Scroll down Support for living with RA We provide information and support services for those affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), their families, friends, carers and health professionals. Join today What's Happening News, 10 Jun Biggest change to treatment of RA since the introduction of biologics in the early 2000s The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society are extremely excited to announce that today 10 June, 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued draft guidance that gives approval for certain anti-TNF therapies to be prescribed for people with so-called ‘moderate’ rheumatoid arthritis (full and final guidance will be issued in July). These […] News, 14 May Department of Health & Social Care Q&A on social distancing changes for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people in England from 17 May This is a UK government Q&A which is relevant to people living in England who have been classified as ‘Clinically Extremely Vulnerable The new guidance for everyone on social distancing can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-friends-and-family-covid-19 The specific guidance for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people will be updated from 17 May and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19 1. What […] News, 01 Apr April update: Sir Lenny Henry urges black Britons to take COVID-19 vaccine; announcement for adults living with adults who are immunosuppressed Sir Lenny Henry urges black Britons to take COVID-19 vaccine Sir Lenny Henry has written an open letter to encourage Black Britons to take the COVID-19 vaccine, signed by some of the most high-profile names in the UK. 12 Years a Slave actor and Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, author Malorie Blackman, actor Thandie Newton, football pundit […] Get all the latest news and events straight to your inbox with our regular email. Don't worry, we won’t send you spam! Sign up About Rheumatoid Arthritis All our information on rheumatoid arthritis, what it is, how it’s managed and living with the condition. What is RA? → Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease, meaning that the symptoms such as pain and inflammation are caused by the immune system attacking the joints. Symptoms of RA → RA is a systemic condition, meaning that it can affect the body all over. RA occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, and this can cause pain, swelling and stiffness. RA diagnosis and possible causes → RA is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, scans and examination of the joints. RA medication → RA is a very variable condition so, doctors do not start all patients in exactly the same way on the same drug regimen. RA healthcare → Read about the people involved in treating RA, best practice models for clinical practice and information on monitoring of RA. Search for resources Try searching our resource hub to find the articles, videos, tools and publications most helpful for you. I am… Employer Health Professional Someone with RASelect topic… About NRAS COVID-19 Diagnosis and Monitoring Diet and Exercise Family Planning Healthcare professionals Other Conditions RA Stories Research Self Care Symptoms and Causes Treatment Work and BenefitsSelect resource type… Article Publication Video Clear All Article NRAS Rheum For Inclusion Member NRAS is currently seeking to recruit five new members for our Rheum for Inclusion board. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and are hoping to represent all the different geographical locations in the UK (including Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland). We are also committed to our members being representative of region, age, religion, profession, […] Article Remote Monitoring in Rheumatoid Arthritis Project NRAS are supporting the following project. Please read and if interested get involved! You need to live in South London to take part and be a patient at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, or Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. Do you live in south London and have experience […] Article Volunteers needed for a University of Birmingham Research Project The Rheumatology Research Group at the University of Birmingham are developing two videos for people who are considering whether or not to take part in a research study about Rheumatoid Arthritis. One video will be about what it’s like to take part in a clinical study/trial. The second will be about what it’s like to […] Video Facebook Live: Update on COVID-19 Vaccinations Facebook Live: Update on COVID-19 Vaccinations 26/05/2021 Clare Jacklin (NRAS CEO) is joined by Dr Lizzy MacPhie for an update on COVID-19 Vaccinations. Article Global Rheumatology Alliance COVID-19 Vaccine Survey If you are 18 years or older and have a rheumatic disease, please consider participating in this survey. You are eligible to take the survey whether or not you received the COVID-19 vaccine. GRA will not collect personal information such as name, email address, IP address, or other data that will make you easily identifiable. […] Load more ↓ Get Involved There are many ways in which you can get involved to support NRAS, from holding a tea party to becoming a Member. Help by donating Donate today to change the lives of those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Help by fundraising We need your help to continue our work and there’s lots of ways to do so! Help by joining Join NRAS today and be part of our RA community. You are not alone. Help by volunteering Join our amazing team of volunteers and help us to raise the profile of RA. Your Stories RA can be life-changing, but you can be the one to change your life Becoming a mother, retraining, going self-employed and setting up an NRAS group. How NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh did all this after her RA diagnosis. To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), we celebrate inspirational women everywhere, women such as our very own amazing NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh. “I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of […] I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life I am 24 years old, and at aged 19, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of RA. Somehow I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life and everything about it! My name is Eleanor Farr – known as Ellie or Ell to my friends! I am 24 years […] Why Major Jake P Baker stays ‘faithful in adversity’ Major Jake P Baker discusses a life in the army, his diagnosis of RA and how his healthcare team, family and NRAS have helped him through his journey with RA. I retired from the Army on 30th April 2013 after nearly 42 years’ service – man and boy. I enlisted 6 days after my 15th birthday, taking […] A daughter’s letter to her father, who lives with RA Dear Dad, you took care of me within your strong arms until I could walk, then embraced me in hugs every day after, keeping our connection forever strong. You took care of me, and you still do, but I want to talk about the time where this case was inversed. To look back on when […] It all started with a pain in my right wrist My RA is still in remission and I am able to enjoy activities like cycling and walking. Last August we had a family holiday in Wales and I managed to climb Snowdon – a real sense of achievement. I do still get some pain and swelling in my joints, especially my wrists and hands, but compared to where I […] Click to close video modal Close Help support others Because of your generous donations, NRAS will continue to be there for everyone affected by rheumatoid arthritis. MonthlySinglePay in Funds £3£8£15Other £18.74£41.44£165.75Other £50£100£500Other Donate now! NRAS in 2020 0 Calls answered 0 Publications sent out 0 People reached
What's Happening News, 10 Jun Biggest change to treatment of RA since the introduction of biologics in the early 2000s The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society are extremely excited to announce that today 10 June, 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued draft guidance that gives approval for certain anti-TNF therapies to be prescribed for people with so-called ‘moderate’ rheumatoid arthritis (full and final guidance will be issued in July). These […] News, 14 May Department of Health & Social Care Q&A on social distancing changes for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people in England from 17 May This is a UK government Q&A which is relevant to people living in England who have been classified as ‘Clinically Extremely Vulnerable The new guidance for everyone on social distancing can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-friends-and-family-covid-19 The specific guidance for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people will be updated from 17 May and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19 1. What […] News, 01 Apr April update: Sir Lenny Henry urges black Britons to take COVID-19 vaccine; announcement for adults living with adults who are immunosuppressed Sir Lenny Henry urges black Britons to take COVID-19 vaccine Sir Lenny Henry has written an open letter to encourage Black Britons to take the COVID-19 vaccine, signed by some of the most high-profile names in the UK. 12 Years a Slave actor and Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, author Malorie Blackman, actor Thandie Newton, football pundit […] Get all the latest news and events straight to your inbox with our regular email. Don't worry, we won’t send you spam! Sign up
News, 10 Jun Biggest change to treatment of RA since the introduction of biologics in the early 2000s The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society are extremely excited to announce that today 10 June, 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued draft guidance that gives approval for certain anti-TNF therapies to be prescribed for people with so-called ‘moderate’ rheumatoid arthritis (full and final guidance will be issued in July). These […]
News, 14 May Department of Health & Social Care Q&A on social distancing changes for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people in England from 17 May This is a UK government Q&A which is relevant to people living in England who have been classified as ‘Clinically Extremely Vulnerable The new guidance for everyone on social distancing can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-friends-and-family-covid-19 The specific guidance for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people will be updated from 17 May and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19 1. What […]
News, 01 Apr April update: Sir Lenny Henry urges black Britons to take COVID-19 vaccine; announcement for adults living with adults who are immunosuppressed Sir Lenny Henry urges black Britons to take COVID-19 vaccine Sir Lenny Henry has written an open letter to encourage Black Britons to take the COVID-19 vaccine, signed by some of the most high-profile names in the UK. 12 Years a Slave actor and Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, author Malorie Blackman, actor Thandie Newton, football pundit […]
About Rheumatoid Arthritis All our information on rheumatoid arthritis, what it is, how it’s managed and living with the condition. What is RA? → Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease, meaning that the symptoms such as pain and inflammation are caused by the immune system attacking the joints. Symptoms of RA → RA is a systemic condition, meaning that it can affect the body all over. RA occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, and this can cause pain, swelling and stiffness. RA diagnosis and possible causes → RA is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, scans and examination of the joints. RA medication → RA is a very variable condition so, doctors do not start all patients in exactly the same way on the same drug regimen. RA healthcare → Read about the people involved in treating RA, best practice models for clinical practice and information on monitoring of RA.
