Working with the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR), a group of charities have come together to champion improvements in mental health support for children and young people with arthritis.
Together we are committed to improving mental health support and access to services for children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
We’re keen to hear from the JIA community about this important issue.
Children and young people with JIA may experience various challenges while managing their condition that can affect their mental health. This can include worry about medications, coping with injections and much more.
If you live in the UK and you’re a parent of a young person aged 18 or under with JIA, or a young person aged 16-18 with JIA, please complete this survey whether you have tried to access mental health services or not. All responses are anonymous, and we appreciate everyone’s time and support.
Complete the survey here: https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/fuVkHu. The survey launches during Children’s Mental Health Week 2022 and closes on Monday 21st February 2022.
If you need support please speak to a medical professional. There are also organisations supporting children, young people and adults:
- Childline (under 19s) – https://www.childline.org.uk/or call 0800 11 11 free
- The Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org/or email jo@samartians.org or call 116 123 free
- Young Minds – https://youngminds.org.uk/ or free text YM to 85258
- Shout – 24/7 free text services 85258.
The charities involved include: CCAA – Kids With Arthritis, Juvenile Arthritis Research, JIA at NRAS – Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, SNAC (Scottish Network for Arthritis in Children) and Versus Arthritis, alongside the British Society for Rheumatology.
We’re here for you too. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or need help.
Contact SNAC at secretary@snac.uk.com or call 07504 609510 or join our Facebook Groups at either https://www.facebook.com/groups/snacgroup or https://www.facebook.com/groups/snacclosed