by Adrian Bradley, CEO, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA)
I’m not sure whether to start with excitement for the year ahead… or an apology for this newsletter arriving later than planned thanks to a small but mighty IT saga behind the scenes. Let’s call it proof that even in a digital age, progress still occasionally involves turning things off and on again.
But delays aside, there’s a real sense of momentum building across our community. This is going to be a pivotal year for ARMA and for MSK health. We’re in the final stages of shaping our new strategy and long term vision, shaped by conversations, surveys and shared thinking from many of you. I’m genuinely excited about what’s emerging. We will make a clearer, bolder case for MSK health as fundamental to how people live, work and age well.
The journey ahead is about turning that vision into action. Over the coming months, we’ll publish the strategy, deepen engagement with members and partners, and step up our voice with policy makers as national plans take shape. Key milestones will include bringing new partners into our alliance, sharpening our policy asks, and creating more opportunities for members to collaborate and influence together.
The challenge is big. We must raise the profile and prominence of MSK health in public policy so prevention, neighbourhood support, work and health, and tackling inequalities become core priorities, not afterthoughts.
As ever, ARMA’s strength is collective. None of us can shift the system alone, but together, we absolutely can.