Introduction from Sue...

I've been asked to write a blog - I'd heard of them of course but never thought I'd have to compose one! So what does one write on a blog? My age, height and weight? No chance! "Something interesting about yourself" they said, but I find other people's stories far more interesting than my own. I've enjoyed reading the blogs I've seen so I hope at least some of you will find something of interest in my debut attempt!

I'm one of the new girls (glad I didn't mention age) in the organisation, and this is just one of the many challenges that lie ahead. The first was having my photograph put on the website!

I've been working for NRAS for six weeks now and I've been made to feel very welcome (I'm sure that had nothing to do with the biscuits I took in on my first day!) and settled in quickly, although I still feel very much like a new girl in my knowledge of RA. There is so much to learn about it that I've barely touched the surface.

Everyone here is so busy and yet still take the time to stop and explain things, or show me how to do something. I've found that everyone wants to help and nothing is too much trouble. The same attitude extends to those inside, or outside, of the organisation. When you come from a corporate background it's such a refreshing change and one of the reasons I wanted to come and work here.

Already, in my short time of working here, I've felt some benefits I hadn't thought of. When I find myself with aches and pains, or feeling tired and not wanting to get up and rush round to get to work on time, I only have to think of the people that suffer with RA and I realise just how lucky I am. How can I possibly complain about such minor irritants when I'm learning so much about what you may be going through? So, you're helping me to help you and I thank you for that.

So far I have spent most of my time preparing flyers and posters for your regional meetings, sending them out, updating the information on our website and organising myself and our files.

My second day here I attended the Workwise Workshop in Reading and found it fascinating to see all the various computer gadgets and aids that were on show to help make life easier, or more manageable, for RA sufferers. It was also very interesting to listen to presentations and meet a few people. I realised then just how much work goes on behind the scenes for each function!

My next opportunity to meet some of you was at the West Middlesex, Bucks and Berks third anniversary dinner where we had a lovely evening and I really enjoyed the opportunity to be able to sit and chat and meet a few of you.

At the time of writing this I'm also due to go to the East Dorset meeting and look forward to meeting more people there. This will be my first visit to an established group meeting and I'll be interested to see how they run.

I've spoken to many people on the telephone and seen lots of photographs of our members and volunteers but it's so much nicer to be able to meet you face to face and I hope I have the time to speak to as many of you as possible.

I want to do my best and work as quickly and efficiently as possible but if I make a few errors along the way then please forgive me. I'm not sure how long I can play the 'newbie' card but will do everything I can to minimise the effects of my learning on you.

Well, I hope my first blog wasn't too boring for you and that I can find some interesting topics to write about by the time my turn comes round again. In the meantime I can assure you that I will do everything I can to help and look forward to what I hope is many years of working for NRAS.

Best wishes

Sue Phillips

Volunteer Network Co-ordinator