Northern Ireland Assembly Election 2027

A system under strain. A community at breaking point. A critical time to act on arthritis 

Over half a million adults, young people and children in Northern Ireland live with a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition like arthritis. That’s over half a million lives dictated by pain, fatigue and disability every single day.   

Our community is at the sharp end of a system under strain. Our waiting lists for diagnosis and treatment are the worst in the UK. And nearly half (43%) are out of work, with many forced to leave their roles because support simply wasn’t there.  

The human cost of all this is staggering. Too many have had to press pause on their hopes, dreams and ambitions. Unsure if and when they’ll ever be able to hit play again. 

And yet, despite the scale and impact of arthritis here, Northern Ireland has no strategy, targets or leadership to tackle this public health crisis. We are at breaking point. 

Our manifesto

It doesn’t have to be this way. People with arthritis must be a priority in next year’s election. Our manifesto is a roadmap to recovery, setting out actions the next Assembly must take to meet this public health crisis head on.   

Arthritis UK NI Assembly Election Manifesto

Arthritis UK Northern Ireland Assembly Election Manifesto 2027: Prioritising arthritis and musculoskeletal health

Over half a million adults, young people and children in Northern Ireland live with arthritis and other related MSK conditions. Every day, an alarming number of them are forced to put their lives on hold, as they wait in agony for the care and support they desperately need.

Without urgent action, the burden of MSK conditions will continue to grow, increasing pressure on people, families, health services and the economy. Yet, despite the scale and impact of arthritis here, Northern Ireland has no strategy, targets or coordinated leadership for MSK health. 

The Arthritis UK manifesto calls for arthritis to become an immediate government priority through action on waiting times, employment support and, crucially, strong MSK leadership.

Read our manifesto

Our community has the power to create lasting change. Stretching across Northern Ireland, we’re a powerful community of people with arthritis, carers, researchers, health and care professionals, families and friends. Time and again we’ve shown the power we have when we come together and speak out.

Together, we demand a future free from the limits of arthritis. Together, we can make this future a reality.  

Find out more about our campaigning in Northern Ireland.

We’re here whenever you need us. If you would like to talk to someone, remember you can: