Young people and families
Learn how to better manage your arthritis, read real-life experiences from young people living with arthritis, or join some of our jam-packed groups and activities. We're here to help you, every step of the way.
Help for young people living with arthritis: Young People and Families Service
Adjusting to a new diagnosis and living with arthritis can be hard. If you are struggling, you don’t have to do it alone. Sign up to Our Young People and Families Service for one-to-one support, events in your area, practical advice and our digital offer.
About JIA
JIA is inflammation, or swelling, of one or more of your joints. Find out about the different types and how they can affect you.
What is JIA?Arthritis can cause pain or discomfort and make you feel drained but there are steps you can take to help you to stay well and control your symptoms.
Managing JIAHow to manage your healthcare appointments, asking for adjustments at school, college or work, dealing with exams and living your best life.
Living with JIAWhat is it really like to live with JIA?
The challenges of living with arthritis are tough and varied. Isaac, Heather and Florence live with JIA and tell us that it's more than managing their condition on a daily basis, it's having to also deal with the misconception that arthritis is an 'older person's' disease.
We're supporting children and young people living with arthritis
We believe that no young person should face arthritis alone. That’s why our Young People and Families service works tirelessly to provide information, support, as well as jam-packed events for young people under the age of 25.
Arthritis stories
Raising a child who has Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Zoe’s story
Zoe’s daughter, Mali, was diagnosed with JIA at just two years old. She explains how having a child with JIA can have an emotional impact on the entire family.
Read Zoe's storyMethotrexate is one of the drugs given to children and young people with arthritis but there can be side effects. Aimee shares her tips on how she manages her medication.
Read Aimee's storyVarshi was diagnosed with lupus when she was 15. It had a big impact on her time at school. She shares her advice around going to university and coping with change.
Read Varshi's story
In the spotlight: What is lupus (SLE) and how can it affect me?
Lupus is a long-term condition that can cause inflammation in the skin, organs and in other places in the body. The three most common symptoms of lupus are joint pains, skin rashes and extreme tiredness, known as fatigue.
Cutting-edge techniques have allowed scientists for the first time to uncover the unique make-up of cells and signals inside inflamed joints in children.
Read the news storySYCAMORE Study: Treating eye inflammation in children with JIA
A new treatment for uveitis has had a major impact on how young people with JIA receive care, reducing the risk of sight loss and improving quality of life.
Read the news storyWhy not...?
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Find out what's going on in your area
Get tips and advice, share your experiences and make new connections online.
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Download our Arthritis symptoms tracker app
Record your daily symptoms and chart your progress.
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Discover our young people's book club
Read the latest page-turners and connect to other young people.
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Need to talk? Call the Arthritis UK helpline
We're ready to take your call Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Find out about the Young People's Panel
Watch Max's story who was diagnosed with arthritis aged 17 and works with us to feedback about the realities of living with arthritis as a young person.