Arthritis Awareness Month 2026

Creating a shared moment for arthritis in the UK

For more than 50 years, people across the US have come together every May in support of Arthritis Awareness Month – an initiative led by the Arthritis Foundation that aims to call extra attention to arthritis research, support and education. 

Despite the fact that 10 million people across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales live with arthritis, there has never been a UK equivalent. Which is why Arthritis UK is pleased to announce that this May, we’re running a campaign designed to support and establish Arthritis Awareness Month in the UK – the first step in building an annual global moment focused on arthritis. 

“We know that there is a tremendous amount of work to be done to make sure the scale and impact of arthritis are better understood by the public and those in power. That’s why we are excited to join forces with international colleagues to take part in Arthritis Awareness Month for the first time this May. We'll be working together to amplify the lived experiences and unmet needs of people with arthritis, so that arthritis is treated as a public health priority across the globe.”

Putting diagnosis on the agenda

In our most recent lived experiences survey, Left Waiting, Left Behind, 62% of respondents agreed that having a diagnosis validates their experiences. And yet, 38% felt that the process of getting a diagnosis took too long. So, this year, we’ll be using Arthritis Awareness Month to highlight the importance of diagnosis.
As well as running a campaign about what a diagnosis can unlock for individuals, we’ll also be sharing our storytellers’ experiences, the latest research breakthroughs and advice for those looking to begin the conversation with their healthcare provider. 

“Importantly, a diagnosis is not just a medical process or conversation,” says Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive, Arthritis UK. “It is also an opportunity to provide the reassurance, communication and support people need to understand and manage their condition. It is one of the most important first steps in a person’s journey of living with a long-term condition such as arthritis. Therefore, it is critical for the diagnosis to not only be timely. Because a timely diagnosis not only helps to validate a person’s experiences, but it also allows them to start planning for the road ahead.”

An arthritis diagnosis is so much more than a label

Towards the end of the month, we’ll also be launching a report highlighting the barriers faced in achieving a timely and personalised arthritis diagnosis, why a diagnosis matters and what a ‘good’ diagnosis experience looks like.

“I was finally diagnosed with osteoarthritis at 50, after nearly 20 years of no help,” says Ken from Stirling, Scotland. “The biggest benefit [of diagnosis] was knowing what I was up against so I could research, adjust my lifestyle, diet and stop the nightshifts and 14-hour days. Delayed diagnosis really impacted my life and basically cost me my job.”

“Over the years, arthritis wears you down, lowers your mood and expectations. I was prescribed antidepressants around three years ago and that felt almost as bad as the arthritis diagnosis because I didn’t want to admit I was that low or accept that I might need some support. My wife was relieved when I eventually said I’d talk to my GP about it because she thinks I’ve been depressed for years.”

Ken’s story highlights just how valuable a diagnosis can be. And while the campaign itself will only run for the month of May, we hope our efforts will spark an important discourse about diagnosis that will continue long after. 

Together, we’ll make arthritis impossible to ignore

But an awareness month only succeeds with the support of others in the community. Which is why we’re inviting charities, companies and communities from all across the UK to get involved. For example, you could help us amplify our message by liking or sharing one of our social media posts. Or, you could visit our resources page to download a digital badge or our Arthritis Awareness Month artwork to share with others or order some free posters for your community. 

You could even show your support by signing up for Get Your Move On (sign-up closes on May 4) – a flexible challenge designed specifically for people living with arthritis, as well as their friends and family. 

Stronger together: a new chapter in arthritis advocacy

Of course, we’ll still take part in other important moments in the arthritis calendar, such as March’s WORD Day and October’s World Arthritis Day. As every opportunity to raise awareness about the painful reality faced by people living with arthritis helps us amplify our message a little further. But we believe that a longer calendar moment will give us the space needed to unpack more complex issues, build a narrative over time and engage our audiences in even more meaningful discourse. 

Additionally, taking part in a UK version of Arthritis Awareness Month will allow us to align more closely with the US equivalent – a move which over time we believe will support a global movement for change as we harness the power of our collective voices.

“Establishing Arthritis Awareness Month in the UK gives us another platform to tell the stories of people living with arthritis and show the world the impact it can have on people’s lives and communities. We need global urgency to tackle this crisis, and we will continue to work in partnership with our colleagues in the UK and across the world to create better lives for people with arthritis today, while we work tirelessly towards a cure in the future.”