Raising awareness of arthritis in Scotland

On Tuesday 5th December, Arthritis Research UK held our first Scottish parliamentary reception in Holyrood as a newly merged charity to highlight the prevalence and impact of arthritis in Scotland. Kindly sponsored by Rona MacKay MSP, the event was attended by 8 of Members of Scottish Parliament (MSPs) who came to find out about how arthritis can affect people with musculoskeletal conditions.MSPs spoke to people living with arthritis, tried our gloves which simulate the mobility restrictions arthritis can cause, as well as received exclusive data on how many people in their local area may have certain forms of arthritis.Campaigner and volunteer, Charlotte Bamford, who has lived with arthritis from a young age, spoke at the event to tell MSPs about the realities of living with arthritis. She told us,“I had the opportunity to speak at the Holyrood reception to share my experience of arthritis with Members of the Scottish Parliament. Many people don’t realise that arthritis affects young people too, and that’s why it’s so important to raise awareness. Since my diagnosis 5 years ago, I’ve coped with constant pain, feelings of isolation and uncertainty, and at times, depression.“However, I have a support network through Arthritis Care’s Young People and Families Service, where I’ve met other young people with similar conditions and have learnt more about my condition and how to manage it. It is important that the politicians are awar...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news