NRAS JoinTogether Digital Groups For many people, attending a local group in person may not be possible. But with these digital groups, you can connect online with others who have similar interests and lifestyles. All groups are run by volunteers. What are our current JoinTogether Groups? Finding someone who truly understands the challenges you’re facing can be tough. Connecting with others living with the same condition can be immensely beneficial. Our groups offer a fantastic opportunity to interact with others who, like you, lead busy lives while managing the complexities of their condition. These groups provide a supportive environment where you can regularly discuss your issues and learn to live better with your RA/AJIA. To learn more or join the next meeting, click here Community Events. Working with Inflammatory Arthritis Group Group leader: Mick This Group is all about helping each other understand the challenges of trying to work with Inflammatory Arthritis, possible solutions, how to talk to your employer, get back to work, change jobs or maybe even start a business that suits your condition. Our ‘Working with Inflammatory Arthritis’ group is expertly led by Michael Green, NRAS volunteer and Human Resources (HR) professional with over 20 years of industry experience. Mick is passionate about supporting individuals living with IA. The ‘Working with IA’ group meetings provide a blend of valuable information, engaging discussions, and social interaction in a friendly and informal environment. To be kept informed of this Group’s meetings please click here. Movement & Exercise Group Group leader: Gill This group emphasises the significance of movement and exercise for both physical and mental well-being in individuals living with RA/AJIA. Our meetings are designed to address a wide range of abilities, from low-impact activities and exercises during flare-ups to guidance on returning to high-impact sports. Each session includes practical tips and valuable insights from speakers. Additionally, participants can engage in discussions and social interactions with like-minded individuals. Please note that these sessions do not include live exercise demonstrations. Gill has a background in executive coaching and leadership development. She is a trained dancer and has always enjoyed physical activities and exercise including walking, pilates, yoga and gym. She has had to adapt her exercise due to her RA but still finds the benefit of continuing with adapted exercise when symptoms flare and enjoys the social side of attending classes. To be kept informed of this Group’s meetings please click here. Menopause with Inflammatory Arthritis Group leader: Lizzy A supportive space for women navigating Menopause and Inflammatory Arthritis: this group offers a welcoming, safe space for women to connect, share, and feel heard throughout every stage of menopause—from perimenopause to post-menopause—while also managing life with Inflammatory Arthritis. The meetings will provide an opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss practical tips for symptom management, as well as hear expert advice from guest speakers who understand the unique challenges of this journey. Lizzy is 52, happily married, and has a 24-year-old son who lives in Yorkshire and a 13-year-old stepdaughter. She was diagnosed with RA at the age of 39 after becoming suddenly and unexpectedly unwell. Almost overnight, she went from working full-time in the City and leading a very active life to struggling to leave the house. Since then, she has experienced the ups and downs of living with a long-term health condition, including trying multiple treatments to manage her symptoms. She also lives with fibromyalgia, has undergone two knee replacements, and experienced an early menopause at 40, for which she has been taking HRT ever since. Despite these challenges, she remains passionate about supporting others. She volunteers as a bereavement counsellor and helps to run support groups for people who are grieving. She is also involved in a local women’s community choir, which she thoroughly enjoys. At home, her life is shared with two gorgeous cats, who keep her company and entertained. To be kept in the loop about this quarterly group, please click here. NRAS in 2024 0 Helpline enquiries 0 Publications sent out 0 People reached