Search for resources Try searching our resource hub to find the articles, videos, tools and publications most helpful for you. I am… Employer Health Professional Someone with RASelect topic… About NRAS COVID-19 Diagnosis and Monitoring Diet and Exercise Family Planning Healthcare professionals Other Conditions RA Stories Research Self Care Symptoms and Causes Treatment Work and BenefitsSelect resource type… Article Publication Video Clear All Article NRAS Rheum For Inclusion Member NRAS is currently seeking to recruit five new members for our Rheum for Inclusion board. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and are hoping to represent all the different geographical locations in the UK (including Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland). We are also committed to our members being representative of region, age, religion, profession, […] Article Remote Monitoring in Rheumatoid Arthritis Project NRAS are supporting the following project. Please read and if interested get involved! You need to live in South London to take part and be a patient at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, or Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. Do you live in south London and have experience […] Article Volunteers needed for a University of Birmingham Research Project The Rheumatology Research Group at the University of Birmingham are developing two videos for people who are considering whether or not to take part in a research study about Rheumatoid Arthritis. One video will be about what it’s like to take part in a clinical study/trial. The second will be about what it’s like to […] Video Facebook Live: Update on COVID-19 Vaccinations Facebook Live: Update on COVID-19 Vaccinations 26/05/2021 Clare Jacklin (NRAS CEO) is joined by Dr Lizzy MacPhie for an update on COVID-19 Vaccinations. Article Global Rheumatology Alliance COVID-19 Vaccine Survey If you are 18 years or older and have a rheumatic disease, please consider participating in this survey. You are eligible to take the survey whether or not you received the COVID-19 vaccine. GRA will not collect personal information such as name, email address, IP address, or other data that will make you easily identifiable. […] Load more ↓
Article NRAS Rheum For Inclusion Member NRAS is currently seeking to recruit five new members for our Rheum for Inclusion board. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and are hoping to represent all the different geographical locations in the UK (including Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland). We are also committed to our members being representative of region, age, religion, profession, […]
Article Remote Monitoring in Rheumatoid Arthritis Project NRAS are supporting the following project. Please read and if interested get involved! You need to live in South London to take part and be a patient at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, or Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. Do you live in south London and have experience […]
Article Volunteers needed for a University of Birmingham Research Project The Rheumatology Research Group at the University of Birmingham are developing two videos for people who are considering whether or not to take part in a research study about Rheumatoid Arthritis. One video will be about what it’s like to take part in a clinical study/trial. The second will be about what it’s like to […]
Video Facebook Live: Update on COVID-19 Vaccinations Facebook Live: Update on COVID-19 Vaccinations 26/05/2021 Clare Jacklin (NRAS CEO) is joined by Dr Lizzy MacPhie for an update on COVID-19 Vaccinations.
Article Global Rheumatology Alliance COVID-19 Vaccine Survey If you are 18 years or older and have a rheumatic disease, please consider participating in this survey. You are eligible to take the survey whether or not you received the COVID-19 vaccine. GRA will not collect personal information such as name, email address, IP address, or other data that will make you easily identifiable. […]
Get Involved There are many ways in which you can get involved to support NRAS, from holding a tea party to becoming a Member. Help by donating Donate today to change the lives of those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Help by fundraising We need your help to continue our work and there’s lots of ways to do so! Help by joining Join NRAS today and be part of our RA community. You are not alone. Help by volunteering Join our amazing team of volunteers and help us to raise the profile of RA.
Your Stories RA can be life-changing, but you can be the one to change your life Becoming a mother, retraining, going self-employed and setting up an NRAS group. How NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh did all this after her RA diagnosis. To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), we celebrate inspirational women everywhere, women such as our very own amazing NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh. “I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of […] I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life I am 24 years old, and at aged 19, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of RA. Somehow I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life and everything about it! My name is Eleanor Farr – known as Ellie or Ell to my friends! I am 24 years […] Why Major Jake P Baker stays ‘faithful in adversity’ Major Jake P Baker discusses a life in the army, his diagnosis of RA and how his healthcare team, family and NRAS have helped him through his journey with RA. I retired from the Army on 30th April 2013 after nearly 42 years’ service – man and boy. I enlisted 6 days after my 15th birthday, taking […] A daughter’s letter to her father, who lives with RA Dear Dad, you took care of me within your strong arms until I could walk, then embraced me in hugs every day after, keeping our connection forever strong. You took care of me, and you still do, but I want to talk about the time where this case was inversed. To look back on when […] It all started with a pain in my right wrist My RA is still in remission and I am able to enjoy activities like cycling and walking. Last August we had a family holiday in Wales and I managed to climb Snowdon – a real sense of achievement. I do still get some pain and swelling in my joints, especially my wrists and hands, but compared to where I […]
RA can be life-changing, but you can be the one to change your life Becoming a mother, retraining, going self-employed and setting up an NRAS group. How NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh did all this after her RA diagnosis. To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), we celebrate inspirational women everywhere, women such as our very own amazing NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh. “I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of […]
I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life I am 24 years old, and at aged 19, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of RA. Somehow I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life and everything about it! My name is Eleanor Farr – known as Ellie or Ell to my friends! I am 24 years […]
Why Major Jake P Baker stays ‘faithful in adversity’ Major Jake P Baker discusses a life in the army, his diagnosis of RA and how his healthcare team, family and NRAS have helped him through his journey with RA. I retired from the Army on 30th April 2013 after nearly 42 years’ service – man and boy. I enlisted 6 days after my 15th birthday, taking […]
A daughter’s letter to her father, who lives with RA Dear Dad, you took care of me within your strong arms until I could walk, then embraced me in hugs every day after, keeping our connection forever strong. You took care of me, and you still do, but I want to talk about the time where this case was inversed. To look back on when […]
It all started with a pain in my right wrist My RA is still in remission and I am able to enjoy activities like cycling and walking. Last August we had a family holiday in Wales and I managed to climb Snowdon – a real sense of achievement. I do still get some pain and swelling in my joints, especially my wrists and hands, but compared to where I […]
Help support others Because of your generous donations, NRAS will continue to be there for everyone affected by rheumatoid arthritis. MonthlySinglePay in Funds £3£8£15Other £18.74£41.44£165.75Other £50£100£500Other Donate now!