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. Learn more 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. Stay up to date Get all the latest news and goings on at NRAS direct to your inbox. 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? Event, on 28 May NRAS Live: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis & Bone Health Rheumatoid Arthritis doesn’t just affect your joints — it can impact your bones too. Tune in for an insightful conversation with Deborah Nelson, Osteoporosis Specialist Nurse at the Royal Osteoporosis Society, and Peter Foxton, CEO of NRAS on Wednesday, 28th May at 7pm. We’ll be talking about, the link between RA & Osteoporosis, risk factors to watch […] News, 09 Apr NRAS to launch results of Welsh Survey on IA NRAS to launch the results of their Survey of people with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) across Wales, collecting data about the patient experience of accessing rheumatology services in 2024. Join NRAS’ CEO, Peter Foxton, from 12.00 -12.45 on Tuesday 22nd April – guest speakers, Ailsa Bosworth MBE, NRAS’ National Patient Champion, Dr Ceril Rhys-Dillon, Consultant Rheumatologist […] News, 31 Mar Disability benefits cuts announced in the Spring Statement Following the news last week that benefits related to disability would be affected by cuts, we have learnt more from the publication of the government’s Green Paper “Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working” and information including within the Spring Statement and other impact assessments on what these changes are going […] 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 TaILOR Study TaILOR Study How does Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU) compare to standard care follow up for people living with inflammatory arthritis? Full Title of study: What is the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) strategy compared to traditional pre-arranged appointments for people with inflammatory arthritis (IA) treated with long-term immune-suppressing therapies? A randomised controlled […] Article Welsh Survey on Rheumatology 2024 – report In 2024, NRAS updated their patient survey, first done in 2016 and reported as part of the BSR State of Play for Wales report of that year, and sent it out as widely as possible across Wales to gauge people’s experiences of rheumatology services and care in a post pandemic landscape. We wanted the opportunity […] Article NRAS’ further response to disability cuts from the Spring Statement NRAS’ further response to disability cuts from the Spring Statement The news around benefit changes have been a significant story over the last few weeks with many changes being announced. This has been an incredibly difficult time for people living with disabilities and many feeling scared about their future and how this will impact them. […] Article Homecare Medicine Services in Scotland Independent Review of Medicines Homecare in Scotland Article Wear Purple for JIA 2025: A Splash of Purple for a Powerful Cause Wear Purple for JIA 2025: A Splash of Purple for a Powerful Cause The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is thrilled to announce the return of its annual #WearPurpleForJIA campaign, set to take place on Friday, 23rd May 2025. This colourful initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for children and young people living with […] 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 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 £16.68£34.00£83.56Other £50£100£500Other Donate now! NRAS in 2023 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. Stay up to date Get all the latest news and goings on at NRAS direct to your inbox. 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? Event, on 28 May NRAS Live: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis & Bone Health Rheumatoid Arthritis doesn’t just affect your joints — it can impact your bones too. Tune in for an insightful conversation with Deborah Nelson, Osteoporosis Specialist Nurse at the Royal Osteoporosis Society, and Peter Foxton, CEO of NRAS on Wednesday, 28th May at 7pm. We’ll be talking about, the link between RA & Osteoporosis, risk factors to watch […] News, 09 Apr NRAS to launch results of Welsh Survey on IA NRAS to launch the results of their Survey of people with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) across Wales, collecting data about the patient experience of accessing rheumatology services in 2024. Join NRAS’ CEO, Peter Foxton, from 12.00 -12.45 on Tuesday 22nd April – guest speakers, Ailsa Bosworth MBE, NRAS’ National Patient Champion, Dr Ceril Rhys-Dillon, Consultant Rheumatologist […] News, 31 Mar Disability benefits cuts announced in the Spring Statement Following the news last week that benefits related to disability would be affected by cuts, we have learnt more from the publication of the government’s Green Paper “Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working” and information including within the Spring Statement and other impact assessments on what these changes are going […] 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
