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About the charity

At Juvenile Arthritis Research, our vision is a world where no child has to suffer from arthritis.

"You are changing the world for our children, making a real difference and changing lives. Thank you." From a parent of a child with JIA.

Our history

"Back in 2018, I founded the Juvenile Arthritis Research charity with the vision of pushing forward towards a world where no child has to suffer from arthritis. As a researcher by background, with two decades of experience spanning across both medical and social research, it was clear to me that the field of research in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) needed something more. As a parent of a child with JIA, I wanted to see more being done to bring us closer to a cure and to see my daughter, and thousands of others like her, pain-free.

Back then, there was little awareness of JIA and virtually no support available for families. Together with a small team of volunteers, we set about changing that. By providing credible and accurate information to families affected by JIA, a wealth of online & physical resources, and training & support for medical professionals and schools reminding them to #ThinkJIA and to know the signs and symptoms of JIA, we have begun to see the tide turn. Families regularly tell us that we have been a 'lifeline’ to them through the process of diagnosis and on their journey as they learn to live with JIA.

We are committed to providing support to families, to raising awareness that children and young people get arthritis, to support and undertake research and quality improvement projects, and to advocate for people affected by JIA. Over the past eight years we have grown from a tiny seed of an idea to become a powerful force for good, impacting the lives of hundreds of families each year. We fill the gaps that exist to make life better for those affected by JIA. Working collaboratively with like-minded and dedicated people, and our fantastic team of volunteers, we are making a huge difference."

Richard, Founder of Juvenile Arthritis Research

What makes us unique?

Juvenile Arthritis Research is unique. Here are just some of the reasons why:

1. Patient- and parent-led with direct experience

Unlike many other charities, Juvenile Arthritis Research is driven by parents who have first-hand experience of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in their children, and volunteers who have arthritis themselves. This lived experience fuels our dedication and ensures a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by families affected by JIA, leading to more impactful programmes and support initiatives.

2. Holistic approach

At Juvenile Arthritis Research, we are passionate about finding a cure for JIA, but also recognise the complex needs of children with JIA and their families, offering a four-pronged approach:

Support - Providing practical and emotional support to families through resources, events, and a community network.
Awareness - Raising awareness about JIA in the medical community and general public to ensure timely diagnosis, reduce stigma and isolation, and improve access to effective treatment and support.
Advocacy - Advocating for the needs of all those with JIA and their families to policymakers and healthcare professionals.
Research - Supporting high-quality research to find a cure and improve treatments for JIA, including representing families as patient partners.

This holistic approach addresses the immediate needs of families while simultaneously focusing on long-term solutions.

3. Collaborative and inclusive

Juvenile Arthritis Research fosters collaboration with leading researchers, clinicians, academics, and other organisations around the world. We also actively involve patients and families in research through the JIA VIP Research Panel, ensuring their voices are heard and research priorities are aligned with their needs. This collaborative and inclusive approach increases the potential for effective solutions and empowers the JIA community.

These three unique aspects – patient- and parent-led expertise, holistic approach, and collaborative spirit – make Juvenile Arthritis Research a powerful force in the fight against JIA.

Juvenile Arthritis Research …

is the only UK-wide charity focusing solely on JIA.
is the only UK charity that provides the physical support packs for JIA that families need and want.
provides support to families without charge to users.
has no subscription charges.
manages an online mental health hub and support services.
supports families with accessing mental health support.
provides A Little Box Of Hope support packs and Teen support packs. These were developed by children, young people and families.
was the first to develop School Toolkits for JIA.
delivers training and assemblies in schools.
provides one-to-one support for schools and local education authorities.
has a private peer-to-peer network for parents of children with JIA.
provides online and in-person events and activities for families.
provides support for families when they need it.
has the most engaged network of all JIA-related charities on social media.
leads on research projects and contributes to studies internationally.
are patient partners in national and international research projects.
are involved in developing guidelines and best practice for clinicians.
has been invited to present at leading international rheumatology conferences.
works with NICE, NIHR, BSR, PReS and EULAR on essential projects.
developed the #ThinkJIA awareness campaign and resources with rheumatologists, families, clinicians, and schools which is now recognised internationally.
launched Juvenile Arthritis Month (JAMJAR) to raise awareness of JIA in the UK.
is involved in global health.
advocates for patients and families.
runs the JIA VIP Research Panel, involving many families in research and patient engagement projects, and ensuring appropriate and meaningful representation in research.

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