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. Enter your symptoms into our checker and we can offer advice on the next steps to take. Check your symptoms What is RA? Everyone has heard of arthritis, but what exactly is rheumatoid arthritis? Find out more here. Who we are Who are NRAS, what is our mission and how did we become what we are today? How we can support Discover all the ways NRAS can help support those living with RA. RA Symptom Checker Think that you are showing signs of RA? Check your symptoms here. SMILE-RA Our FREE interactive e-learning platform to help people self-manage their RA. Right Start Let us be the team member you need! Refer a patient to NRAS today. Publications Download or order our FREE booklets on key aspects of RA. Fundraising Find ways to help raise funds for NRAS and support others. What's happening? News, 01 Nov 2025 The festive season is fast approaching! Browse our Christmas shop with a vast selection of traditional and contemporary greetings cards as well as all the festive essentials! Event, on 26 Nov 2025 NRAS Live: Menopause & RA In our recent survey, 90% of women with RA said that menopause made their RA symptoms worse. RA and menopause share many symptoms. Join us on Wednesday 26th November at 7pm, where we will be joined by Dr Vikram Talaulikar, Specialist in Reproductive Medicine at University College London Hospitals. Dr. Talaulikar will be sharing information […] News, 12 Oct 2025 World Arthritis Day 2025: Raising Awareness for Rheumatoid Arthritis World Arthritis Day (WAD), observed annually on 12th October, is a global initiative to spotlight conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – a complex autoimmune disease that is often misunderstood. To mark WAD 2025, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) has re-released a powerful video originally launched in 2019. The video’s message about the stigma and misconceptions surrounding RA remains […] 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 Apni Jung info for South Asian community Community COVID-19 Diagnosis and Monitoring Diet and Exercise Events Family Planning Fundraising Healthcare professionals Other Conditions Research Self-management Symptoms and Causes Treatment Work and BenefitsSelect resource type… Article Blog Facebook Live NRAS Live Publication Video Clear All Article Ten Top Fundraising Tips! 1. Get Organised Decide what you’re doing, set up your fundraising page and set a target! You could: Find out how to set up a JustGiving fundraising page here. For up-to-date fundraising targets, check out our Donate Page. 2. Start Early The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to gain support and raise […] Article Simple Steps to Start Fundraising 1. Choose an Event There are so many ways you can raise funds and awareness to support all those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Whichever way you choose, be sure to have FUN with fundraising! 2. Agree a Fundraising Target Setting a clear fundraising goal will help motivate you and your supporters. Check out our Donate […] Article Keep your Fundraising Safe, Legal and Fun The information on this page is specifically intended to provide general guidance only and is not legal advice. The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society cannot accept responsibility for any accidents, injuries, loss or damages which occur because of your fundraising activity or event. When promoting your fundraising or creating any of your own fundraising materials, you must say […] Article Donate through PayPal Giving Fund PayPal Giving Fund, a UK registered charity, raises funds for UK charities by helping people support their favourite charities online. They help raise funds through PayPal but also through other technology platforms including Ebay, Facebook, GoFundMe and Humble Bundle. If you donate to us through PayPal Giving Fund there will be no fees charged and we’ll receive 100% […] Article Understanding what affects physical ability in people with rheumatoid arthritis NRAS is pleased to have supported the international COVAD study by helping to share the survey with people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This important research looked at what affects physical ability in those with RA, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to your voice of patients, we now have a better understanding of how […] 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 volunteering Join our amazing team of volunteers and help us to raise the profile of RA. Help by joining Memberships tailored for you Don’t live this alone, join us today and be part of our RA Community, together we can help you build a brighter tomorrow. Any overseas supporters will be limited to digital offerings only. View T&Cs for all memberships here Help by fundraising We need your help to continue our work and there’s lots of ways to do so! Help by donating Donate today to change the lives of those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sign up for our FREE newsletter NRAS exists to enable people with RA and JIA to live life to the full. We would love to keep you posted with our vital work, latest RA and JIA news and research, fundraising opportunities, policy campaigns, events, and local activities. Sign up Your Stories Tired, in pain and having to fight every step of the way – Michelle’s journey Written by Michelle A couple of years ago I quit my job in sales, to pursue a more active life. I was working temporarily at a youth hostel in the Lake District over winter, hiking and wild swimming in my free time. But I woke up one morning with some kind of muscle spasm in […] You have to be proactive in managing your illness Written by Amanda I was diagnosed at the age of 37 in 2008, after 6 months of misdiagnosis by GPs and finally ending up not being able to get out of bed one morning and being taken to hospital as an emergency. Diagnosis changed my life – physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and socially. I received […] I feel like I’ve gained a lot of my life back We spoke to Léa, who was diagnosed with RA in February 2020. Léa gives us first hand experience of her initial RA journey, the different medicines she has been prescribed to treat her RA and advice on the condition itself. Want more RA stories, Facebook Lives and informative videos? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. 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 £5£10£20Other £23.40£52.65£245.73Other £50£100£500Other Donate now! NRAS in 2024 0 Helpline enquiries 0 Publications sent out 0 People reached
What is RA? Everyone has heard of arthritis, but what exactly is rheumatoid arthritis? Find out more here. Who we are Who are NRAS, what is our mission and how did we become what we are today? How we can support Discover all the ways NRAS can help support those living with RA. RA Symptom Checker Think that you are showing signs of RA? Check your symptoms here. SMILE-RA Our FREE interactive e-learning platform to help people self-manage their RA. Right Start Let us be the team member you need! Refer a patient to NRAS today. Publications Download or order our FREE booklets on key aspects of RA. Fundraising Find ways to help raise funds for NRAS and support others.
