Post-Telethon plans

Press, 6 July 1978, Page 26

Post-Telethon plans

Now that Telethon has ended, the Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation in Canterbury is getting its The foundation was the 197 h Telethon charity, for which Telethon raised more than S 3 million in division of the foundation, one of 15, will receive a share. The Canterbury' division intends to channel the funds it receives from the foundation headquarters in Wellington into three fields: education, research, and welfare. Its main goal is to let arthritis sufferers know that more can be done about their condition than ism sufferers do not have ♦aid the foundation's divi- • hurih I Mr R E Wilton >

needs," said Mr Wilton. The division also wants to encourage family doctors to become more "aware" of arthritis and rheumatism sufferers, both by specialising more in rheumatology and by knowing more about the specialist services available. The latter would help family doctors make appropriate referrals. Social welfare workers will look after the children of arthritic parents for several hours. Physiotherapy is available for sufferers, and occupational therapists will help sufferers to manage their housework. The head of the division’s welfare section (Mrs R. I. Taylor) says she has a list of planned projects as “long as her arm.’’ First priority is a base. At present it works from homes, using voluntary Mrs Taylor envisages a “day centre" where sufferers can get advice. She also wants a holiday home for arthritic parents in one-income families. The home needed to be available for a nom-

inal rental, and to be easily accessible, Mrs Taylor said. Many arthritis sufferers were unable to take a holiday because lodgings were too dear and inaccessible. With Telethon funds the division also wants to extend its services to the country. That will require vehicles, field officers, and probably an occupational therapist. Money will also be channelled into research into rheumatism and arthritis. Some drugs might need to be removed from treatment lists. Some foods might contain harmful compounds. The division does not yet know what its share of the Telethon funds will be. It will send its recommendations to the foundation’s headquarters, and leave the decision to the national council. In the meantime, it will hold a membership drive. At S2 for an annual subscription. any one can take advantage of the foundation’s Canterbury services, care of P.O. Box 2)91, Christchurch.