15 April 2024 The NHS COVID-19 Spring Booster Programme is now under way. Bookings open to the public on Monday 15th April continuing through to 30th June when the programme closes. People at high risk will be called first, however if you know you are in a vulnerable group you do not have to wait…

4 March 2024 Arthritis Action welcomes the announcement that a new Government Occupational Health Taskforce will be set up to tackle in-work sickness and increase employer awareness of the role occupational therapy can play in improving health at work. Read the announcement here. The Taskforce plans follow the UK Government’s £64 million pilot of a…

20 February 2024 We are very grateful to ClearChannel who are helping us raise awareness, again this year. ClearChannel adshels around the country are featuring the stories of our young ambassadors over the coming months, highlighting the challenges people face in daily life managing their arthritis. One of those is Tanya Marwaha, who said “I…

12 February 2024 Arthritis Action’s Charity Ambassador Candida Doyle has opened up about her experience of arthritis, while working and performing around the world as keyboardist for internationally famous pop band Pulp. We are pleased to share a link to The Guardian article, which also appeared in their joint supplement ‘How to have healthy joints’…

30 January 2024 We are pleased to launch our new season on webinars, with our upcoming  ‘Dietary Management of Gout: Science or Fiction?’ on 19 February, 11am. Our guest speaker and gout expert Dr Lorraine Watson will discuss what gout is and guide us through the current evidence on nutrition and gout. Lorraine will be…

25 January 2024 We are pleased to announce a new dedicated web area for everything employment-related, on our new Work and Arthritis page. The new resource includes our ‘Guide for Employers’ Factsheet (opens pdf), the most Frequently Asked Questions we receive around employment, wellbeing advice for employees, and information on applying for further support and…

17 January 2024 We are proud to launch our new three-year strategy, setting out plans to develop and reach more people living with arthritis with our self-management approach. This three-year strategy builds upon the foundations created during our 2021-2023 strategy, and we will continue to identify the most effective and innovative ways to support people…

11 January 2024 A new study published in the British Medical Journal hit the headlines this week suggesting that hormonal factors such as age of menopause, the use of HRT, and the number of children women bear, play a part on whether they are at increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Action’s Medical Adviser…

7 January 2024 We are pleased to introduce three new videos covering the themes of “Food”, “Mood” and “Medication” in conversation with Arthritis Action’s Medical Adviser Dr Wendy Holden and Dietitian and Services Manager Martin Lau. Each video touches on a different topic area but viewed together give a big picture of how you can…

We are pleased to announce that Noha Al Afifi, Interim Chief Executive Officer, has been re-elected to the CIPR Board for a further two years.  The Board comprises senior public relations and marketing professionals with vast experience working within in-house teams, consultancies, academia, the public sector, not-for-profit organisations, and as independent practitioners. We wish her…

Please note we will be closing our offices at 1pm on 22 December for the festive season. We will be back on 2nd January 2024. Happy Holidays!

18 December 2023 The Arthritis Action Podcast is back with a special seasonal episode this winter. Marc, Leah and Terry discuss how to keep warm at this time of year, sharing tips on managing your arthritis including heating your home and self, food and gadgets to help beat the chills. You can listen to it…

18 December 2023 Due to rising operational costs, we will be raising our annual membership fee by £5, in effect from Wednesday 3 January 2024. Payment by Direct Debit will increase to £20, while annual payment will be £25 a year. There will be no further increase for lifetime membership. Find out more about Arthritis Action’s…

12 December 2023 Is stem cell research the answer to curing osteoarthritis?  Arthritis Action’s Medical Advisor Dr Wendy Holden responds. A recent study by researchers in Adelaide, Australia has caught the attention of many medical professionals and patients alike with its promise of potentially curing osteoarthritis. The study, published in Nature, discovered a type of…

28 November 2023 Today is Giving Tuesday and marks the launch of our Christmas Appeal 2023. This year’s theme is one that strikes a chord with so many people who have contacted us this year for help – the cost of living crisis.  Keeping warm and well over the winter period is especially challenging for…

21 November 2023 We welcome the Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report on Health in an Ageing Society published on 10 November 2023. The report sets out key areas that Government, the NHS and wider society need to address and makes recommendations to improve quality of life in an ageing population. The report emphasises that more…

1 November 2023 We would like to congratulate our CEO Shantel Irwin on her upcoming maternity leave in November 2023. While she is away, Noha Al Afifi, our Director of Fundraising and Communications, will be stepping up to the role of interim CEO for a year. Arthritis Action has a busy year, working on implementing…

1 November 2023 We are have now added WhatsApp to the methods you can get in touch with the Charity. You can use your WhatsApp on your phone, if you have it installed, or download it on your desktop and send us your enquiry there, in the same way as you would with email, or…

9 October 2023 To mark World Arthritis Day we are running a week-long campaign on social channels to raise awareness of arthritis and highlight the impact it has on all aspects of life, including mental health, and work. You can follow us on our channels: X; Facebook; Instagram; Linkedin And keep an eye on our campaign page for…

2 October 2023 We are pleased to announce we have partnered with food company Field Doctor once again this October, to provide a range of healthy ready meals, to support people living with arthritis. The Dietitian-designed meals are prepared in Somerset, following the Mediterranean diet, and delivered straight to customers. You can now save 20%…

2 October 2023 We have launched a new video, Arthritis and Benefits as part of our drive to increase support for people with arthritis during the current cost-of-living crisis. Featuring Dr Wendy Holden, Medical Advisor & Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist, the video clearly sets out the benefits that people with arthritis could be entitled to receive. It…

25  September 2023 We have joined National Voices and 61 health and social care charities in publishing a joint statement regarding the Autumn/Winter flu and COVID-19 vaccination rollout for 2023-2024. The joint statement addresses collective concerns and insights from across National Voices’ membership surrounding the rollout. It also determines key recommendations for the Department of…

12 September 2023 We are recruiting for three new roles. Visit our jobs page to view them all here. Arthritis Action is currently seeing: A PR and Communications Manager – Closing 9am on the 18th September A Corporate Partnerships Manager –Closing 9am on the 25th September An Engagement and Events Co-ordinator – Closing 5pm on…

14 August 2023 Arthritis Action Trustee Colin Beevor, Rheumatology Matron at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, shares his top gardening tips for people living with arthritis. Colin and his Rheumatology team at Portsmouth Hospital were integral in developing and hosting an arthritis-themed allotment garden at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, helping us to spread awareness…

17 July 2023 Arthritis Action is proud to support the Better Bones campaign which was recently launched by the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS).   Background Osteoporosis is one of the most urgent threats to people living well in later life. Fractures caused by osteoporosis affect half of women over 50, and a fifth of men, are…

19 July 2023 Arthritis Action welcomes the new NHS long-term workforce plan as announced by the Government on 30th June. The long-awaited plan was initially earmarked for publication in Spring 2022. It sets out how the NHS will address vacancies, meeting demands of a growing and ageing population by reforming, retraining, retaining, and recruiting hundreds…

10 July 2023 The Arthritis Action Podcast is back with a second season, launching today, Monday 10th July. Marc, Terry and Leah kick things off with a chat about getting an arthritis diagnosis. They discuss available therapies, how to speak to your GP and where to find available services. Stay tuned for episodes covering a…

19 July 2023 For a second year running, we developed and hosted an allotment garden at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival from 4th – 9th July, with the fantastic help of our Trustee Colin Beevor and his Rheumatology team at Portsmouth Hospital. Arthritis Action Fundraising Manager Iza Seabrook said: “It has been wonderful to welcome…

20 June 2023 Robin Nye has stepped down as Chair of the Board of Trustees, after over 11 years in post. He will be continuing as a Trustee until June 2024. The announcement came at Arthritis Action’s Annual General Meeting and Members’ Conference on 19 June, taking place at The King’s Fund in London. Robin…

14 June 2023 #ShareToCare, our new video series aimed at young adults with arthritis, launches today. #ShareToCare features Cat, 24, and Tanya, 22, sharing their personal experiences of arthritis. They discuss what they’d wish they’d known during diagnosis; tips for living with arthritis when you’re young and why it can be good to talk about…

