Maria’s story: Giving back to people with arthritis

Maria Noguer, from Reading, felt scared and overwhelmed when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2019 and says Arthritis UK was a ‘lifeline’, providing a trusted source of information. In 2023 she became a volunteer Chi Me instructor which, she says, has been a rewarding experience and a way to ‘give back’ to Arthritis UK.    

Learning the science behind arthritis 

I was going to Tonga for work so had the hepatitis B vaccine, the following day I could barely move. I went on the trip but it was awful, the pain and swelling in my hands and feet got worse and I couldn’t shake hands with people I was meeting, couldn’t walk properly, my hands and feet just weren’t working. 

My GP had given me some non-steroid pills but they hadn’t helped so, when I got back from Tonga, I asked for a referral then ended up seeing a private rheumatologist, having blood tests and being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. 

I started on methotrexate and, although I've been on other medication, I came back to methotrexate. However, I didn't want to be taking pills for the rest of my life so I started looking into the effects of nutrition and lifestyle on rheumatoid arthritis, found as much information as I could which has led me to retrain as a nutrition and health coach.

Diagnosis had been scary and overwhelming and I was very worried that it would completely change my life. The rheumatologist gave me an Arthritis UK leaflet, as a scientist I wanted information about the science behind this condition and I found the Arthritis UK website had loads of science-based information which felt like a real trusted source, it was my lifeline. 

The small meaningful moments in volunteering 

I started following Arthritis UK on Facebook and three years ago saw they were looking for people to train as Chi Me instructors. I’ve been teaching all my adult life, am quite into sport, so felt it was something that could help me and others. I reached out and felt welcomed immediately. 

I’ve been a volunteer instructor since September 2023, leading gentle movement classes focused on balance, breathing and small, safe movements to help people with arthritis feel steadier, less stiff and more confident moving in daily life. It quickly became one of the most joyful and rewarding parts of my week. There’s a real sense of community and mutual understanding in the room and I love that I learn from them too. 

On a practical level I’ve had feedback of improved mobility, reduced stiffness and more confidence in every day movement from most participants, on a deeper level I feel the classes create connection and reduce isolation, giving people space where they feel seen and supported which is so important because living with a long-term condition can feel isolating. I feel people have made new friends as well as feeling stronger and more in control. 

Volunteering is about bringing kindness and patience 

I’d tell anyone thinking about volunteering to give it a go because you don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers, just bring kindness and patience, lived experience and empathy because quite a few of us are going through the same things. 

As a volunteer I am 100% supported by the incredible team at Arthritis UK which means volunteers can just focus on delivering the session, being present for the group and creating a warm and welcoming space for everyone. 

The support is just brilliant, the training, the organisation and the opportunities to learn are amazing. Volunteering has allowed me to combine my energy and love for teaching to support others and, in turn, I feel supported too. It’s just been a rewarding, grounding and lovely way to use my skills for good. 

Arthritis UK had given me the information that helped me find a balance of medication, movement, nutrition and rest to live better with rheumatoid arthritis, volunteering for them felt like the perfect way to give back.