Resource

NRAS helpline closed over Christmas period

The NRAS helpline will be closed from 1.30pm on 24th December 2025, reopening at 9.30am on 2nd January 2026.

Illustration of someone sitting at a computer with a headset taking an NRAS helpline call.

Please note that the NRAS office, including our Helpline will be closed over the Christmas period.

Helpline closes: Wednesday 24th December at 1.30pm

Helpline re-opens: Friday 2nd January at 9.30am

We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for people living with a long-term health condition, such as RA. The following is a list of articles and contact details to help support you through the festive period.

For medical queries

For urgent medical help, or for medical help outside of GP practice hours, call the NHS on 111.

For urgent medical help, where an ambulance is needed, call the Emergency Services on 999.

For emotional support

Samaritans

The Samaritans offer support by telephone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year:

Website: www.samaritans.org

Phone: 116 123

Mind

Mind have a number of useful and informative articles on mental health on their website. They also have a support line. Their standard opening hours are 9am-6pm, Mon-Fri (except bank holidays).

Website: www.mind.org.uk
Support helpline: 0300 102 1234
Helpline closed dates over Christmas: Closed from 2pm on 24th December. Also closed on: 25th and 26th December and 1st January.

For information on RA

We have a number of publications, available on the NRAS website, with information on topics such as work and medication:

www.nras.org.uk/publications

The following information, on the NRAS website, may also be useful:

For general health information

The NHS website has information on a wide range of conditions

nhs.uk

For support from other people with RA

Our HealthUnlocked forum offers a space for people with RA to read, post and discuss their RA with people who will understand what they are going through.

Please take into account that people using health-related forums are often struggling with symptoms such as pain and depression. This can make it easy for disagreements to escalate. We would therefore remind everyone making use of this valuable resource to do so respectfully. Remember that everyone comes to the forum with their own personal situation, opinions, background and struggles.

www.healthunlocked.com/nras