05 June 2023 Arthritis Action has joined over 30 health charities, professional bodies, unions and the NHS Confederation to urge the Prime Minister to publish a funded workforce plan for healthcare in England. The organisations have warned the Prime Minister that his promises to improve the NHS will not be met unless the workforce crisis…

25 May 2023 We’re very proud to announce that long-time Arthritis Action Member Candida Doyle, keyboardist for the band Pulp, has become Arthritis Action’s Charity Ambassador. Candida was first diagnosed with arthritis at the age of 16, before joining the band Pulp, which found fame in the 80s and 90s with songs including Common People…

18 May 2023 We’re pleased to announce our new partnership with Your Life Protected, a company who help people with pre-existing medical conditions – including arthritis – to get life insurance and critical illness cover. If you’ve tried to secure life insurance before, you may have experienced difficulties or been quoted high premiums due to…

10 March 2023 To coincide with the launch of our new e-newsletter, ‘Arthritis & Me’, aimed at young people we are running a series of four online self-management events for younger people (aged 18-40) who live with all forms of arthritis. These events will give a short overview of the ways in in which they…

9 March 2023 The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) has launched the first ever national inquiry into inequalities in musculoskeletal health. This inquiry will focus on people living in deprived areas, where there are higher unemployment rates, incomes lower than the national average and less access to health services. Musculoskeletal conditions include everything that affects…

1 February 2023 The innovative pilot programme we have been working on with GoodBoost, ukactive, Orthopaedic Research UK and ESCAPE-pain to increase support in leisure centres for people living with arthritis and MSK has expanded to 100 leisure centres. This month the pilot reached its second phase, expanding to an extra 85 swimming pools and…

30 November 2022 Good Boost, a social enterprise that provides therapeutic exercises using technology, has launched the ‘Move Together’ app, to offer virtual, personalised exercises classes with community support. The app has been two years in the making and was co-designed and developed by Good Boost with other Musculoskeletal (MSK) charities, including Arthritis Action. ‘Move…

30 November 2022 Media company, Clear Channel, our 80th anniversary sponsor, kindly donated advertising space for our #LetsTalkArthritis campaign over the last two months. Our adverts raised awareness about our BBC Radio 4 Appeal and key findings in our recent YouGov report. The different designs  featured two of our Members, Candida Doyle, keyboard player with…

7 November 2022 Arthritis Action has been involved with an exciting project with Thrive, a gardening for health charity. Thrive use gardening to bring about positive change in the lives of people living with arthritis, disabilities, or ill health. Some of our Members and staff provided Thrive with their experience and tips for how to…

12 October 2022 We’re very proud to announce that actor Zoe Birkett has become Arthritis Action’s Charity Ambassador. Zoe is known for being a finalist on ITV’s Pop Idol 20 years ago and is currently one of the leads in Moulin Rouge the Musical on the West End. She also recently celebrated her one-year anniversary…

1 July 2022 Arthritis Action has joined up with Good Boost, ukactive, Orthopaedic Research UK, ESCAPE-pain to create a health and fitness group that will research and pilot a project. Together we will work with leisure centres and swimming pools to support people living with arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. This pilot project will explore…

29 June 2022 We are very grateful to our trustee, Colin Beevor, for choosing our 80th Anniversary as the theme for his garden design at the Allotment Gardens at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. Colin who is also the Matron and Clinical Nurse Specialist at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust says, “In my role I…

20 June 2022 We have launched new research with YouGov to explore the experiences of people of working age in Great Britain who live with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. YouGov carried out an online survey of 2,120 people aged 25 to 65, comparing the results to a similar survey conducted by YouGov in 2018 to…

2 June 2022 For the first time ever in British history we are celebrating a monarch’s Platinum Jubilee. This is a great opportunity to thank Her Majesty for over 70 years of leadership of the UK and Commonwealth. The Queen, as she’s said in her own words, has dedicated her life to service, which has…

11 May 2022 Celebrating International Nurses Day Ahead of International Nurses Day 12th May, we asked our Trustee and Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust Matron and Clinical Nurse Specialist to give us a taste of what inspired him to get involved in nursing and what a typical working day is like for him. By Colin Beevor,…

9 May 2022 We are pleased to share that Arthritis Action Dietitian and Services Development Manager Martin Lau has completed the ’80 Miles in April’ challenge. Martin completed walking 80 miles with his knees strapped up, to mimic the limited movement faced by those living with osteoarthritis in in their knees. His walks included 6am…

3 May 2022 NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has published updated draft guidelines on the management of osteoarthritis (also commonly known as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis). These guidelines suggest an important change in the treatment of people with osteoarthritis, emphasising the importance of self-management by supported exercise and weight management to…

28 April 2022 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published a quality standard on joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder, with the support of Arthritis Action. The quality standard sets out priority areas for quality improvement and highlight areas with identified variation in current practice, and includes a set of…

31 March 2022 Arthritis Action’s Dietitian and Services Development Manager Marlin Lau is raising money by walking 80 Miles in April while strapping his knees with elastic, to mimic the limited movement that can be caused by osteoarthritis in the knees. Money raised by Martin’s fundraiser will go directly towards helping people to live active,…

25 March 2022 Strictly Come Dancing 2016 winner Joanne Clifton shares a special message in a new video, wishing Arthritis Action a happy 80th Anniversary, and raising awareness for the condition. Joanne, who lives with arthritis, says that arthritis affects people of all ages, not just older people. There are over 20 million people of…

8 February 2022 NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has released its “Impact Arthritis” Report, looking at the uptake and impact of our guidance on osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA). The topics covered in the report were identified as priorities during discussions with stakeholders, and highlight both successes and areas…

22 February 2022 Arthritis Action is proud sponsor of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance’s (ARMA) new resource ‘Social Prescribing and Musculoskeletal Conditions’. The report contains information and resources aimed at social prescribers and link workers who want to make a real difference in their work and help more people with the condition get the support…

7 February 2022 Queen Elizabeth II has written to us in honour of the charity’s 80th Anniversary this year, thanking the charity and it’s supporters for the support we offer people living with arthritis across the UK. The full letter can be read here. The private secretary to the Queen writes that Her Majesty was…

26 January 2021 The NHS has launched the new online platform #SolvingTogether. The online site has been designed as a space where people can share their ideas on how the NHS can support people who are waiting for hip and knee replacement surgery, helping the NHS to improve their services. With many people facing a…

18 January 2022 In light of the evolving COVID-19 restrictions, and to enable more people affected by arthritis to attend our events, our Online Arthritis Action Groups will no longer be restricted by region, and will be open for anyone to join from around the UK. Once we are able to run face-to-face events again,…

16 January 2022 In December 2021 we ran our first Open Clinic with YMCA Central. The event aimed to help people manage their arthritis by offering 10 minute advice sessions with our Dietitian, Martin Lau, to members of the YMCA community. The event was planned to take place, in-person, at the YMCA Club in London…

4 January 2022 2022 marks 80 years of Arthritis Action supporting communities affected by arthritis, with a year of special events and activities. To commemorate our anniversary, we introduce a year-long campaign of events and activities recognising our Members, partners, volunteers, supporters and organisations who have generously supported us and made us the charity we are…

7th December 2021 We welcome the release of a new video with results from European and British Study REUMAVID, which looked at the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis. The REUMAVID study was performed in collaboration with 14 patient organisations across Europe, including Arthritis Action, NASS…

1st December 2021 We have launched our 2021 Christmas Appeal to raise funds for vital support for people living with arthritis in the UK. This year’s campaign focuses on equipping people with self-management tools and helping to bring them closer together with others living with arthritis. This comes at a time where enforced social distancing,…

18th November 2021 A recording of our last webinar of the year ‘Pregnancy, Parenting and Arthritis‘ is now available to watch on our Youtube Channel and below, with Arthritis Action’s Director of Services & Operations Heather Baumohl-Johnson and Consultant Rheumatologist and Arthritis Action’s Medical Advisor Dr Wendy Holden. The webinar discussed the journey of pregnancy and…

2nd November 2021 Arthritis Action is happy to announce that we have received a £10,000 grant from the National Lottery’s Awards for All scheme, aiming to address digital exclusion in our Group meetings in three locations: London, Doncaster and Bradford. Our Group meetings (which moved online in 2020) cover topics including mobility, exercise, healthy eating,…

