We understand that juvenile arthritis not only impacts your child’s health but can also affect their confidence, self esteem and ambitions for the future.

Arthritis Ireland runs a number of workshops and events designed to educate you and your child about their condition as it relates to their lifestyle, their education and their future.

Positive Future Workshop

This interactive workshop supports teens with arthritis by helping them to see their full potential for the future.

The workshop has been designed by a life coach, family counsellor, Arthritis Irelands JA Programme Coordinator and Arthritis Irelands JA Mentors, all of who understand the issues faced by young people with arthritis. The workshop will specifically address the issues associated with growing up with this challenging disease. Children and young people with arthritis can face a range of challenges – physical, social and emotional but with support lead very independent and full lives. We offer this workshop to children between the ages of 12 and 17.

The workshop takes place in the spring, and involves an overnight stay. As such, your child must be comfortable with staying away from home for the night. Adult leaders including Arthritis Ireland staff and JA Mentors attend, run and supervise the workshop and the cost of all accommodation and meals will be covered by Arthritis Ireland.

The aim of Positive Future is to give your child the opportunity to meet others with arthritis, to discuss issues that affect them but also to have great fun and make some friends for life.

A Joint Adventure Family Day

This workshop is an information and networking day designed for families affected by JA. Having a child with a chronic condition can affect the whole family and at times can dominate much of the family's schedule. A Joint Adventure incorporates specific sessions for siblings of the child with JA to both improve understanding of the condition and to show them that their brother or sister needs their love and support. Our very own JA Mentors also host sessions on the day and there are breakout sessions where parents can share experiences and .

JA Month

September is when we focus on raising awareness of JA and the impact it has on affected families. Every year a number of events are held to mark JA Month including a media campaign and

JAsper Pins

He's the little pin that make a big difference to families affected by JA and he makes an appearance every year to help raise much-needed funds to control and cure JA. Pupils in schools across the country sell the pins to their classmates, parents and in their local communities.

If you would like to sell JAsper pins in your community, contact us on 01-6618188.