Young People & Families | Arthritis Support
If you are a young person living with arthritis — or a parent trying to support one — here is everything you need to know about the free help available from Arthritis UK.
Arthritis is not just something that affects older people. At least 10,000 children and young people under the age of 16 in the UK have been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) — the most common form of arthritis in young people. Many more are living with related conditions such as lupus or psoriatic arthritis.
Getting a diagnosis can feel confusing and scary. Day-to-day life — school, friendships, sport, growing up — suddenly has an extra layer of challenge that most people around you simply don't understand. But there is help available, and it is completely free.
Arthritis UK (formerly Versus Arthritis, which changed its name in October 2025) runs a dedicated Young People and Families Service for anyone under the age of 25. Here is what it offers.
What Is JIA?
JIA stands for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. It is an autoimmune condition — meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness. It is not caused by anything the young person or their family has done. Symptoms can vary day to day, and some young people will go into remission (a period with no or very few symptoms), while others will manage the condition long term into adulthood.
There are several types of JIA, and some young people may also develop an eye condition called uveitis — which, if left untreated, can affect vision. Regular eye checks are an important part of care. For a full, plain-English guide to JIA, visit the Arthritis UK JIA information page.
What Does the Young People and Families Service Offer?
The service is open to young people under 25 and their families. Once you sign up, the team will let you know what is available in your area and what is coming up. Here is an overview of the support on offer:
How to Sign Up
Email the team at ypfsuk@arthritis-uk.org or use their Contact Form to get started. It is free and open to anyone under 25 with an arthritis or related condition.
六 One-to-one support
You can speak directly with a member of the Arthritis UK team who understands what you are going through. They can offer tailored tips, advice and emotional support — just for you or your family.
Face-to-face events
In many areas, Arthritis UK runs local events for young people — from cinema trips and outdoor activities to creative sessions and overnight residentials. Every event is fully funded, insured and run by qualified, DBS-checked staff. The goal is simple: spend time with other young people who just get it — and have fun while you're at it. Find out what is on near you.
Online events
Even if there are no events near you, you can always join the online programme — quizzes, scavenger hunts, bingo and workshops. Online workshops can help build confidence in talking to doctors, teachers and employers, and help you understand your rights at school, college or work. Email ypfsuk@arthritis-uk.org to find out more.
My Arthritis App
The free My Arthritis app helps you track symptoms and daily habits so you feel better prepared for appointments. It was designed with the input of young people with arthritis. Available on Apple and Android.
Arthritis Connect — Online Community
Arthritis UK's online forum, Arthritis Connect, has dedicated spaces for young adults with arthritis and for parents, guardians and carers. It is a place to ask questions, share experiences and find people who truly understand. Also available as an app for Apple and Android.
Helpline
If you want to speak with someone straight away, call the Arthritis UK helpline on 0800 5200 520, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Calls are free.
For Parents and Carers
Watching your child manage a long-term condition is hard. Arthritis UK has a dedicated information section for parents covering treatment, diet, exercise, mental health, school support and how to help your child gradually take ownership of their own care as they grow up. There is also guidance on how to help your child deal with misunderstandings from friends, and what to do if they experience bullying.
Free Information Booklets
Arthritis UK has produced a downloadable booklet specifically for parents and carers:
Supporting a Young Person with Arthritis — a practical guide for families (PDF, free download)
A Welsh language version is also available. Both can be found on the Information for Parents page.
Also Worth Knowing
| Resource | Who It Is For | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Managing JIA | Young people | Managing JIA guide |
| Living with JIA | Young people | School, work and relationships |
| Information for schools | Parents, teachers | School support guide |
| Your Rheum | Young people aged 11–24 | Share your story with researchers |
| Young People's Book Club | Young people | Find out more |
⚠️ A Note on Your Rheumatology Team
The Arthritis UK service is a support service, not a medical service. Always keep in contact with your NHS rheumatology team for medical decisions and treatment. If you are worried about symptoms, medications or side effects, contact your clinical nurse specialist or rheumatology team directly — don't wait for the next clinic appointment if it feels urgent.
The Bottom Line
Arthritis in young people is real, it is challenging, and it is often invisible to the people around you. Arthritis UK's Young People and Families Service exists to change that — by connecting young people with each other, giving families practical tools and information, and making sure nobody has to figure it out alone. Every part of the service is free. All you have to do is get in touch.
ypfsuk@arthritis-uk.org | 0800 5200 520 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm, free) | arthritis-uk.org
References
Arthritis UK (2025) Young people and families [Online]. Available at: https://www.arthritis-uk.org/information-and-support/understanding-arthritis/young-people-and-families/ (Accessed: 31 May 2026).
Arthritis UK (2025) How we help young people and families [Online]. Available at: https://www.arthritis-uk.org/information-and-support/understanding-arthritis/young-people-and-families/how-we-help-young-people-and-families/ (Accessed: 31 May 2026).
Arthritis UK (2025) Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) [Online]. Available at: https://www.arthritis-uk.org/information-and-support/understanding-arthritis/conditions/juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis/ (Accessed: 31 May 2026).
Arthritis UK (2025) Information for parents of young people with arthritis [Online]. Available at: https://www.arthritis-uk.org/information-and-support/understanding-arthritis/young-people-and-families/information-for-parents/ (Accessed: 31 May 2026).
Arthritis UK (2025) Supporting a young person with arthritis [Information booklet, PDF]. Available at: https://app-va-cms-uksouth-prd-202505.azurewebsites.net/media/4k4ctn1n/a5-supporting-a-young-person-with-arthritis-booklet_digital.pdf (Accessed: 31 May 2026).
IMPORTANT MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
The content provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or your GP before starting any new supplement regimen, particularly if you manage pre-existing conditions or take prescription medication.
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