2nd November 2021 Arthritis Action is looking to recruit new Trustees. We are looking for people who can advise our growing organisation and support the delivery of our exciting new strategy; welcoming applications from people with expertise in: Marketing & Communications Fundraising & Income Generation Strategic Planning Human Resources Legal We would particularly like to…

11th October 2021 To mark World Arthritis Day (12th October) Arthritis Action is running a week-long campaign on social channels to raise awareness of arthritis and highlight the impact a year living with the COVID-19 pandemic has had on people living with long-term pain conditions, like arthritis. You can follow us on our channels: Twitter; Facebook; Instagram; Linkedin…

4th October 2021 For musculoskeletal health and care service workers, the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have given rise to extraordinary recovery challenges. As we begin this next chapter, how do we maximise the MSK health of every individual? We now have an opportunity to think differently about how we work across systems to…

24th September 2021 On 18th September a team of supporters completed the first-ever Arthritis Action Trek Snowdon. The 7 mile hike saw the team ascend 2,372 feet up the mountain, in unpredictable weather. The incredible views from the summit were a beautiful reward for the team, who have raised over £1,480 to help improve the…

15th September 2021 The government has announced that a third Covid-19 ‘booster vaccine’ will begin to be offered across the UK, as part of an autumn and winter plan for managing Covid-19 in England. This follows a recommendation from the government’s vaccine advisers, the JCVI, who said about 30m people should be offered a third…

8th September 2021 We are looking forward to the upcoming Trek Snowdon event, taking place on the 18th September. The stunning trek across Snowdon will help raise funds to help improve the quality of life for people living with arthritis across the UK. This event is made possible with the support of our partner Western…

6th September 2021 We are proud to support Remember A Charity Week 6th – 12th September, an annual awareness week which promotes the good work and legacy of hope that can be achieved by leaving a gift to charity in your will. Gifts in Wills are a critical source of funding for charitable services across…

17th August 2021 New app creating peer-led, virtual group exercise classes to support people living with arthritis   Arthritis Action is proud to join four musculoskeletal charities in supporting the development of ‘Virtual Community Rehabilitation’ (VCR), a new project by social enterprise Good Boost, which will enable people with musculoskeletal conditions to use their smartphone…

16 August 2021 Arthritis Action is inviting young adults to share their experiences of living with arthritis, in one of four focus groups taking place in September 2021, online over Zoom. The focus groups will offer the opportunity to share thoughts around arthritis support and management, enabling us to tailor services and resources to the…

19 July 2021 Arthritis Action launches new Young Adults hub Arthritis Action is pleased to launch a new area of the website especially developed to support young adults with arthritis. The new area is filled with helpful guidance and tips on living with arthritis, news, and inspirational stories, covering topics pertinent to a young demographic.…

14 July 2021 Arthritis Action has joined 56 organisations in a letter to the Prime Minister urging the rethink of the government’s COVID-19 response, organised by National Voices, the coalition of health and social care charities in England. The letter highlights the need to urgently address the rights and needs of people who remain at…

17 June 2021 Arthritis Action is a proud partner of the National Voices and the Centre for Mental Health’s ‘Ask How I Am’ report(opens pdf), which aims to support emotional health among people living with long-term conditions, with support from a range of charities including Arthritis Action, Mind, British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, Diabetes…

23 June 2021 As part of Arthritis Action’s three year strategy to reach younger people living with the condition in the UK, we have launched a new survey. If you are under the age of 40, we invite you to take part in our 15-minute online questionnaire. Your feedback will enable us to tailor services…

2 June 2021 Arthritis Action has partnered with Western Power Distribution (WPD), the distribution network operator for the Midlands, South West England and South Wales. The partnership will allow the charity to collaborate on a number of upcoming projects to help support Arthritis Action’s continued pledge to improve the quality of life for people living…

24 May 2021 Arthritis Action partner and innovative clothing company The Able Label, has launched a new range of easy-to-wear trousers for both men and women. The new range features elasticated pull-on styles for women, and discreet Velcro-fly trousers for men, to help make dressing easier for people living with arthritis. Visit The Able Label…

13 May 2021 Arthritis Action is taking part in Mental Health Awareness Week (10-16 May), by sharing inspiring stories from our members, expert advice on practicing self-management for physical and mental health,  feel-good recipes, and more all through this week. Starting with a powerful message, member and Arthritis Action Trustee Sarah Vickerstaff shared her top…

12 May 2021 On International Nurses Day, 12th of May, Arthritis Action wants to extend our immense gratitude to all the nurses for their incredible work and compassion. This year’s theme looks at individual stories and achievements of nurses around the world. During the past year, the world has needed healthcare support more than ever,…

10th May 2021 Arthritis Action Trustee Colin Beevor and the team at the Rheumatology Department of Portsmouth Hospital are fundraising for Arthritis Action by decorating cakes around the theme of ‘A Bug’s Life’. Staff members are donating to vote for their favourite design. The Rheumatology Department are no strangers to creative fundraising endeavours. The team…

5 May 2021 Arthritis Action is pleased to welcome Raj Badiani on the Board of Trustees. Having spent over 11 years working in the IT industry, Raj has combined his creativity and eye for technology to support leading organisations operating in the public and private sector. Raj is currently Head of Digital for a leading…

4 May 2021 The Scottish cyclist Josh Quigley, who set the fastest time for cycling the Scottish ‘North Coast 500’ route in September 2020, has unfortunately had to pull out of his Guinness World Record attempt for the greatest distance cycled in a week due to injury. Josh is continuing his fundraising campaign, despite the…

30 April 2021 We want to extend a big thank you to Karen Hoban, who has stepped down from her role as a Trustee on the Arthritis Action Board, after six years in the post. Following a career in IT in the City, Karen’s focus shifted to being a full-time mum to twin girls. This…

21 April 2021 The Scottish cyclist Josh Quigley, who set the fastest time for cycling the Scottish ‘North Coast 500’ route in September 2020, will attempt a Guinness World Record for the greatest distance cycled in a week, and raise £10,000 for Arthritis Action. The challenge commences on 26th April and concludes on 3rd May.…

07 April 2021 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued a new report on chronic pain, recommending a shift away from prescribing pain-relief medication. The report recommends physical exercise, psychological support, and acupuncture for pain-relief, as first level approaches. Wendy Holden, Consultant Rheumatologist and Arthritis Action Medical Adviser, said: “It’s very…

26 April 2021 Arthritis Action has launched its first ever Easter Cupcake Decorating Challenge, to help raise money to improve the quality of life for people living with arthritis. The fundraiser is inspired by Arthritis Action’s Trustee Colin Beevor and the Rheumatology Department at Portsmouth Hospital, who initially came up with the fun baking challenge…

4th March 2021 New results from the European ‘REUMAVID’ study have revealed the increased pressure put on Britain’s healthcare systems as a result of COVID-19. 38.4% of respondents in the UK reported that their state of health had worsened since the beginning of the pandemic, while 43.6% were at risk of anxiety, and 33.6% of…

26 February 2021 Arthritis Action is pleased to announce that a recording of our latest webinar is now made available for playback, on our Webinars page and on our Youtube channel. Taking place on the 25th February, ‘Arthritis and the COVID-19 Vaccine‘ was presented by CEO Shantel Irwin, and Medical Advisor Dr Wendy Holden, Consultant Rheumatologist…

17th February 2021 Our Trustee Colin Beevor and the team at the Rheumatology Department of Portsmouth Hospital have helped to raise £150 for Arthritis Action. The Rheumatology Department was tasked with decorating a heart-shaped cookie for Valentine’s Day, with members of staff then donating to vote for their favourite design. There certainly were some beautiful…

16 February 2021 COVID-19 delays cause increased pain & mental health symptoms for people with arthritis   A new Arthritis Action survey looking at the impact of delays caused by COVID-19 on people living with arthritis, has highlighted a huge backlog of treatments that were affected by the pandemic. The survey suggests that around 1in 4…

9 February 2021 Arthritis Action is pleased to announce a webinar around living with arthritis and the COVID-19 vaccine. “Arthritis and the COVID-19 Vaccine” will take place on Thursday 25th February 2021, 11am – 12pm. The webinar will be presented by our CEO Shantel Irwin, and our Medical Advisor Dr Wendy Holden, Consultant Rheumatologist at…

