Founded in 1947 by Arthur Mainwaring Bowen as the British Rheumatic Society, later renamed Arthritis Care. We are the largest voluntary organisation fighting for the rights of people with arthritis. We help and support as many sufferers as possible, far beyond our 70,000 plus supporters.
Last year our chief executive Neil Betterridge was selected as the Government’s 18 Week Public and Patient Champion. This is a plan designed to ensure that no patient waits longer than 18 weeks from referral to the start of treatment. The very fact that he was chosen shows the high profile that Arthritis Care has attained.
Back in 2006 following an in-depth consultation with members, other sufferers and their families, carers, health professionals, policy makers, staff and the
wider arthritis community. A five year plan entitled Putting
People with Arthritis First was started. Betterridge says
that the plan is ‘ambitious yet achievable’. He is quoted as
saying ‘We will campaign ever more vigorously and
powerfully to ensure people with arthritis get the best
services and support, and we won’t take “No” for an
answer’.
Over nine million people in the UK have arthritis, young
children as well as adults. Arthritis Care has already
achieved great strides forward, largely thanks to voluntary
donations. Our vision is that all sufferers should receive the
support and help necessary to play a full part in society.
Let’s make that happen.
