Interested in Volunteering?

About the Volunteer Network

The Network is made up of Volunteers throughout the UK, all of whom have rheumatoid arthritis. Our Volunteers participate in many different activities and it is up to them when, what and how they volunteer.

What do Volunteers do?

Here are just some of the activities NRAS Volunteers can choose from to support others living with RA:

• Give telephone support by being a part of our Telephone Support Network

• Distribute information about NRAS and rheumatoid arthritis to doctors surgeries and their rheumatology unit, keep posters up to date and literature stands replemished

• Set up NRAS local patient groups with the aim of empowering patient decision-making and encouraging self-help and mutual support 

• Create awareness of the disease through informing others and acting as media spokespeople 

• Participate in rheumatology service planning with local Rheumatology teams, Health Authorities, the ARMA (Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance) Network and other professional bodies 

• Assist the medical profession through participating in surveys, research and training medical personnel 

• Initiate local fundraising for NRAS 

• Further any of the charity's campaigning aims by speaking to MPs

About the Telephone Support Network

It can be important for someone with rheumatoid arthritis to be able to talk with someone who has first-hand experience of the disease because people who don’t have it can never really understand what it’s like, or indeed see life from the perspective of someone who does. Full training is given to appropriate candidates who would like to volunteer to help others in this way.

If you think you have what it takes to become a Telephone Support Volunteer then please phone Clare or Sue on 0845 458 3969.

NRAS groups

Volunteer co-ordinators work together on a local and national basis to establish local groups for people to meet others living with RA and learn more about their disease, leading to better disease self-management. If you are interested in becoming an NRAS Volunteer Group Co-ordinator and would like information about setting up a group in your area then please get in contact.

For the latest details of group meetings in your area click here or call Clare or Sue on 0845 458 3969.

I would like to volunteer

If you think you would like to be an NRAS Volunteer please click here to download the application form, once printed and filled out please send to:

The Volunteer Network
NRAS
Unit B4, Westacott Business Centre
Westacott Way
Littlewick Green
Maidenhead
SL6 3RT


All NRAS Volunteers are first of all NRAS members and NRAS require two references, one of which must be from a member of your rheumatology health professional team.

Please note there may not always be volunteering opportunities in all areas of the UK and that NRAS do rely on Volunteers to identify possible opportunities in their own areas that may benefit the work of NRAS.

The Meaning of Volunteering

One of the things which we at the NRAS Office find so humbling, is the modesty of our Volunteers who do so much to help others. This is part of an email sent in by a Volunteer (who wishes to remain anonymous), which sums this up …

“I'm only one member of a large number of Volunteers who are fighting for the cause, and as many will tell you, I like to do things from the backstage; there are far more deserving folks who should have the spotlight on them. I just like the feeling I get when I see someone going away with some extra knowledge, and a smile on their faces after being pointed in the right direction to get the proper treatment or advice for their condition.
From being retired through ill health at the age of 29, it's great to be using my skills to benefit others. Because of this, I feel better not only mentally (as it takes away some of the more depressing effects of the arthritis), but also the physical well being I've also gained from working with a great bunch of dedicated people.
Everyone has a skill they can use, and they need not feel on the scrap heap. As more and more groups are set up, our combined voices can, and will make a difference.”