Event, on 28 May NRAS Live: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis & Bone Health Rheumatoid Arthritis doesn’t just affect your joints — it can impact your bones too. Tune in for an insightful conversation with Deborah Nelson, Osteoporosis Specialist Nurse at the Royal Osteoporosis Society, and Peter Foxton, CEO of NRAS on Wednesday, 28th May at 7pm. We’ll be talking about, the link between RA & Osteoporosis, risk factors to watch […]
News, 09 Apr NRAS to launch results of Welsh Survey on IA NRAS to launch the results of their Survey of people with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) across Wales, collecting data about the patient experience of accessing rheumatology services in 2024. Join NRAS’ CEO, Peter Foxton, from 12.00 -12.45 on Tuesday 22nd April – guest speakers, Ailsa Bosworth MBE, NRAS’ National Patient Champion, Dr Ceril Rhys-Dillon, Consultant Rheumatologist […]
News, 31 Mar Disability benefits cuts announced in the Spring Statement Following the news last week that benefits related to disability would be affected by cuts, we have learnt more from the publication of the government’s Green Paper “Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working” and information including within the Spring Statement and other impact assessments on what these changes are going […]
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 TaILOR Study TaILOR Study How does Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU) compare to standard care follow up for people living with inflammatory arthritis? Full Title of study: What is the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) strategy compared to traditional pre-arranged appointments for people with inflammatory arthritis (IA) treated with long-term immune-suppressing therapies? A randomised controlled […] Article Welsh Survey on Rheumatology 2024 – report In 2024, NRAS updated their patient survey, first done in 2016 and reported as part of the BSR State of Play for Wales report of that year, and sent it out as widely as possible across Wales to gauge people’s experiences of rheumatology services and care in a post pandemic landscape. We wanted the opportunity […] Article NRAS’ further response to disability cuts from the Spring Statement NRAS’ further response to disability cuts from the Spring Statement The news around benefit changes have been a significant story over the last few weeks with many changes being announced. This has been an incredibly difficult time for people living with disabilities and many feeling scared about their future and how this will impact them. […] Article Homecare Medicine Services in Scotland Independent Review of Medicines Homecare in Scotland Article Wear Purple for JIA 2025: A Splash of Purple for a Powerful Cause Wear Purple for JIA 2025: A Splash of Purple for a Powerful Cause The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is thrilled to announce the return of its annual #WearPurpleForJIA campaign, set to take place on Friday, 23rd May 2025. This colourful initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for children and young people living with […] Load more ↓
Article TaILOR Study TaILOR Study How does Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU) compare to standard care follow up for people living with inflammatory arthritis? Full Title of study: What is the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) strategy compared to traditional pre-arranged appointments for people with inflammatory arthritis (IA) treated with long-term immune-suppressing therapies? A randomised controlled […]
Article Welsh Survey on Rheumatology 2024 – report In 2024, NRAS updated their patient survey, first done in 2016 and reported as part of the BSR State of Play for Wales report of that year, and sent it out as widely as possible across Wales to gauge people’s experiences of rheumatology services and care in a post pandemic landscape. We wanted the opportunity […]
Article NRAS’ further response to disability cuts from the Spring Statement NRAS’ further response to disability cuts from the Spring Statement The news around benefit changes have been a significant story over the last few weeks with many changes being announced. This has been an incredibly difficult time for people living with disabilities and many feeling scared about their future and how this will impact them. […]
Article Wear Purple for JIA 2025: A Splash of Purple for a Powerful Cause Wear Purple for JIA 2025: A Splash of Purple for a Powerful Cause The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is thrilled to announce the return of its annual #WearPurpleForJIA campaign, set to take place on Friday, 23rd May 2025. This colourful initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for children and young people living with […]
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 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 […]
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 £16.68£34.00£83.56Other £50£100£500Other Donate now!