Somewhere to turn

It can be hard to get the support you need to deal with the everyday challenges of living with it. We also know that many people who feel isolated physically and socially draw a lot of strength from being able to connect with people in a similar situation.

That's why, along with our health information booklets, we offer a telephone helpline and a range of online support services, so we can be there for people whenever, and wherever they need us.

Our Helpline

Arthritis UK’s free confidential helpline can be a lifeline for people feeling isolated or not knowing where to turn to get the help they need. It also serves people who don’t have internet access or who would prefer to speak in person to one of our trained advisors about their health needs.

The helpline is open Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm with a freephone number 0800 520 0520 which is free to anyone in the UK. There is also a dedicated email address helpline@arthriitsuk.org.uk In 2025-26, the helpline supported over 17,614 people living with arthritis, offering tailored support and advice. Receiving on average 800 calls a month. While chronic pain remains the single subject behind most calls, more people are calling to seek emotional support for untreated conditions and delayed operations.

Thank you for the wealth of information, I feel more confident now that I can weather the storm until my surgery

Helpline Caller

Our Online Community

Arthritis Connect is a safe space for peer-to-peer support where people affected with arthritis, whether they’ve lived with it for years or newly diagnosed, can find comfort from others and know they are not alone. It is a supportive space to chat with people in similar situations. Arthritis Connect has over 7,500 members and is packed full of stories, friendly advice and resources from others living with arthritis.

There is a “chat to our helpline” section so you can ask questions directly to our helpline advisors.

Great bunch of people here, kept me going through a bad patch

Arthritis Connect Member

Keeping Active with Arthritis

We have a discussion area on Arthritis Connect dedicated to people discussing how they are Keeping Active keeping active or asking questions about movement and exercise. Alongside this we have our Lets Move with Leon course, linking to free exercise videos and resources and inviting people to share tips and experiences. It's the go-to place for people turning to exercise to help manage their arthritis.

Arthritis Virtual Assistant (AVA)

AVA is Arthritis UK's 24/7 chatbot, providing trusted information and support for people living with arthritis. Currently providing support to around 600 users per month, the bot helps users quickly find information on arthritis conditions, symptoms, treatments, self-management techniques, support services, and resources. AVA is a rules-based chatbot, so users navigate their way by clicking on the menu and selecting the option they wish to view.

AVA is available in Welsh (Cymraeg), reflecting Arthritis UK's commitment to supporting Welsh-speaking communities. The Welsh Language version was developed with funding from the Welsh Government's Sustainable Social Services Third Sector Grant through the CWTCH Cymru Project. Users can access Welsh-language information, translated resources, and videos where available.

My Arthritis App

My Arthritis is a free, self-management app from Arthritis UK and Ampersand Health, designed to help people take a more active role in managing their arthritis and overall wellbeing. Developed with rheumatology specialists and shaped by people with lived experience of arthritis, the app supports users in understanding their condition, tracking symptoms, and building healthy habits that can improve quality of life.

The app enables users to:

  • Track symptoms, pain, flares, and specific joint issues.
  • Monitor lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, stress, mood, and diet
  • Set medication and appointment reminders.
  • Access personalised insights to help identify patterns and triggers.
  • Use self-management resources.
  • Maintain a personal health record that can support conversations with healthcare professionals.

The app supports a wide range of conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, making it a valuable resource for people across the arthritis community. It is available on both Apple and Android devices.

My Arthritis empowers people to better understand their condition, track their health over time, and access trusted support, helping them live well with arthritis alongside the care they receive from healthcare professionals.