What's happening? News, 01 Nov 2025 The festive season is fast approaching! Browse our Christmas shop with a vast selection of traditional and contemporary greetings cards as well as all the festive essentials! Event, on 26 Nov 2025 NRAS Live: Menopause & RA In our recent survey, 90% of women with RA said that menopause made their RA symptoms worse. RA and menopause share many symptoms. Join us on Wednesday 26th November at 7pm, where we will be joined by Dr Vikram Talaulikar, Specialist in Reproductive Medicine at University College London Hospitals. Dr. Talaulikar will be sharing information […] News, 12 Oct 2025 World Arthritis Day 2025: Raising Awareness for Rheumatoid Arthritis World Arthritis Day (WAD), observed annually on 12th October, is a global initiative to spotlight conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – a complex autoimmune disease that is often misunderstood. To mark WAD 2025, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) has re-released a powerful video originally launched in 2019. The video’s message about the stigma and misconceptions surrounding RA remains […] 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, 01 Nov 2025 The festive season is fast approaching! Browse our Christmas shop with a vast selection of traditional and contemporary greetings cards as well as all the festive essentials!
Event, on 26 Nov 2025 NRAS Live: Menopause & RA In our recent survey, 90% of women with RA said that menopause made their RA symptoms worse. RA and menopause share many symptoms. Join us on Wednesday 26th November at 7pm, where we will be joined by Dr Vikram Talaulikar, Specialist in Reproductive Medicine at University College London Hospitals. Dr. Talaulikar will be sharing information […]
News, 12 Oct 2025 World Arthritis Day 2025: Raising Awareness for Rheumatoid Arthritis World Arthritis Day (WAD), observed annually on 12th October, is a global initiative to spotlight conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – a complex autoimmune disease that is often misunderstood. To mark WAD 2025, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) has re-released a powerful video originally launched in 2019. The video’s message about the stigma and misconceptions surrounding RA remains […]
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 Apni Jung info for South Asian community Community COVID-19 Diagnosis and Monitoring Diet and Exercise Events Family Planning Fundraising Healthcare professionals Other Conditions Research Self-management Symptoms and Causes Treatment Work and BenefitsSelect resource type… Article Blog Facebook Live NRAS Live Publication Video Clear All Article Ten Top Fundraising Tips! 1. Get Organised Decide what you’re doing, set up your fundraising page and set a target! You could: Find out how to set up a JustGiving fundraising page here. For up-to-date fundraising targets, check out our Donate Page. 2. Start Early The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to gain support and raise […] Article Simple Steps to Start Fundraising 1. Choose an Event There are so many ways you can raise funds and awareness to support all those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Whichever way you choose, be sure to have FUN with fundraising! 2. Agree a Fundraising Target Setting a clear fundraising goal will help motivate you and your supporters. Check out our Donate […] Article Keep your Fundraising Safe, Legal and Fun The information on this page is specifically intended to provide general guidance only and is not legal advice. The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society cannot accept responsibility for any accidents, injuries, loss or damages which occur because of your fundraising activity or event. When promoting your fundraising or creating any of your own fundraising materials, you must say […] Article Donate through PayPal Giving Fund PayPal Giving Fund, a UK registered charity, raises funds for UK charities by helping people support their favourite charities online. They help raise funds through PayPal but also through other technology platforms including Ebay, Facebook, GoFundMe and Humble Bundle. If you donate to us through PayPal Giving Fund there will be no fees charged and we’ll receive 100% […] Article Understanding what affects physical ability in people with rheumatoid arthritis NRAS is pleased to have supported the international COVAD study by helping to share the survey with people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This important research looked at what affects physical ability in those with RA, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to your voice of patients, we now have a better understanding of how […] Load more ↓
Article Ten Top Fundraising Tips! 1. Get Organised Decide what you’re doing, set up your fundraising page and set a target! You could: Find out how to set up a JustGiving fundraising page here. For up-to-date fundraising targets, check out our Donate Page. 2. Start Early The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to gain support and raise […]
Article Simple Steps to Start Fundraising 1. Choose an Event There are so many ways you can raise funds and awareness to support all those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Whichever way you choose, be sure to have FUN with fundraising! 2. Agree a Fundraising Target Setting a clear fundraising goal will help motivate you and your supporters. Check out our Donate […]
Article Keep your Fundraising Safe, Legal and Fun The information on this page is specifically intended to provide general guidance only and is not legal advice. The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society cannot accept responsibility for any accidents, injuries, loss or damages which occur because of your fundraising activity or event. When promoting your fundraising or creating any of your own fundraising materials, you must say […]
Article Donate through PayPal Giving Fund PayPal Giving Fund, a UK registered charity, raises funds for UK charities by helping people support their favourite charities online. They help raise funds through PayPal but also through other technology platforms including Ebay, Facebook, GoFundMe and Humble Bundle. If you donate to us through PayPal Giving Fund there will be no fees charged and we’ll receive 100% […]
Article Understanding what affects physical ability in people with rheumatoid arthritis NRAS is pleased to have supported the international COVAD study by helping to share the survey with people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This important research looked at what affects physical ability in those with RA, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to your voice of patients, we now have a better understanding of how […]
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 volunteering Join our amazing team of volunteers and help us to raise the profile of RA. Help by joining Memberships tailored for you Don’t live this alone, join us today and be part of our RA Community, together we can help you build a brighter tomorrow. Any overseas supporters will be limited to digital offerings only. View T&Cs for all memberships here Help by fundraising We need your help to continue our work and there’s lots of ways to do so! Help by donating Donate today to change the lives of those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Help by joining Memberships tailored for you Don’t live this alone, join us today and be part of our RA Community, together we can help you build a brighter tomorrow. Any overseas supporters will be limited to digital offerings only. View T&Cs for all memberships here
Sign up for our FREE newsletter NRAS exists to enable people with RA and JIA to live life to the full. We would love to keep you posted with our vital work, latest RA and JIA news and research, fundraising opportunities, policy campaigns, events, and local activities. Sign up
Your Stories Tired, in pain and having to fight every step of the way – Michelle’s journey Written by Michelle A couple of years ago I quit my job in sales, to pursue a more active life. I was working temporarily at a youth hostel in the Lake District over winter, hiking and wild swimming in my free time. But I woke up one morning with some kind of muscle spasm in […] You have to be proactive in managing your illness Written by Amanda I was diagnosed at the age of 37 in 2008, after 6 months of misdiagnosis by GPs and finally ending up not being able to get out of bed one morning and being taken to hospital as an emergency. Diagnosis changed my life – physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and socially. I received […] I feel like I’ve gained a lot of my life back We spoke to Léa, who was diagnosed with RA in February 2020. Léa gives us first hand experience of her initial RA journey, the different medicines she has been prescribed to treat her RA and advice on the condition itself. Want more RA stories, Facebook Lives and informative videos? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. 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 […]
Tired, in pain and having to fight every step of the way – Michelle’s journey Written by Michelle A couple of years ago I quit my job in sales, to pursue a more active life. I was working temporarily at a youth hostel in the Lake District over winter, hiking and wild swimming in my free time. But I woke up one morning with some kind of muscle spasm in […]
You have to be proactive in managing your illness Written by Amanda I was diagnosed at the age of 37 in 2008, after 6 months of misdiagnosis by GPs and finally ending up not being able to get out of bed one morning and being taken to hospital as an emergency. Diagnosis changed my life – physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and socially. I received […]
I feel like I’ve gained a lot of my life back We spoke to Léa, who was diagnosed with RA in February 2020. Léa gives us first hand experience of her initial RA journey, the different medicines she has been prescribed to treat her RA and advice on the condition itself. Want more RA stories, Facebook Lives and informative videos? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
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 £5£10£20Other £23.40£52.65£245.73Other £50£100£500Other Donate now!