01 January 2021 Arthritis Action’s Resolutions: Start the New Year with a Smile Leaving a year of uncertainty behind, we have put together five New Year’s Resolutions to make 2021 a year of positivity and vivacity, giving you the hope and emotional strength to manage your arthritis and lead a healthier, happier life. Each goal…

11 December 2020 Arthritis Action is pleased to welcome Colin Beevor on the Board of Trustees. With 25 years’ experience in Rheumatology Nursing and a wide range of Nursing Management at ward, outpatient, and clinical nurse specialist levels, Colin brings his experience working alongside dedicated and expert nurses, doctors, physiotherapists caring for patients with a wide…

7 December 2020 Arthritis Action launches a Christmas Appeal to raise funds for vital support for people living with arthritis in the UK. The campaign’s focus on equipping people with self-management tools and bringing them closer together with others living with arthritis, comes at a time where enforced social distancing, consecutive lockdowns and the impact…

1st December 2020 The World Health Organisation (WHO) have updated their guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour for adults. The guidelines detail the recommended levels of physical activity for adults aged 18 – 64 years, and are applicable for all adults irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity or income level. The new guidelines are available…

20th November 2020 Over the past two months, Arthritis Action has featured in a number of publications and articles, featuring our arthritis expert advice on healthy eating, pain management, and more. Recent articles include: BBC Good Food: Arthritis Action Dietitian Martin discusses the importance of a balanced diet for people with arthritis, and how a…

14 October 2020 Arthritis Action is very pleased to unveil a new partnership with Invisible Creations, a company providing home adaptations for people with mobility issues, giving them the support they need to stay active around the home. The products can be placed around the home to help reduce decline in health and make daily living…

12 October 2020 Arthritis Action is commemorating World Arthritis Day (12 October) by publishing findings of a new survey, looking at the effects of COVID-19 and lockdown on the daily lives of people with arthritis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 42% of people living with arthritis reported that their pain has increased[1] according to the survey.…

6th October 2020 The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) have published a joint statement on behalf of its member organisations including Arthritis Action, regarding possible disruptions of health services in the event of a second covid-19 wave. In the statement ARMA urge for non-urgent musculoskeletal (msk) services not to be put on hold, stressing the…

5th October 2020 Arthritis Action launches an appeal to raise support for people living with arthritis, ahead of annual awareness-raising campaign World Arthritis Day, 12th October. “More than 4 in 5 people with arthritis have reported experiencing loneliness as a direct result of current restrictions. It has negatively affected their sleep, their physical and emotional health,…

30th September 2020 Arthritis Action’s work with Health Awareness on the 2020 Arthritis & You campaign has launched! The campaign was enclosed in today’s Guardian newspaper, featuring exclusive content from key thought leaders and industry voices about the importance of pain, inflammatory arthritis, joint replacement surgery and how to manage your arthritis. In the special…

29th September 2020 We are happy to announce new evening times for our Online Arthritis Action Groups, now available to view and sign up for on our Events page. The new evening Groups offer a time for people who work or are busy during the day to speak with others living with arthritis, learn from…

7th September 2020 We are delighted to support Remember a Charity Week, taking place this week 7th – 13thSeptember, a national campaign that raises awareness of the importance of Gifts in Wills. This year’s campaign is inspired by The Wombles, the animated characters so warmly remembered for their commitment to looking after the world we…

17 August 2020 We are pleased to confirm that Arthritis Action has received £9,960 in funding from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund, via Government allocation. The money will be used to help us continue providing Online Groups for those living with arthritis across Britain, helping people remain connected.…

4 August 2020 After 12 years as a Trustee for Arthritis Action, we are sad to announce that Kevin Young has stepped down from his position on the Charity’s Board. Kevin has been involved with Arthritis Action as a Trustee and an Associated Practitioner at the Harley Street clinic. He is a Chartered Physiotherapist and…

24 July 2020 Arthritis Action is pleased to announce that a recording of our latest webinar is now made available for playback, on our Webinars page and on our Youtube channel. Taking place on the 23rd July, ‘Rheumatoid Arthritis: All You Need To Know’ was presented by CEO Shantel Irwin, and Medical Advisor Dr Wendy Holden,…

10 July 2020 Arthritis Action is pleased to announce a webinar covering Rheumatoid Arthritis. “Rheumatoid Arthritis: All You Need To Know” will take place on Thursday 23 July 2020, 11am – 12pm. The webinar will be presented by our CEO Shantel Irwin, and our Medical Advisor Dr Wendy Holden, Consultant Rheumatologist at North Hampshire Hospitals, addressing all aspects…

24 June 2020 In response to the new Government guidelines around shielding that will come into effect from 6th July 2020, we have updated our ‘Making decisions about shielding’ document, produced in collaboration with other member organisations of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) to support patients with conditions such as arthritis, requested to shield.…

09 June 2020 Arthritis Action has teamed up with other member organisations of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) to produce a document containing information on shielding for patients with conditions such as arthritis. Following feedback and enquiries from our members and the public, we have addressed all aspects of the Government’s shielding guidance, to…

02 June 2020 Arthritis Action is pleased to announce a webinar which will address Coronavirus concerns for people with arthritis. “COVID-19 and Arthritis: Live Q&A” will take place on Thursday 18 June 2020, 11am – 12pm. The webinar will be presented by Arthritis Action CEO, Shantel Irwin, who will be asking their Medical Advisor, Dr Wendy Holden, Consultant…

29 May 2020 The Arthritis Action team has completed the 2.6 Challenge, a campaign launched to raise vital funds to help support UK charities. With your help, we have now raised over £,1000 including Gift Aid, which will go towards improving the quality of life of people living with arthritis. We want to share a…

18 May 2020 At the start of Mental Health Awareness Week 2020, we have launched a new Positive Wellbeing page designed to help you stay positive and look after your emotional wellbeing during the ongoing lockdown. The page compiles useful resources to help manage and improve your mental health, including accessible apps for your phone,…

15 May 2020 Arthritis Action invites you to take part in the new REUMAVID survey for people living with rheumatic diseases such as arthritis, experiencing confinement due to COVID-19. The aim of the survey is to describe the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the support services, healthcare, the quality of life and the emotional…

22 April 2020 Arthritis Action invites you to take part in a new campaign to raise vital funds to help support UK’s charities. The 2.6 Challenge launches on Sunday 26 April – what should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon. All you need to do is come up with an activity based…

20 April 2020 Arthritis action is pleased to introduce a new Virtual Exercise Directory of activity providers that are offering free virtual exercise classes to help you find ways to remain active, particularly if you are shielding or remaining indoors during self-isolation. The page will continue to be updated regularly as more free exercises classes…

2 April 2020 New exercise routine suggestions on Arthritis Action social media channels to run every Wednesday, inspiring physical activity for people in self-isolation Every week, Arthritis Action’s Therapies Manager & Exercise Lead David Vaux, also a Registered Osteopath, will be curating free indoor exercise suggestions to help keep you active and manage your arthritis…

1 April 2020 To help keep people active during the ongoing period of self-isolation, Arthritis Action partner 10Today has made their daily exercise routines available for listening through BBC Sport. For the next two weeks, 10Today’s exercise routines (funded by Sport England) will be made available each day ‘on demand’ through the BBC’s podcast app…

25 March 2020 In line with the latest national guidance on the recent coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), and with the safety of all our Members and our network of Associated Practitioners in mind, Arthritis Action has decided to temporarily suspend all clinical appointments with our Associated Practitioners for the time being. We are staying abreast of…

17 March 2020 In light of the latest national guidance in relation to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) we have decided to cancel all upcoming Arthritis Action events and Group meetings with immediate effect, until further notice. You can still contact us by phone, email or through social media. We appreciate your understanding at this time.

