Scottish Parliament Election candidates
Stand up for people with arthritis
1.7 million adults, young people and children in Scotland live with a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition like arthritis.
That’s one in three people living with the daily pain, fatigue and disability they can cause. On top of that, one in three have told us that their condition severely impacts everyday life. And one in three with rheumatoid arthritis will be pushed out of work by the end of the next parliament because of their condition.
It doesn’t have to be this way. The next Scottish Government must face this public health crisis head on. And we need your help to make this happen.
Our manifesto
Our manifesto is a blueprint for change. We’re calling on the next Scottish Government to make arthritis a national priority. To commit to the nation’s first MSK Action Plan, unlocking dedicated funding and leadership to deliver it. To tackle the waiting times backlog and build a healthier Scotland now – and for our future generations.
Arthritis UK Scotland manifesto: A call for action in the next Scottish Parliament
991,000 reasons to make arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions a national priority
Hundreds of thousands of people across Scotland wake up to the pain of arthritis every day. So many tell us that they feel their life is on hold as they manage their way through the challenges of living with arthritis.
The good news is that the impact of arthritis can be reduced. Prevention, early diagnosis, proactive early interventions, supported self-management, and timely access to support, information and treatment can transform quality of life.
This manifesto is a call to action to make arthritis the national public health priority its impact demands – to transform the management of arthritis in Scotland, improve the MSK health of the nation and reduce the strain of arthritis on the NHS and our economy.
Pledge your support
As a future Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), be a voice for people with arthritis.
Commit to championing people with arthritis, locally, and in the Scottish Parliament. Share your support on X, making sure to tag us so that your followers can find us for support and advice:
“1.7 million people in Scotland live with a musculoskeletal condition like arthritis. If elected, I pledge to be a voice for people with arthritis in Holyrood, and to work with @ArthritisUK to make Scotland a place where they can thrive.”
Get in touch
Arthritis UK Scotland can help you with your work in Parliament. Email Scotland’s Policy and Influencing Team to start your conversation: publicaffairs@arthritis-uk.org.
Signpost to us
Our services include self-management resources, local support groups, an online community and free Helpline: 0800 5200 520. Please signpost constituents to us at arthritis-uk.org.
Let’s work together to ensure people with arthritis in Scotland can live more active, and less painful lives.