Arthritis Connections is a peer support program that brings together people impacted by arthritis to share experiences, gain emotional support, and learn from others through online peer support groups.
Led by trained volunteers who understand arthritis firsthand, peer support groups occur online at various times throughout the month, creating a safe space where you can connect with others who truly understand your journey. These supportive communities help reduce isolation and empower you to better manage arthritis through shared knowledge and encouragement.
Ready to connect with others who understand?
It takes three simple steps:
- Sign up for a free account on Jane to view and book one of our upcoming support groups.
- Choose the group that interests you the most. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with your Zoom link to join.
- Return to Jane and book additional dates. After attending your first peer support group, continue attending groups by viewing and booking future dates and times that work for you.
Peer support groups do not offer medical advice. Please discuss any health-related decisions or concerns with your healthcare team.
Check the online schedule regularly as new support group dates and times are added each month
Find the right group for your journey:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Inflammatory Arthritis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- General (all types)
- Arthritis Pain
- Staying Active
- Supporting Someone with Arthritis
- Joint Replacement Surgery
We are continually working to expand the types of support groups offered based on community needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our support groups take place online and are booked using a program called Jane. The groups themselves meet on Zoom. To access a support group, create an account on Jane and register for the support group you would like to join. When it is time for your support group to begin, use the Zoom link or meeting details from your confirmation email or reminder email to join on Zoom. Get started on our Jane page here
Jane is an online booking and scheduling system – it allows our volunteers and staff to schedule peer support groups and send you the Zoom meeting details to join. Using Jane makes it easy for you to pick and choose which support groups you want to attend and register online.
To attend an online peer support group, simply:
- Create a free account on our Jane website.
- Browse and select a support group that interests you.
- Complete the one-time registration form (sent via email after your first booking).
- Click the Zoom link or use the Zoom meeting details in your booking or confirmation email when it is time to join.
- After attending your first group, repeat steps 2 and 4 to continue accessing the peer support community.
That’s it! You’re connected to a community who understands.
We require you to register with your email, a phone number, and your mailing address (provided during completion of the online registration form). This information is confidential and only used for aggregate program reporting. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.
Support groups are booked using Jane, but are hosted on Zoom. When you register, you will receive a confirmation email sent directly from Jane. In this email, below the Arthritis Connections logo, you will find the Zoom Meeting link along with the meeting ID and password – either the link or the ID and password can be used to join. This information is also included in the reminder email. Reminder emails are sent approximately 2-hours prior to the start of the support group. If you cannot find your link in your confirmation email or reminder email, please email [email protected] for support.
Unfortunately, these groups are unable to provide medical advice or guidance. If you have concerns about your healthcare or treatment plans, please speak directly with your healthcare team. If you are unsure how to access care in your province, explore our Navigation Guide for further support. Before you make any changes to your health or treatment plan you should first discuss with your healthcare team to ensure it is an appropriate fit for you.
If you require support, please reach out to the program team at [email protected] and we will do our best to support you to attend one of our online peer support groups.
Thanks for considering volunteering with us! If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our Volunteer page and submit an application. You can also email [email protected] to express interest in volunteering with our program.
For more information about the Arthritis Connections program, email us at [email protected].
