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, 02 Mar Update on COVID-19 Vaccine We are receiving many calls and enquiries about the vaccine and how that may impact people with RA or JIA. All patients with RA are encouraged to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people taking Disease Modifying Anti Rhematic Drugs such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine and/or advanced therapies such as biologics, biosimilars and […] News, 08 Feb Second REUMAVID Survey NRAS are pleased along with Arthritis Action and NASS to be supporting this European study into the impact of COVID19 pandemic on people living with Rheumatic diseases. The survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. This study is promoted by the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS), the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), and Arthritis Action, […] News, 18 Nov Join the DBC’s call in demanding the Government to stop leaving disabled people behind ‘Rishi, we urge you, please – do the right thing’ – over 119,000 demand Chancellor stop denying financial lifeline to 2 million people on legacy benefits. 18/11/2020 Petition hand-in follows Ian Blackford MP telling Prime Minister to ”fix the serious gaps in Covid-19 support for those excluded in the UK” Actor Alun Armstrong behind call […] 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 Guidance for NRAS groups on resuming in-person events As the vaccine rollout continues, the UK government and devolved administrations have announced plans for a reduction in COVID-19 restrictions. We understand that many of you will be keen to arrange face-to-face events once again when this is possible and safe, while others will want to continue to meet virtually until you feel you can […] Article Disability benefits consortium The Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) is a national coalition of over 100 different charities and other organisations committed to working towards a fair benefits system. As part of the DBC, we speak up for NRAS Members who rely on disability benefits. Article Patient Views Representative Our volunteers are integral to our service delivery and help by providing a listening ear, taking part in research projects, raising awareness of RA and JIA and their impact, providing administrative backup and much more! Article Prescription charges coalition England is the only nation of the United Kingdom in which people still pay prescription charges. For people living with RA, JIA and other long-term conditions, this can be a serious financial burden. If you have an experience you would like to share relating to prescription charges or would like to support this campaign, please […] Article RA and mental health It has been suggested that depression in rheumatoid arthritis is nearly three times that of the general population, yet it often goes undiagnosed. NRAS is calling for every rheumatology unit in the UK to ask people using their services about their mental health. Although rheumatology units in the UK recognise that providing psychological support to […] 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, 02 Mar Update on COVID-19 Vaccine We are receiving many calls and enquiries about the vaccine and how that may impact people with RA or JIA. All patients with RA are encouraged to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people taking Disease Modifying Anti Rhematic Drugs such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine and/or advanced therapies such as biologics, biosimilars and […] News, 08 Feb Second REUMAVID Survey NRAS are pleased along with Arthritis Action and NASS to be supporting this European study into the impact of COVID19 pandemic on people living with Rheumatic diseases. The survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. This study is promoted by the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS), the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), and Arthritis Action, […] News, 18 Nov Join the DBC’s call in demanding the Government to stop leaving disabled people behind ‘Rishi, we urge you, please – do the right thing’ – over 119,000 demand Chancellor stop denying financial lifeline to 2 million people on legacy benefits. 18/11/2020 Petition hand-in follows Ian Blackford MP telling Prime Minister to ”fix the serious gaps in Covid-19 support for those excluded in the UK” Actor Alun Armstrong behind call […] 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, 02 Mar Update on COVID-19 Vaccine We are receiving many calls and enquiries about the vaccine and how that may impact people with RA or JIA. All patients with RA are encouraged to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people taking Disease Modifying Anti Rhematic Drugs such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine and/or advanced therapies such as biologics, biosimilars and […]
News, 08 Feb Second REUMAVID Survey NRAS are pleased along with Arthritis Action and NASS to be supporting this European study into the impact of COVID19 pandemic on people living with Rheumatic diseases. The survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. This study is promoted by the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS), the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), and Arthritis Action, […]
News, 18 Nov Join the DBC’s call in demanding the Government to stop leaving disabled people behind ‘Rishi, we urge you, please – do the right thing’ – over 119,000 demand Chancellor stop denying financial lifeline to 2 million people on legacy benefits. 18/11/2020 Petition hand-in follows Ian Blackford MP telling Prime Minister to ”fix the serious gaps in Covid-19 support for those excluded in the UK” Actor Alun Armstrong behind call […]
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 Guidance for NRAS groups on resuming in-person events As the vaccine rollout continues, the UK government and devolved administrations have announced plans for a reduction in COVID-19 restrictions. We understand that many of you will be keen to arrange face-to-face events once again when this is possible and safe, while others will want to continue to meet virtually until you feel you can […] Article Disability benefits consortium The Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) is a national coalition of over 100 different charities and other organisations committed to working towards a fair benefits system. As part of the DBC, we speak up for NRAS Members who rely on disability benefits. Article Patient Views Representative Our volunteers are integral to our service delivery and help by providing a listening ear, taking part in research projects, raising awareness of RA and JIA and their impact, providing administrative backup and much more! Article Prescription charges coalition England is the only nation of the United Kingdom in which people still pay prescription charges. For people living with RA, JIA and other long-term conditions, this can be a serious financial burden. If you have an experience you would like to share relating to prescription charges or would like to support this campaign, please […] Article RA and mental health It has been suggested that depression in rheumatoid arthritis is nearly three times that of the general population, yet it often goes undiagnosed. NRAS is calling for every rheumatology unit in the UK to ask people using their services about their mental health. Although rheumatology units in the UK recognise that providing psychological support to […] Load more ↓
Article Guidance for NRAS groups on resuming in-person events As the vaccine rollout continues, the UK government and devolved administrations have announced plans for a reduction in COVID-19 restrictions. We understand that many of you will be keen to arrange face-to-face events once again when this is possible and safe, while others will want to continue to meet virtually until you feel you can […]
Article Disability benefits consortium The Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) is a national coalition of over 100 different charities and other organisations committed to working towards a fair benefits system. As part of the DBC, we speak up for NRAS Members who rely on disability benefits.
Article Patient Views Representative Our volunteers are integral to our service delivery and help by providing a listening ear, taking part in research projects, raising awareness of RA and JIA and their impact, providing administrative backup and much more!
Article Prescription charges coalition England is the only nation of the United Kingdom in which people still pay prescription charges. For people living with RA, JIA and other long-term conditions, this can be a serious financial burden. If you have an experience you would like to share relating to prescription charges or would like to support this campaign, please […]
Article RA and mental health It has been suggested that depression in rheumatoid arthritis is nearly three times that of the general population, yet it often goes undiagnosed. NRAS is calling for every rheumatology unit in the UK to ask people using their services about their mental health. Although rheumatology units in the UK recognise that providing psychological support to […]
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!