17 March 2020 Arthritis Action member Carole Matthews has helped to raise £356 as part of the Waitrose Community Matters scheme in Eastbourne. Carole put Arthritis Action forward as one of the causes to feature in the shop’s local Green Token Scheme, where Eastbourne customers are given a green token at the checkout to place…

6 March 2020 The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has launched a new competency framework which outlines the roles and competencies for rheumatology practitioners in clinical practice. The document provides an opportunity to support the development of roles in rheumatology nursing, improve access for patients, and reduce variability in care. We are proud to have…

25 February 2020 Arthritis Action is proud to introduce a new menswear collection by partners The Able Label, an innovative clothing company providing high-quality garments to make self-dressing easier for people with restricted movement. The new collection includes comfortable pyjamas, stylish shirts and easily worn trousers, as well as accessories such as ties and zip…

05 February 2020 The successful ‘Living Well with Less Pain: Knees and Hip Osteoarthritis’ event we ran alongside Sussex Partnership East has been filmed and is now available to watch online. Split into separate clips, you can catch talks on aspects of self-management for hip and knee arthritis by experts including our Dietitian Martin Lau.…

31 January 2020 As a proud supporter of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), we are pleased to share the latest rheumatoid arthritis guidelines for people over 16, which were published in January. The new quality standard covers assessing, diagnosing and managing rheumatoid arthritis, setting the bar for high-quality care in priority…

23 January 2020 We are pleased to announce that Arthritis Action will be running some Virtual Groups over the year, for people who cannot physically attend a Group meeting in their area. Peer-led support is a great way to help manage symptoms of arthritis. Over recent years we have launched a number of Group meetings…

20 January 2020 Forget Resolutions — This is how I turned my life around with arthritis By Tom Roberts, Arthritis Action Member 2019 was quite a year. I have osteoarthritis in my hands, feet, knees and lower back. Both my feet have been operated on to alleviate the effects of arthritis, and I have a…

3 January 2020 Arthritis Action is pleased to launch a new Exercise and Activity Directory to help people with arthritis locate accessible exercise or group activities near them. The new Directory makes identifying opportunities to get active within the community easy, by listing activity providers and community opportunities by region. You can access it on…

Please note we will be closing our offices at 1pm on 24th December 2019 for the festive season. We will be back on 2nd January 2020. Happy Holidays!

The Personalised Member Pathway is a service developed to support, guide and motivate Members to address both the mental and physical impacts of arthritis, actively involving them in their self-management. The programme includes discussing current arthritis needs and impact of arthritis in their lives as a first step. Members are then able to set goals…

15 November 2019 We are pleased to launch our new arthritis-friendly recipe video, which was developed for people with arthritis in mind and is presented by Dietitian Martin Lau and Nutritionist and food blogger Kate Lawson. You can watch the recipe for a speedy teriyaki salmon dish, packed with Omega 3, on our website or…

16 October 2019 Arthritis Action is delighted to announce we have joined Equally Well UK, a group of organisations that seek to promote and support collaborative action to improve physical health among people with a mental illness. The shared vision is that everyone living with a long-term mental health condition has access to effective, timely,…

15 October 2019 Our latest Lunchtime Webinar, titled ‘The Effects of Mental Health: How to Manage It’ is now available to watch. The session was presented by our clinical hypnotherapist and Director of Member Services, Heather Baumohl-Johnson. and can be accessed alongside all past Webinars here. You can also watch this on YouTube. Our Lunchtime…

12 October 2019 Arthritis Action is commemorating World Arthritis Day (12th October) by launching a week-long campaign with the theme ‘Affects Anyone‘, to raise awareness for the condition and its prevalence in the wider population. The campaign will run 11 – 19th October. Despite the misconception it is an inevitable condition that comes with age,…

25 September 2019 Arthritis Action’s work with Health Awareness on the 2019 Rehabilitation campaign has launched! The campaign was enclosed in today’s Guardian newspaper, featuring exclusive content from key thought leaders and industry voices about the importance of Rehabilitation services. In the special issue you can find articles by our Medical Advisor, Consultant Rheumatologist Dr…

18 September 2019 We are continuing our Lunchtime Webinar Series with our next webinar looking at how arthritis impacts on mental health, on 10th October at 12.30 pm. The webinar, titled ‘The Effects of Mental Health: How to Manage It’ will be presented by our clinical hypnotherapist and Director of Member Services, clinical hypnotherapist Heather…

11th September 2019 Arthritis Action launches online exercises for arthritis in collaboration with Oomph! We are proud to launch a brand new section on our website, to bring physical activity to more people with arthritis. The new page features moving picture (GIF) exercises that are accessible and easy-to-do at home or at work. The programme…

10th September 2019 Arthritis Action member, Gordon Thornett, will be speaking at the British Orthopaedic Association’s (BOA) Congress taking place 10-13 September 2019 at ACC Liverpool. Giving the patient’s perspective, Gordon will be speaking at a session led by the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA), looking at the mental health of patients who have undergone…

We are delighted to support Remember a Charity Week, taking place this week September 9th – 15th, a national campaign that raises awareness of the importance of Gifts in Wills. This year’s campaign will see over 200 charities come together with 1,300 campaign supporters (solicitors and Will-writers) to challenge the public’s biggest misconceptions about Gifts…

20 August 2019 The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) has recently updated its webpages on healthy eating for people who live with arthritis. The web article provides advice on the importance of, and evidence for, a well-balanced diet for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The article covers topics such as types of arthritis and diet, weight, physical…

Arthritis Action partners with The Able Label to bring 10% discount to customers We are excited to announce the launch of a new partnership with The Able Label, an innovative clothing company providing high-quality garments to make self-dressing easier. Our Member and former Trustee, Deborah Breakspear, who has rheumatoid arthritis, was featured in their launch…

23 July 2019 We have just published a new, healthy and arthritis-friendly recipe, developed by Nutritionist and food blogger Kate Lawson. You can watch the recipe for tropical sunrise lollies, on our website or on our YouTube channel.

26 June 2019 Arthritis Action launches new Mental Health Directory Arthritis Action is pleased to launch a new Mental Health Directory to help people with long term conditions, such as arthritis, find suitable mental health services to support them. The new tool consists of a listing of 52 NHS and charitable organisations that offer mental…

24 June 2019 Exercise and movement can play an important part in keeping arthritis at bay. Add in man’s (and woman’s) best friend and it can be fun too! The Dog Jog is a 5k walk that you can take your furry four-legged pet along to – so speed is not an issue. You can…

18 June 2019 We are pleased to launch our very first arthritis-friendly recipe video, which was developed for people with arthritis in mind and is presented by Dietitian Martin Lau and Nutritionist and food blogger Kate Lawson. You can watch the recipe for a one-pot chicken harissa dish, on our website or on our YouTube channel 

17 June 2019 We’re hiring! We are excited to announce a new vacancy for a 3-month Fixed Term Communications Executive to join our London office. If this is of interest, you can view the job description and person specification below: Job Description: JD Communications Executive – pdf // JD Communications Executive – Word document To apply, please email your CV with accompanying…

14 June 2019 Dan Torjussen-Proctor steps down after 6 years as a Trustee Dan became a Trustee in June 2013. As a Trustee of Arthritis Action, Dan ensured that he is able to continue to contribute to the not-for-profit sector over the years. He was drawn to the cause, after developing osteoarthritis, owing to playing…

06 June 2019 On 30th May, we held our second in our Lunchtime Webinar Series, with the title ‘Is there a role for diet in the management of arthritis?’ which is now available online, to coincide with Dietitians Week 3-7th June 2019. Watch our Dietitian and Services Development Manager Martin Lau and registered Osteopath David…

28 May 2018 Arthritis Action is nominated as one of the three ‘green token’ charities at Waitrose, Victoria  – Bressenden Place in London this month, as part of their fantastic ‘Community Matters’ initiative to donate to local Charities. We wanted to extend a thank you for supporting us! For more information on how you can…

21 May 2019 We are continuing our Lunchtime Webinar Series with a second webinar exploring the relationship between nutrition and the management of arthritis, on 30th May at 12.30 pm. The webinar, titled ‘Is there a role for diet in the management of arthritis?’ will be presented by our Services Development Manager and registered Dietitian…

17 May 2019 How Living With Chronic Conditions Like Arthritis Can Affect Your Mental Health Article by Leigh Walmsley for the Huffington Post, to support Mental Health Awareness Week 2019.   I don’t really remember a time when I didn’t have some form of arthritis. I was first diagnosed with osteoarthritis after I had a cycling…

14 May 2019 ARMA Report calls for mental health focus in musculoskeletal diagnosis To mark Mental Health Awareness Week 13th-19th May 2019, together with the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA), we release a new report looking at the impact of mental health on people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. For the first time,…

