Versus Arthritis

File:Versus Arthritis.jpg

Logo of Versus Arthritis

Versus Arthritis is a charitable organisation in the United Kingdom dedicated to supporting individuals affected by arthritis and related conditions. It was formed in 2018 through the merger of two major arthritis charities, Arthritis Research UK and Arthritis Care.

History

Versus Arthritis was established to combine the strengths of its predecessor organisations, Arthritis Research UK and Arthritis Care, both of which had a long history of supporting people with arthritis. Arthritis Research UK was primarily focused on funding research into the causes, treatment, and cure of arthritis, while Arthritis Care provided support and information to those living with the condition. The merger aimed to create a more comprehensive approach to tackling arthritis by integrating research, support, and advocacy.

Mission and Activities

The mission of Versus Arthritis is to improve the lives of people with arthritis by funding research, providing information and support, and campaigning for change. The charity invests in scientific research to understand arthritis better and develop new treatments. It also offers a range of services to help people manage their condition, including a helpline, online resources, and local support groups.

Versus Arthritis advocates for policy changes to improve healthcare services for people with arthritis and works to raise public awareness about the impact of the condition. The charity collaborates with healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to ensure that the needs of people with arthritis are met.

Research

Research is a core component of Versus Arthritis's work. The charity funds a wide range of research projects aimed at understanding the causes of arthritis, developing new treatments, and improving the quality of life for those affected. This includes funding for basic science, clinical trials, and health services research.

Support Services

Versus Arthritis provides various support services to help individuals manage their arthritis. These include a helpline staffed by trained advisors, online resources with information on managing symptoms, and local support groups where people can share experiences and advice. The charity also offers self-management courses to empower individuals to take control of their condition.

Advocacy and Campaigning

The charity is actively involved in advocacy and campaigning to improve the lives of people with arthritis. It works to influence government policy and healthcare practices to ensure better access to treatments and services. Versus Arthritis also campaigns to raise awareness about the impact of arthritis and the need for increased research funding.

Related pages

• Arthritis
• Arthritis Research UK
• Arthritis Care