On Sunday 12th of October, the charity Versus Arthritis will light prominent, iconic buildings across Wales blue to mark World Arthritis Day.
The UK’s largest arthritis charity, Versus Arthritis, has teamed up with local authorities to help shine a light and raise awareness of the conditions that it says are far too often ignored and misunderstood.
In Wales, there are currently 974,000 people, around 32% of the adult population, living with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, including arthritis.
Speaking on the action from the charity on World Arthritis Day, Elaine, from South Wales, shares her experience of living with osteoarthritis:
“I have lived with multiple MSK conditions, including osteoarthritis for over 30 years now. Alongside the persistent pain I have seen such decline in my mobility, which together is challenging, both physically and mentally.
“It can be difficult to do everyday things without help, such as get out of bed, get dressed. There can be severe fatigue; sleep and mood are affected. So many things that other people take for granted, like standing in a queue or going for a short walk, can be very challenging.
“When I see iconic buildings near me lit in blue on World Arthritis Day, I know that Versus Arthritis is raising awareness of the impact of arthritis on people of all ages and showing that the charity can provide help and advice. It feels good that organisations want to help raise awareness of a condition that affects so many people in Wales by being lit up blue.
“People living with Arthritis and MSK conditions may sometimes look well, but only those closest to us see how we struggle and the huge effort it takes to get ready, to go out, meet people, sit there and smile.”
Versus Arthritis knows the impact of arthritis can be huge, yet for a condition affecting so many, they believe far too little is done.
Mary Cowern, Head of Wales at Versus Arthritis said:
“It’s vitally important that charities, governments and the NHS work together to make sure arthritis is taken seriously and ensure people have timely access to the right support and care they need to live healthy and happy lives.
“Elaine’s story highlights just how much of an impact arthritis can have on quality of life. We hope the lighting up of buildings around Wales for World Arthritis Day will help people living with arthritis to remember that they are not alone with their condition. Versus Arthritis, with our local support groups and helpline team, are here for them.”
Arthritis affects 10 million people in the UK. Many people experience severe pain, fatigue, and reduced mobility everyday – affecting the ability to work, care for a family, and live independently. The charity wants the light-up of buildings to inspire people with arthritis in the community to share their stories and experiences, and to know they are not alone and there is support available to those who need it.
As well as raising awareness of arthritis and investing in research, the charity offers practical support through a range of services. These include information about the conditions, self-management advice, exercise programmes, online communities and how you can get involved. To find out more about the support on offer provided by the charity, please visit their website www.versusarthritis.org/in-your-area.
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