge and willing help offered by of our volunteers, who are crucial to our work.
- As a Tasmanian organisation, we understand the unique mix of rural and urban communities that people with arthritis, osteoporosis and related conditions live within. We keep a close eye on the availability of services statewide and work with local communities as much as possible to provide services, train other providers or locate alternatives close by.
- We aim to make our services and programs accessible and easily available to everyone who needs them. Information sheets and booklets are free, and services and programs are offered at affordable prices.
- Healthy relationships and partnerships underpin our work. We are committed to working productively with others to bring about the best possible services for people with arthritis and related conditions, their families and carers, and health professionals and practitioners.
- There are many ways that the lives of people affected by arthritis and related conditions can be improved and there is growing evidence to support this. We offer programs that meet current professional standards and are of high quality.
- We aim to provide services according to our financial capabilities ensuring optimum utilisation of available funds.
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