13 May 2019 We are pleased to be participating in World Mental Health Awareness Week this 13th through to 19th May, a campaign run by the Mental Health Foundation. Keep your eyes peeled on our site for our stories, and exciting new launches to mark the week, and follow us on social media so you…

09 May 2019 We’re hiring! We are excited to announce a new vacancy for a Full Time Area Coordinator, to join our team in this home-based post, and travel across East Anglia If this is of interest, you can view the job description and person specification below: JD – Area Coordinator – East Anglia (pdf)…

03 April 2019 Last week we launched our new Lunchtime Webinar Series, kicking off with ‘Understanding and Managing Pain’. Watch Therapies Manager and registered Osteopath David Vaux, and Director of Member Services and Clinical Hypnotherapist Heather Baumohl-Johnson as they discuss aspects of pain management for arthritis. About the series You will have the opportunity to…

27 March 2019 Arthritis Action is pleased to introduce a brand new series of lunchtime webinars, exploring aspects of living with arthritis and managing the condition, for people with arthritis and professionals. The first webinar starts today, 27th March, with the title ‘Understanding and Managing Pain’, presented by Therapies Manager and registered Osteopath David Vaux,…

07 March 2019 We are very excited that five amazing people have chosen to run for us this spring. Spread as far as Brighton, Hastings, London and Manchester, they are raising vital funds to support our services for those affected by arthritis. Running nearly 100 miles between them, they have so far raised just over…

21 February 2019 Arthritis Action partners with Oomph! to develop arthritis-friendly exercise programme   For the first time, Arthritis Action have teamed up with wellbeing organisation Oomph! to bring together older adult group exercise instructors with arthritis experts, in designing a programme tailored to the needs of people with arthritis. The new programme consists of…

01 February 2019 Arthritis Action welcomes a report outlining the NHS’s new Personalised Care Plan. The plan aims to benefit up to 2.5 million people by 2024, giving them the same choice and control over their mental and physical health that they have come to expect in every other aspect of their life. Developed by…

28 January 2019 Arthritis Action Dietitian and Services Development Manager Martin Lau, was part of a round-table panel, hosted by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) at the London office, to discuss how to help patients with joint pain, following results of a recent survey of community pharmacists. The survey, looking into current management of osteoarthritis…

15 January 2019 Five Resolutions For a Positive New Start to the Year By Shantel Irwin, CEO Arthritis Action As another year goes by, we look at the rising statistics of the prevalence of arthritis and other long-term conditions in the UK. As an organisation dedicated to helping people with arthritis, it makes us even…

07 January 2019 We’re hiring! We are excited to announce a new vacancy for a Part-Time Fundraising Manager, to join our London team, on a 3 days/week basis. If this is of interest, you can view the job description and person specification below: JD Fundraising Manager 2019 – pdf  // JD Fundraising Manager 2019 – Word document To apply,…

Please note we will be shutting our offices at 1pm on 24th December 2018 for the festive season. We will be back on 2nd January 2019. Happy Holidays!  

5 December 2018 We are pleased to announce the winner of our Membership Referral Scheme draw, Member Margaret Kim. On 27th November, Associated Practitioner and Trustee Kevin Young presented Margaret with the prize, a brand new Fitbit, as the winner of our Membership Referral Scheme. Each year, the referral scheme awards a Fitbit to a…

30 November 2018 On 30th November, the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) held a free online webinar looking at supporting people with musculoskeletal conditions to be more active, in partnership with Arthritis Action. The webinar looked at how clinicians can encourage and support physical activity in people with musculoskeletal conditions. It also explored how to…

16 November 2018 We are pleased to be participating in Giving Tuesday campaign for the first time on 27th November. Originating in the United States in 2012, Giving Tuesday was launched as a response to the excess of spending on Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, following Thanksgiving celebrations.  Today, over 70 countries around the…

14 November 2018 We are excited to announce the launch of our new online self-management resource, available today. The learning platform, which is the first of its kind in the UK, aims to improve the quality of daily life for those living with arthritis. The resource features 16 evidence-based educational videos, broken down into the…

07 November 2018 This week we hosted speakers from ESCAPE-pain at our Kent Group meeting in Tunbridge Wells. The talk was presented by physiotherapists from the Kent Community Healthcare Trust, who will be introducing the ESCAPE-Pain programme in a venue local to the Group, near Tunbridge Wells. ESCAPE-pain is a rehabilitation programme for people with…

31 October 2018 Arthritis Action has a lively community of over 4,000 members, on health-specific social network Health Unlocked. The platform offers a safe environment for people to share their experiences, support each other, and discuss aspects of living with arthritis. We welcome discussions on all types of arthritis including rheumatoid, psoriatic, osteoarthritis and gout,…

22nd October 2018 Arthritis Action has secured three spaces at the Brighton Marathon, taking place on Sunday 14th April 2018. The fundraising target per runner has been set to £500. All participants will be given an Arthritis Action running vest and will be cheered by the team on the day! We welcome applications from keen…

YouGov research unveils the hidden impact of living with arthritis 12 October 2018 Today, to mark World Arthritis Day, we release the findings of a nation-wide questionnaire-based study, as we stand with charities across the globe to raise awareness for musculoskeletal conditions and health. People of working age living with arthritis have significantly lower levels…

25 September 2018 Arthritis Action is looking forward to another season full of Groups, offering the opportunity for members from the community to meet each other, share experiences and tips on living with arthritis and learn more about local services available to them. Spanning across 16 locations in the UK, each Group is unique in…

9 September 2018 On 25th September, Arthritis Action in collaboration with Sussex MSK Partnership East will run a free workshop, with the aim to bring patients and clinical experts together. The event, taking place in Eastbourne, will see top healthcare experts giving advice on managing pain associated with lower back pain, hip and knee osteoarthritis.…

14 August 2018 We were pleased to be involved in Health Education England and NHS England’s initiative to develop a ‘Musculoskeletal Core Capabilities Framework’, to support practitioners who are the first point of contact for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis. With the invaluable help of our Trustee Debbie Rose, we submitted expert feedback…

13 July 2018 NICE issues Rheumatoid Arthritis Guidelines The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued new guidelines for the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in adults. The new advice outlines diagnosis and referral processes for the condition, as well as approaches to management of symptoms with both medication and other therapeutic…

04 July 2017 On 5th July, NHS England turned 70 years old! The birthday celebrations began in January, and will run through to September, in honour of the remarkable service over the years; to extend a huge thank you to all the committed and hard-working staff over the decades; and in a bid to raise…

22 June 2018 Deborah Breakspear steps down after 27 years as a Trustee After 27 years on the Arthritis Action Board of Trustees, we are sad to announce that Deborah Breakspear is stepping down from her role on the Board. Debbie became a Trustee in 1991 and is our longest serving Trustee. She joined Arthritis…

14 May 2018 Arthritis Action is actively supporting a week-long campaign this May, leading with the theme of ‘Stress: are we coping?’ by the Mental Health Foundation. The campaign runs from 14 to 20th of May and seeks to highlight the impact of stress, as well as explore the connection between stress and mental ill…

11 May 2018 Supporting Someone with Arthritis On Friday 11th of May, Our Group and Events Officer Leah Boylan gave a talk at the Home Instead care givers group meeting, entitled ‘Supporting Someone with Arthritis’. Leah’s talk touched upon the importance of staying active with arthritis, maintaining independence, considering emotional well-being, pacing of activities, and eating…

13 April 2018 Six tips on getting a better night’s sleep Poor sleep is a common problem for many people living with arthritis. Joints can feel stiffer at night, and pain can wake you up or make it difficult to get to sleep in the first place. Here we have a few helpful steps to…

13 March 2018 We are delighted to launch a new Referral Scheme for all our Members! You can refer your friends and relatives to join us as Arthritis Action Members. For every new Member who signs up upon your recommendation, we will give you an entry for a raffle draw in December, to win a…

Do you have arthritis and want to help us with our market research? In a bid to identify how to approach younger audiences, we are putting together a Focus Group to better understand the needs of this audience. If you are aged 25-45 and can be in London for a two-hour session, register your interest by emailing info@arthritisaction.org.uk.…

