About the Charity

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is the only patient-led organisation in the UK specialising in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Read below to find out how NRAS was founded, its vision and mission, and the people that work behind-the-scenes.

From the Chief Executive

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is a leading, independent UK charity; we represent and support almost half-a-million adults living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. We also support thousands of young people and adults living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).

NRAS was founded in 2001 by Ailsa Bosworth MBE, who now acts as NRAS National Patient Champion, having led the charity as CEO for 18 years.

We raise awareness, advocate for improvements to NHS care, and we support research by providing a patient voice. We offer individuals a range of services, helping them over their lifetimes as their symptoms and needs fluctuate.

We support the newly diagnosed, providing educational resources, guidance, and reassurance, when people are thriving under treatment, we help them safely self-manage their health. Should anyone feel unable to cope or unable to work, perhaps due to pain or fatigue, we lend them support.

Our vision is for ‘a future where everyone with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis can thrive.’

We take pride in the fact that everything we stand for and do is patient-led. Our small but dedicated team works closely with healthcare professionals, researchers, and our own advisory boards to deliver high quality, reliable resources.

Finally, we are extremely grateful for the support we get from our amazing volunteers, our membership and the many people who support us financially.

With best wishes,

Peter Foxton
NRAS CEO



Our Vision

A future where everyone with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis can thrive.


Our Purpose

To inform and support people with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and campaign for improvement to care and treatments.


Our Values

We are brave, bold and deeply committed to improving lives.

We use evidence and the ‘patient voice’ to operate with integrity.

We spend funding wisely to achieve the greatest impact.

We represent a diverse community with a broad spectrum of needs.

Our Goals

  • Informing and Educating.
  • Supporting and Empowering.
  • Campaigning and Researching.
  • Raising funds and building a resilient organisation.

NRAS in 2024

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