A new era as Versus Arthritis becomes Arthritis UK

14 October 2025

We’re delighted to announce that today, Tuesday 14 October 2025, Versus Arthritis has rebranded to become Arthritis UK, with a bold and exciting new look, shaped by the arthritis community.

We have a proud legacy stretching back 90 years and our vision and mission are as relevant as ever. In that time, we’ve made considerable progress in improving the lives of so many people, but there is more to be done.

We must redouble our efforts to improve the quality of life for adults, young people and children living with arthritis. We believe our new name and look will help us do that.

Informed by our arthritis community

Chief Executive Deborah Alsina MBE says: “We’re excited to announce that Versus Arthritis has a new name – Arthritis UK – and a new look, which we hope will help us bring about greater impact for people living with arthritis all across the UK.

“This wasn’t a decision taken lightly, it was carried out after a huge amount of research and consultation with people with arthritis and the wider arthritis community. All of which highlighted that 'Versus Arthritis’ was not easily understood and was a barrier to reaching and engaging more people.

A misunderstood condition

One in six people in the UK live with some form of arthritis, an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause painful, stiff and restricted joints and can often impact other parts of the body as well. These include autoimmune variants like rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis that starts in childhood, as well as more common forms like osteoarthritis. Combined, they affect 10 million people in the UK and are one of the leading causes of disability.

Chief Executive Deborah Alsina adds: “Misconceptions still prevail around arthritis, that it only affects people in later life and is an inevitable part of ageing, which are not helpful. Arthritis does become more common with age, but it can affect people of all ages including children and it is in fact a complex set of long-term conditions that erode the quality of life of millions in the UK.

“The charity has a remarkable legacy upon which we must build. Having a powerful and easily recognisable brand will enable us to do more to build our impact and reach so that we can make sure people with arthritis are able to access the treatment and support they need to live well as we progress towards a cure.”

Our new brand will give the charity a more greater presence which, along with your incredible support, means we can move closer and faster to our ultimate vision: a future free from arthritis.

About Arthritis UK

Arthritis UK is the leading arthritis charity, changing lives through research, campaigning and support. 

Over 10 million adults, young people and children in the UK live with arthritis. That’s one in six of us living with the pain, fatigue, disability, mental and financial strain it can cause. Many more live with arthritis but remain undiagnosed, untreated and unsupported. 

We know the impact of arthritis can be huge, affecting the ability to work, care for family, move free from pain and live independently. Yet for a condition affecting so many, it’s poorly understood and far too little is done. That’s why we invest in life-changing research into better treatments, support people through the daily challenges of life with arthritis, and campaign on the issues that matter most to people living with it. 

At Arthritis UK, we won’t rest until everyone with arthritis has access to treatments and support they need to live the life they choose, with real hope for a cure in the future. Find out more at: www.arthritis-uk.org 

Arthritis UK. For a future free from arthritis.