12 February 2018 SME Warrington 9th and 10th February a success! On February 9th and 10th we held our first Self-Management Event in the area of Warrington. The event was well-attended with over 23 people with personal experience of arthritis. Held at the Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub, the event took place over two half-days and…

05 February 2018 Raising the discussion for disability in the workspace By Shantel Irwin, Arthritis Action’s CEO There are currently over 10 million people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions in the UK, and as a leading cause of pain and disability nationwide, it resulted in a staggering loss of over 30 million working days…

Dame Carol Black DBE, RFCP, FMedSci, Principal of Newnham College Cambridge and Expert Adviser on Health and Work to NHS England and Public Health England, gave a talk on Monday 29th January at the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists in London, addressing musculoskeletal conditions, disability and employment. The lecture was hosted by the Arthritis…

17 January 2018 A new study published in Arthritis Care and Research Journal, has identified a clear link between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and being overweight. The research team from New York City Hospital for Special Surgery and the Weill Cornell Medical School looked at 982 RA patients exhibiting early signs of the condition. It was…

12 January 2018 On 11th January we attended The Integrated Care Clinics (TICCS) event ‘More Good Days’ in Surrey Heath. The event was free for all to attend and aimed at anyone living in Surrey Heath, looking to make positive lifestyle improvements. Comprising of targeted information zones, the event covered a lot of topics relevant…

05 January 2018 We are excited to announce Arthritis Action is sponsoring this year’s annual lecture by Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA), with a talk by Dame Carol Black, who will be reviewing the progress to date, as outlined in the recent government paper ‘Improving Lives: the future of work, health and disability, and the…

4 January 2018 This new year starts strong for Arthritis Action, as we get ready to bring you a year full of activities, Groups, Self-Management Events, dietary and exercise advice, and physical therapy to equip you with all the necessary tools to self-manage your arthritis. Starting with a fantastic free event, next week you will…

We are delighted to partner up with The Integrated Care Clinics (TICCS) to bring you More Good Days, a free well-being event in Surrey Heath, on 11th January 2018. The event will be useful for anyone living with a chronic condition, featuring talks and information on eating well, becoming more active, quitting smoking, and mental…

5 December 2017 This International Volunteer Day we want to extend our warmest thank you to all our volunteers for giving your time, energy and enthusiasm to help us raise awareness of arthritis and promote a better quality of life through self-management. It is your excellent work and passion that helps us reach more and…

30 November 2017 The Health Innovation Network promoting the adoption of the ESCAPE-pain rehabilitation programme for knee and hip osteoarthritis, was recently awarded a grant by Sport England as part of their ‘Active Ageing’ project to target inactive adults and increase access to the programme. To achieve that they are running a survey looking into…

08 November 2017 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is inviting people with a personal experience of persistent (chronic) pain, to join a voluntary committee and assist the development of new NICE Guidelines around persistent pain. The committee is looking for a ‘lay member’, referring to any person with experience of using…

13 October 2017 Bringing Local Communities Together To Raise Awareness Of Arthritis By Shantel Irwin, Arthritis Action’s CEO Arthritis is a condition that causes stiffness and swelling in the joints. One in six of us have arthritis and one in five will consult a GP about a musculoskeletal problem each year. It is the leading cause…

12 October 2017 Bringing arthritis communities together to mark World Arthritis Day To mark the 22nd World Arthritis Day on 12th October and Bone and Joint Week from 12th-20th October, we will hold education and support group meetings in various locations across the UK for people with arthritis during the whole month of October. Attendees…

12 October 2017 Our Activities This World Arthritis Day, on 12th October 2017, Arthritis Action will be attending two events to mark the occasion and spread the word for self-management and what you can do for a healthier, more active you. Our Services Development Manager and Dietitian Martin Lau and our Group and Events Officer…

03 October 2017 The European Medicines Agency is running a survey into patients’ and healthcare professionals’ views on how adverse drug reactions are reported. The survey, closing on 9th October, aims to collect information to understand what patients and healthcare professionals think of the need to report adverse side effects. The European Medicines Agency will…

27 September 2017   National Voices has completed research and published a report looking at ‘patient-centred’ services in the NHS, over the last 20 years. The report explored the impact individual-focused care has made to patients over the years, in an attempt to inform future policy campaigns and greater plans to improve services. The research…

17 August 2017   On Tuesday 8th of August, Arthritis Action held its latest London Group meeting, which saw a talk by Susan Brain, Professor of Pharmacology at King’s College London, followed by a group discussion with attending Members and Arthritis Action Dietitian Martin Lau. Professor Brain presented her recent work into arthritis and its…

26 July 2017 Metal-on metal (MoM) hip replacements By Wendy Holden, Arthritis Action’s Medical Advisor The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) who licence all medicines and medical devices in the UK have in June 2017 published new guidelines for healthcare professionals caring for people who have had a commonly known as “metal-on metal”…

24 July 2017 NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence are looking for volunteers who have had a type of wrist surgery called “total distal radioulnar joint replacement for managing symptomatic instability and arthritis of the joint” to complete a questionnaire about their experience of the surgery and their satisfaction with the results.…

10 July 2017 Arthritis Action will launch a new education and support group in Warrington for people with arthritis on 22nd July to commemorate Disability Awareness Day on 16th July. The meeting will bring together people living with all forms of arthritis who will hear from Arthritis Action member and GB Paralympian archer Leigh Walmsley,…

6 June 2017 The Able Label is a womenswear retailer which designs adaptive clothing for a variety of physical and cognitive needs, aiming to encourage dressing independence whilst maintaining style. The Able Label teamed up with volunteer models from various charities to promote its latest line of clothing. Arthritis Action’s Trustee and Member Debbie Breakspear…

30 June 2017 Self-Management Is Vital For Bone Health By Wendy Holden, Arthritis Action’s Medical Advisor As with all parts of the human body, looking after your bone health is vital. Not only do bones provide support and structure, but they also protect our organs, anchor our muscles and help regulate our calcium levels. Bones…

Meet Leigh Walmsley from Warrington, Cheshire. Leigh represented Paralympics GB in archery, at the London 2012 Paralympics and has experienced the pain of arthritis since her 20s. I developed osteoarthritis after a serious cycling accident aged 11, but noticed the first signs of inflammatory arthritis in my 20s. Initially, I thought it might be due…

5 May 2017 Inactivity can cause disability for people with rheumatoid arthritis, but innovative solutions can help. By Wendy Holden, Arthritis Action’s Medical Advisor Most of us know that being physically active is important for our overall health and wellbeing. Not only does exercise help to control weight, but it also boosts energy and can…

Health Innovation Network (South London) publishes Arthritis Action’s case study on the pilot implementing ESCAPE-Pain in the charity sector. You can read the report here (click on ‘Download Resource’ for the pdf).

15 February 2017 Arthritis Action has joined 68 other charities in signing a joint letter to the Prime Minister ahead of the Spring Budget 2017. The Letter calls for a new settlement for funding health and care, describing the current pressure on health as “not acceptable or tenable”. The signatories also call on the Government to…

The 2015 AGM and Conference was held on Thursday 18 June at the Kings Fund in London. It was a significant day for Arthritis Action as it was used to unveil our new logo and share our plans for the future. Highlights of the event also included a keynote speech by Liam O’Toole, the Chief Executive of…

This year, our annual AGM and Conference was held on Thursday 23 June, at the King’s Fund in London. We provided a subsidised buffet lunch which costs £10 for members and £15 for non-members.

This year, our annual AGM and Conference will be held on Thursday 15 June, more details of venue TBA in 2017.

