NRAS JoinTogether Digital Groups

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for many RA and JIA patients to be able to find new ways to connect with others like themselves. For many people attending a regional group in person may not work for them and through these new digital groups you can connect with others with similar interests and lifestyle choices. All groups are run by NRAS Volunteers.

What are the current JoinTogether Groups and how can I join?

It can be hard to find someone who understands the issues you are facing. Connecting with others living with RA and adult JIA can be of great benefit. NRAS JoinTogether groups are a great way to interact with others who have busy day to day lives and are trying to manage the difficulties of their disease. These new groups will enable you to regularly discuss your issues and learn to live better with your disease. Here are our current contact groups and their contact email addresses:

Parenting with Inflammatory Arthritis Group led by Hansa

Having inflammatory arthritis can be hard, add to this the ‘joys’ of raising children and the challenges can begin to pile up. As a parent with IA, it can get frustrating, and you aren’t alone if you feel this way. We’d love to have you join our Parenting with IA meeting, a safe space for you to laugh, cry, and meet others who are in a similar situation.

parentingwithia@nras.org.uk

Working with Inflammatory Arthritis Group led by Michael

This Group is all about helping each other understand the challenges of trying to work with Inflammatory Arthritis, possible solutions, how to talk to your employer, get back to work, change jobs or maybe even start a business that suits your condition.

workingwithia@nras.org.uk

Exercise & Back to Sport Group led by Katy

Our NRAS JoinTogether – Exercise and Back to Sport Group meets online and provides participants with an opportunity to exchange experiences, information and hints and tips. So, if you would like to get more active in sports like running and cycling or maybe you are someone who just wants to get more active to improve health and wellbeing in activities such as Pilates, dancing or getting back regularly to the gym, come along to our meetings to talk to other like-minded people and gain encouragement.

exercisebacktosport@nras.org.uk

18-35 Group 18to35@nras.org.uk

Simply drop an email to the group you are interested in joining and they will send you a new contact form to complete so that they can invite you to future online meetings.

Our JoinTogether groups are run by a volunteer network of people living with RA and JIA who would like to make a difference, whilst connecting with others with similar interests. If you have a passion and would like to set up a group, please contact our national Lead Volunteer, Katy Pieris at Jointogether@nras.org.uk.

Katy Pieris – JoinTogether Digital Groups Volunteer Lead

Katy is a mum, wife, exercise-fanatic and media sales professional and was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis in 2011 at the age of 28.

“Inflammatory arthritis can be frightening when first diagnosed. I struggled to understand how the disease was going to affect my life. At the time, being 28, living with my partner, navigating the world of work and at the time, struggling with simple tasks, it took me a long time to connect with others like me.

From volunteering with NRAS for the last eight year’s I know how hard the disease can be, not just for you, but those who you are close to. I hope that these groups will enable people to connect and learn from others within the community.”

NRAS in 2023

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