Arthritis UK welcomed a host of children and young people from across the UK living with arthritis into Parliament, including 15-year-old Olivia, to celebrate the opening of a week-long art exhibition, ‘Inside Arthritis’ (March 9 to March 12).
The exhibition, held in the Upper Waiting Hall, displayed a collection of arts and crafts sourced from Arthritis UK’s ‘Joint Creativity’ art programme, and invited MPs, including event sponsor Liberal Democrat MP Manuela Perteghella, to challenge the common misconception that arthritis is ‘just an old person’s disease’.
Olivia, from Llanelli, was 11 years old when she received her diagnosis of Lupus, a long-term autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation in various places in the body. This came after years of unexplained joint pain and multiple visits to A&E. She felt isolated by her condition, she couldn’t participate in her favourite hobbies and was experiencing uncomfortable side-effects from her medication.
However, Olivia was able to connect with a like-minded community through Arthritis UK’s Young People and Families Service (YPFS) and ‘Joint Creativity’ art programme. The art club educates young people about the science behind their condition through fun and accessible mediums.
Olivia said: “When I was first diagnosed, I was given a creativity journal, being able to colour and express myself not only helped with the joint pain in my hands, but it also helped me process my emotions.
“Growing up with Lupus meant I didn’t always fit in at school, as my friends and teachers didn’t understand my condition, someone even started a rumour that I had cancer because my medication caused my hair to fall out, it was a very difficult time.
“However, going on residentials with Arthritis UK meant I was able to meet so many others who understood how difficult growing up with a chronic illness can be. I wish everyone who is going through a similar experience to know is that yes, it might be bad now, but it can get better!”
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects around 70,000 people in the UK. It causes arthritis symptoms such as joint pain and swelling and can affect people of all ages. Awareness among the public, as well as many health professionals, is low – something Arthritis UK is working hard to change.
The exhibition ran throughout the lead up to World yOung Rheumatic Disease Day (WORD Day) (March 18), a day dedicated to raising the profile of young people living with all forms of rheumatic diseases.
Arthritis UK, the UK’s leading arthritis charity, works to ensure that all people living with arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are cared for and represented. Whether that be through funding of world-leading research, provision of health information to patients and professionals or through services, such as the Young People and Families’ Service.
Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Arthritis UK, spoke at the launch of the exhibition and was delighted to meet Olivia and hear from all the empowering young artists.
Deborah said: “‘Inside Arthritis’ is a great opportunity for parliamentarians to hear first-hand from our young community about the stigma and challenges of living with arthritis.
“Many of us know someone living with arthritis, the resilience it requires and the knock-on impact it can have on quality of life and mental health. This is particularly acute for those affected earlier in life; one study has shown nearly 60% of children and young people with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) had or required mental health support.
“Current polices and services do not adequately reflect the impact on both the individual, family and society. We hope by that by hearing from our inspirational young people, parliamentarians will be inspired to help us advocate for greater change and in doing so tackle the misconception that arthritis is an older persons’ disease.”
To find out more about arthritis, and Arthritis UK services please visit: Arthritis UK | A future free from arthritis.
Raising awareness about these conditions is crucial, they’re so much more than just joint pain