SMILE-RA from NRAS

Working closely with health professionals and people living with RA, NRAS has created SMILE-RA- a platform to support people with self-management of their RA. With an intuitive interface, the modules can be selected which are of interest and relevance.

The modules available are the following:

  • Foundation
  • Newly Diagnosed
  • Meet the Team
  • Managing pain and Flares

New modules will continue to be added as they are developed. Visit nras.org.uk/selfmanagement for more information!

Hear from NRAS National Patient Champion, Ailsa Bosworth MBE, explaining in this video what supported self-management is all about and how SMILE, can help people living with RA.

RCPod foot arthritis patient resources

In collaboration with a number of partners the Royal College of Podiatry has developed a number of resources for people who suffer with arthritis in their feet. The main resource is available through the web page and can be accessible in over 100 languages. There are also favourable downloads in leaflet form for those wishing to pass the information on.

Please visit rcpod.org.uk/patient-information/arthritis for further information.

Long COVID self-management tools

Physiotherapist Katie Knapton from PhysioFit and Pete Moore from the PainToolkit have co-written a self-management guide for people suffering with Long Covid. This is free and entry-level information to try and help people on the path to recovery.

If you are noticing any worsening symptoms especially in terms of chest pain and shortness of breath it is vital that you are medically assessed. If you have been medically cleared, then it is still appropriate to have support and to monitor symptoms.…

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New app for virtual group exercise classes to support people living with arthritis

The pandemic has led to a backlog of people, primarily over 50s, who are in need of support to manage their condition due to a combination of physical inactivity and limited access to non-emergency appointments.

Those living with MSK conditions can find it challenging to exercise due to pain, fear of injury and low motivation. However physical activity can help to alleviate symptoms and improve mental health.

A new app designed to bring people together

The VCR project, running for twelve months, will be offering support to people in the form of peer-led, virtual group exercise classes delivered via a mobile app.…

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Long COVID and Post-COVID-19 Syndrome training

e-Learning for Healthcare has published a national training session providing an introduction to long COVID, looking at its definition, common symptoms, investigations as well as the impact it has on adults and children.

The session is aimed at all clinical staff in the NHS in England, particularly those in primary and community care. Dr Ian Bernstein, Director of Medical Education led the team of authors from Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust.

The programme can be accessed from the e-lfh.org.uk website; scroll down to the ‘View’ button.

Tackling health inequalities: a framework for AHPs

The King’s Fund has worked with AHPs from across the UK to consider their contribution to tackling health inequalities. A framework based on the findings, to which the The Institute of Osteopathy has contributed, has now been published. It includes examples of work in health inequalities, including a service provided by osteopaths in South London.

Read the article My role in tackling health inequalities: a framework for allied health professionals on the King’s Fund website.

Medicines in JIA booklet from NRAS

The JIA booklet Medicines in JIA was launched by NRAS earlier this year. The focus of this booklet is on the medicines that are used to treat JIA, but it also contains information about what parents and young people with JIA can expect at every stage from diagnosis onwards, showing that medicines are only one part of treatment.

This booklet was made in close partnership with parents, young people and healthcare professionals. Inside, you will find a directory containing detailed information on each of the JIA medicines, as well as information on how the immune system works, the support available from healthcare teams and other ways to help manage JIA alongside medication.…

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PHE’s Every Mind Matters updated

The Better Health – Every Mind Matters  website has recently been refreshed to help people access the content more easily.

There are things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing and the Every Mind Matters Mind Plan can provide NHS approved personalised advice on positive steps people can take to help manage anxiety, sleep better and boost your mood. Get Your Mind Plan here.

The Better Health Every Mind Matters platform includes practical tips and videos from experts and what you can do to help others – including advice for parents and for children and young people.…

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New booklet: Medicines in JIA

NRAS is pleased to announce the launch of its new JIA booklet Medicines in JIA. The focus of the booklet is on the medicines that are used to treat JIA, but it also contains information about what parents and young people with JIA can expect at every stage from diagnosis to ongoing long-term care, showing that medicines are only one part of treatment.

The new booklet can be ordered or downloaded for free from the JIA website.

NRAS Upcoming Events:

  • Thurs 1st July, 4pm – Facebook Live: COVID and Inflammatory Arthritis Update with Prof.


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The AHP’s role in tackling health inequalities

The King's Fund logoEvery allied health professional plays an important role in tackling health inequalities. The 14 allied health professional bodies, Public Health England, NHS England and NHS Improvement have worked with The King’s Fund to develop a simple framework to help any allied health professional consider their role in tackling health inequalities.

The framework has been created to help AHPs to find their own unique role in this and to explore ways to maximise their contribution. It was created in collaboration with AHPs from across the 14 professional groups.…

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