Dear Supporter,

Thank you for your interest in Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week (RAAW) 19-25 June 2017.

This week is an important week in the NRAS calendar. As the name suggests, its aim is to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions and attitudes people may have around rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

By dedicating a week to raising awareness, we aim to broaden perceptions, knowledge and understanding of this disease.

This year, the theme is ‘Invisible Illness’ and what goes on ‘Behind the Smile’. When we see someone using a wheelchair or crutches, their ‘disability’ is visible and we can perhaps understand potential limitations, but for the millions of people who are living with an invisible illness such as RA, explaining what is wrong can be another side effect of the condition. During the week, we will be exploring different perspectives from people living with RA; friends, family, co-workers, and the public to raise awareness and challenge those misconceptions.

Here are the topics that we will be focussing on during the week:

Monday / Invisible Illness;general public perspectives
Tuesday / Families and friends: how to support someone with RA
Wednesday / Have you got the S Factor? How to spot potential signs of RA. How to engage with your HCP
Thursday / ‘Behind The Smile 2’ film launch: exploring what it is like to live with RA
Friday / Managing RA in the workplace: how to manage symptoms that affect work
Saturday / Intimacy and relationships: advice on relationships when living with long-term conditions
Sunday / ‘Coming Out’; the stigma associated with invisible illness. NRAS; we’re here for you!

How can you get involved?

  • Spread the word on Social Media
  • Add the RAAW frame to your profile picture on Facebook (instructions on nras.org.uk/raaw)
  • Change your Facebook cover image for a week (instructions on nras.org.uk/raaw)
  • Spread the word by sharing and re-tweeting our posts and videos – follow us!
  • Take a photo with your smiley lips (enclosed) and post it on social media using #behindthesmile. We’ll be featuring the best ones at the end of the week!
  • Raise funds for NRAS – visit nras.org.uk/fundraiseor call us on 01628 823 524. We can give you ideas!
  • Arrange a meeting with your MP or write to them – step-by-step guide available on nras.org.uk/campaign

All details can be found on our RAAW webpage at nras.org.uk/raaw. Your contribution will make a huge difference. Thank you for helping us raise the profile of RA!


Best Wishes,
Sally Wright

Head of Marketing and Communications