Refer a patient to NRAS

NRAS works in partnership with the NHS to offer its information and support services to patients who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As a Health Professional, all you have to do is submit a quick form to refer your patient to NRAS. We take care of the rest!

Refer today!

Getting the right support for RA can help people make positive adjustments to their perception of the condition, behaviour towards medicines, day-to-day lifestyle and overall health beliefs. We want to help them understand why self-management is important and how to make those important first steps in managing their disease effectively. Watch our short explainer video below and hear how Right Start helped Michelle.

What is Right Start?

NRAS Trustee and beneficiary of Right Start, Michelle, talks through the process and benefits of referring your patients to NRAS.

Refer your patient now!

Right Start Service Evaluation Report

An independent service evaluation of the NRAS Right Start Service was conducted in partnership with the University of Manchester between April 2022 and December 2024 across four rheumatology units in England. Analysis was completed at the end of 2025 to allow for 12-month follow-up of participants.

NRAS was responsible for the delivery and operational management of the service. The University of Manchester led the evaluation elements, including analysis of the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), site staff surveys and qualitative interviews. The full anonymised site-level report authored by Dr Charlotte Sharp is included in the appendices.

For the full results, click the button below.

Find out more

Start Referring now!

Right Start supports all those living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) to understand their condition and how it is likely to affect them.

By referring your patients to NRAS, you will be connecting them to friendly, empathetic, trained staff who will provide tailored support that is evidence-based and offer peer support at an individual and/or community level. We can also arrange for an interpreter to be present on the call if your patient does not speak English. Your patients will:

  • Better understand their RA and its impact on daily life
  • Feel less isolated and more supported
  • Be provided with practical support and information
  • Understand how to navigate NHS and other services
  • Feel more in control
Refer your patient now!


In Summary

Here is how the service works in four simple steps:

    1. Refer your patient(s)
    2. Your patient will be contacted by NRAS and a phone call will be scheduled between the patient and our trained Information & Support Team
    3. During the call with a member of the Information & Support Team, your patient will talk through everything that is concerning them, and our Team will provide an explanation about medications, the disease, and whatever else they wish to discuss. At the end of the call, your patient will be sent a customised pack of information relevant to their specific needs
    4. Your patient will be asked if they would like the opportunity to talk to someone else living with the condition. This part of the service is currently offered in English only, as it is delivered by our English‑speaking telephone support volunteers (more info)

I’m ready to refer a patient

We would like to thank the National Lottery Community Fund – their contribution helps fund our Right Start service 

Are you a Health Professional?

Visit our dedicated section for Health Professionals with an interest in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition to referring patients, you can place bulk orders for our publications, and sign up to a free Health Professional Membership!

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