Arthritis Ireland national helpline and online support

Confidentiality

Volunteer with Arthritis Ireland

Arthritis Ireland national helpline and online support

Our helpline and online support is a confidential service that can provide you with support on a whole range of issues. Whether you are looking for information on arthritis or an Arthritis Ireland service or event.

If its emotional support you require, or if you just need someone to talk to, the helpline is there for you.

You will be able to speak to someone who has experience of living with arthritis themselves, or caring for someone living with the condition.

The team's extensive knowledge is enhanced further as they are updated on new developments daily. Even if there is something in the news that you want to ask about, they will be able to help.

Our helpline staff are fully trained and will treat your call and your information with the strictest confidence.

We are open Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm

Please note that during busy periods we operate a call back service, and there may be some delay in replying to online requests for support.

(Our helpline and online support services is closed on bank holidays and over the Christmas period.)

Contact us

Tel: 0818 252 846 

Email: [email protected] 

Join the Arthritis Ireland online support group

Our national helpline is a member of Helplines Partnership, the membership body for organisations providing information and support via phone, email or online. We have met the relevant criteria to become part of the membership.

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Confidentiality 

Arthritis Ireland respects your privacy and believes that everything our callers tell us, including the fact that they have contacted us, is confidential. This means that anything discussed, or any information disclosed to our helpline volunteers cannot be communicated to anyone outside of the organisation. 

Arthritis Ireland’s commitment to complete confidentiality means that we do not disclose information that has been divulged by a caller, even if the caller remains anonymous. 

Confidentiality is an essential element of any helpline service as it encourages people to be completely open and honest with volunteers when they call. It is the act of speaking to someone with total confidence that the information will not be passed on that offers huge emotional release, reduced stress and helps people to think through their problems logically.  

Confidentiality will only be breached if –  

• someone is in immediate danger and you are able to demonstrate and record, intent.  
• someone is at risk to others 
• volunteers/staff are threatened or feel their safety is at risk 
• we receive information about a bomb threat or terrorism 

*Arthritis Ireland will always try to gain consent before breaching confidentiality, though this cannot be guaranteed.  

There may be occasions when calls are listened to by a staff member/helpline volunteer. This is solely to assist in training, support volunteers and monitor our service.  

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We need your ears!

Are you living with arthritis and looking to contribute to something really worthwhile for your peers?

The Arthritis Ireland national helpline provides callers with an understanding, empathic ear, along with reliable, trustworthy information.

Emotional, practical support is essential for people with arthritis and their families, friends, and carers.

No matter where you are in the country, if you have some spare time and would like to share your valuable life experience, please contact our helpline on 0818 252 846 or email [email protected]

You don't need any formal qualifications or previous experience. A natural ability to listen and empathise with our callers, a smart phone, some basic computer skills, and a curious mind are all you need.

Helpline training is provided to all new volunteers; support and supervision is ongoing. For more information or to register your interest please call 0818 252 846 or email [email protected]. 

Arthritis Ireland is a member of Helplines Partnership - this means we have met the relevant criteria to become part of the membership.

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Arthritis Ireland wishes to acknowledge the support of the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government and the Programme: Scheme to Support National Organisations.