Many people who have arthritis take prescription painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). According to the NHS, there were 17 million prescriptions for NSAIDs during 2010 in England alone. However, researchers at the University of Oxford’s Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit claim some types of NSAIDs may increase your risk of dying…

Twenty-eight per cent of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases could be prevented if everyone ate one or more servings of oily fish a week, claim scientists from Sweden. The experts, from the Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, suggest eating more than 0.21g of omega-3 fatty acids a day – which is approximately the…

Traditional acupuncture is a healthcare system which was developed nearly 2000 years ago focusing on pain and illness as signs that the body is out of balance. By inserting fine needles into specific acupuncture points the traditional acupuncturist’s aim is to restore the body’s equilibrium, focusing on the individual and the circulation of “qi”. When…

 Course dates in 2015  London:                                 2nd & 9th April Eastbourne:                          11th & 18th July Basingstoke:                         7th…

 Counselling, positive thinking and meditation techniques may be more effective than painkillers in helping people with arthritis to cope with pain, say experts from the University of Manchester. Their study, published in the European Journal of Neuroscience, suggests the mind could hold the key to relieving the chronic aches and pains suffered by millions of…

 If you’re a woman, drinking fat-free or low-fat milk on a regular basis may help to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, say American researchers. The experts, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, suggest drinking milk may have a protective effect on the knee joint. However other dairy products failed…

 Recommendations by the government health watchdog that people who are overweight or obese should be referred to a lifestyle weight management programme made the headlines recently. The report from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggests raising awareness of lifestyle weight management services among both healthcare professionals and the general public. It…

  The higher your body mass index (BMI), the more likely you may be to suffer from a greater amount of pain if you have osteoarthritis (OA) in your knee, compared with people who have lower BMIs. That’s the conclusion of a study recently published in Rheumatology, the journal of the British Society for Rheumatology. As…

 The University of Kent have published preliminary results from their pilot study into the efficacy of a Mediterranean type diet on symptoms of osteoarthritis. They showcased an informational poster and delivered a short lecture at the Nutrition Society’s annual conference held in Glasgow in July 2014. The poster is published in Proceedings of the Nutrition…

 We now have a new name – “Arthritis Action”. Members voted for this name at the AGM in June this year and it’s now been approved by Companies House and the Charity Commission. Our trustees recommended the change to members because they wanted a name that conveyed that we offer an active programme of help…

 A third self-management event was held over two days, in Exeter, at the end of August. Twenty people attended, mainly members of Arthritis Action, but also some non-members from the local charity, Age UK Exeter, who had helped promote the event to the wider audience. The purpose of the event was to introduce self-management techniques…

 A new report entitled Gout Nation 2014 suggests more and more people in the UK are being diagnosed with gout, many of whom are struggling with this painful condition. Gout is the third most common type of arthritis after osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The survey, published just a few days ahead of this year’s World…

 If you gained a few pounds or more over the festive season, National Obesity Awareness Week (January 12-18) is a timely reminder of why weight management is so important for your health. Launched in 2014 and organised by the National Obesity Forum,National Obesity Awareness Week features a programme of events, activities and promotions aimed at…

  If you have arthritis and you take prescription medicines for pain, anxiety or sleep problems, you may be affected by new drug driving rules. The law, which came into force in England and Wales on March 2nd, 2015, is designed to make it easier for the police to prosecute people who drive after taking illegal…

 In response to the report published today in the BMJ, which suggests that taking paracetamol for treating lower back pain and osteoarthritis of the hip or knee is ineffective and may affect the liver, Shantel Irwin, Chief Executive of Arthritis Action, comments: “We know that when arthritis pain is bad, people with the condition want and…

 In response to the report published today in the BMJ, which suggests that taking paracetamol for treating lower back pain and osteoarthritis of the hip or knee is ineffective and may affect the liver, Shantel Irwin, Chief Executive of Arthritis Action, comments: “We know that when arthritis pain is bad, people with the condition want and…

 Arthritis Action members will join the staff, trustees and guests from a whole host of organisations to witness the revealing of our new direction, name and look. Arthritis Action’s CEO, Shantel Irwin, will be joined on stage by Chair, Robin Nye and Arthritis Action’s medical advisor, Wendy Holden. Members will also be able to attend…

 People with arthritis feel isolated, scared about the future and don’t want to ask family, friends or doctors for help, according to new research commissioned by UK charity, Arthritis Action. Arthritis – Overcoming the Challenges by Spotlight Market Research, surveyed more than 770 people with arthritis. Over half of those interviewed feel they need to…

 We hope that you will have already read about Arthritis Action’s vision to set up support groups across the UK in the current newsletter.  We are delighted to let you know that the first local support group will take place in North London at Primrose Hill Community Library, Sharpleshall Street, London, NW1 8YN on July…

 We are very excited to announce that we have secured a charity place in the Virgin London Marathon 2016.  This iconic road race will take place on 24th April 2016 and we are looking to recruit a runner to take-up our guaranteed place. If you would like to be that runner, you can apply for…

  We are pleased to announce our next self-management event is to be held in Basingstoke on the 7th & 14th September. Self-management techniques have proved to be an effective way of helping people with arthritis to take a more active role in managing their condition and be in control of their lives. The events offer…

 We are delighted to let you know that the first local support group took place in North London on the 20th July and was a great success. As such, we have booked the next meeting to be taking place on 1st September 6-8pm at Primrose Hill Community Association, 29 Hopkinsons Place, Fitzroy Road, London, NW1 8TN.…

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new Arthritis Action Local Support Group in Eastbourne. This comes after the continued success of the Local Support Group based in Primrose Hill, North London. This first meeting will take place at Royal Voluntary Service, 24 Hyde Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4SX on Thursday October 1st, 2-4pm.…

 Arthritis Action held its fifth self-management event in Basingstoke on the 7th and 14th of September. Sixteen people attended, representing members of Arthritis Action and also a few non-members living with arthritis. The purpose of the event was to introduce self-management techniques to those with arthritis to enable them to take control of their arthritis…

 Around one in seven people in the UK live with arthritis – a condition that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. This figure is expected to rise to one in four by 2030[i]. It is the leading cause of pain and disability, costing the NHS £5 billion a year[ii]. One in five…

Arthritis Action’s dietitian, Martin Lau, made a guest appearance on the website of the charity Arthur’s Place. Arthur’s Place is an online magazine and social network specifically aimed at young people with arthritis. Martin answered questions on many topics including healthy eating/nutrition, foods to be avoided and supplements. When confronted with the question, “Is there…

 Tai Chi can help with the symptoms of osteoarthritis – at least as much as standard physical therapy and sometimes more – according to healthcare professionals who presented their research at the Annual American College of Rheumatology Meeting (2015) in San Francisco last month. Osteoarthritis, sometimes known as “wear and tear” arthritis is a condition…

New research led by Ingvild Kjeken, Professor in Occupational Therapy at the University of Oslo, Norway, has shown that hand exercises can significantly help women with the pain of hand osteoarthritis, improve grip strength, hand function and also fatigue. Osteoarthritis is commonly called “wear and tear” of the joints and happens when the cartilage that…

 Arthritis affects around 10 million people in the UK and as well as causing pain, stiffness and loss of function, can also lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression can significantly affect how well people with arthritis function and what will happen to them in the future. People with osteoarthritis of…

 We are pleased to announce our next self-management event is to be held in Norwich over two days, on the 24th May 2:00pm – 4:30pm and 25th May 10:30am – 1:00pm at Rouen House, Norwich. Self-management techniques have proved to be an effective way of helping people with arthritis to take a more active role in managing their condition and…

 Our warmest congratulations to Arthritis Action Member and our first-ever Marathon runner Tom Jones for competing at the Virgin Money London Marathon on 24th April 2016! Tom completed the race in record time, raising £2,934 in aid of Arthritis Action. This including gift aid, raised the final total to a very impressive £3,549. Tom was…

 We are pleased to announce our next self-management event is to be held in Bristol over two days, on the 27th June 2:00pm – 4:30pm and 28th June 10:30am – 1:00pm at Armada House, Bristol. Self-management techniques have proved to be an effective way of helping people with arthritis to take a more active role in managing their condition and be…

 We are pleased to announce our next self-management event is to be held in Ferndown over two days, on the 6th July 2:00pm – 4:30pm and 7th July 10:30am – 1:00pm at Barrington Centre, Ferndown. Self-management techniques have proved to be an effective way of helping people with arthritis to take a more active role in managing their condition and…

We are pleased to announce our next self-management event is to be held in London over two days, on the 10th October 2:00pm – 4:30pm and17th October 2:30pm – 4:30pm at Rescource for London. Self-management techniques have proved to be an effective way of helping people with arthritis to take a more active role in managing their condition and…

A Mediterranean diet can reduce markers of inflammation and improve knee flexion and hip rotation in people with osteoarthritis, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Kent and published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging this week. The study, commissioned by UK charity Arthritis Action, examined the effects of…