About Us - Arthritis Action

About Us

Arthritis Action is the UK charity offering an integrated self-management approach, to help address the physical and mental health symptoms of living with arthritis.

Our self-management approach encompasses a wide array of services, including personal dietary and nutritional advice, as well as access to clinical appointments with approved practitioners. We also offer people the opportunity to take part in self-management events and online groups. Through our approach, we help people with arthritis gain the knowledge and confidence to manage their condition themselves and enjoy a more active life with less pain.

We run a membership service offering individualised support and access to our member benefits. More information can be found on our Membership page.

Read more about the Charity’s history, our vision statement, or our latest Impact Report here.

The Charity was founded in 1942 in Bournemouth by Charles de Coti-Marsh, who along with a group of 49 people, had gained relief from the pain of arthritis by following a self-help programme he had developed, based on a combination of diet and physical therapy. The Charity became a registered charity in 1985.

Our fundamental aims remain the same as in 1942 – to help people with arthritis manage their symptoms and enjoy a more active life with increased energy. To do this, we’re continuing to build on our founder’s understanding of the importance of self-management for arthritis, by developing our services in line with the best available evidence.

Arthritis Action’s vision is for people to live active lives, free from the impact of arthritis.

Our aim is to empower people with arthritis to take control of their condition and live life to the full. Working in partnership with Members, health professionals, researchers, arthritis experts and other charities is very important to us.

Our mission is to:

• Empower people with arthritis to take control of their condition and lead a more active life.
• Inform people of the best available evidence-based approaches for managing arthritis.
• Continue to offer a holistic self-management approach, looking at both the physical and mental impacts of living with arthritis.
• Help people gain the knowledge and confidence to manage their condition themselves and live life to the full.

Arthritis is the most prevalent long-term health condition in the UK with over 10 million people living with the condition. It is the leading cause of pain and disability. With the NHS being over-stretched, it is now more important than ever to introduce people with arthritis to the role self-management plays in improving their symptoms and quality of life.