Just because you have arthritis does not mean you cannot live a perfectly normal life. You can do pretty much whatever you set your mind to if you work to achieve it. Working towards your goals does not have to be done alone either. As well as your support network of family and friends, Arthritis Ireland provides a variety of programmes and services that aim to minimise the impact your condition has on your life.

JA Mentors:

Who knows arthritis better than those who live it? JA Mentors are adults who themselves either have or have had juvenile arthritis and they can provide you and your family with valuable insight and support. By becoming a JA Mentor these adults can pass on the benefit of their experiences with arthritis, helping to increase your and your family's confidence by helping you to better understand your condition and its affect on your lives.

Your JA Mentors can be just a phone call or email away. Contact ja@arthritisireland.ie or register on our Fizz Friends online forum to get in touch with a mentor.

"Having lived with JA for most of my childhood, I feel I should make use of the knowledge and experience that I have gained to support others who live with the condition (together with their families). I think I have a good understanding of the challenges and issues that can arise and hope that I will be able to help in giving advice and assistance in any way possible as a JA Mentor!" Máirtín, Galway.

Facebook:

The Arthritis Ireland Facebook page is a great way to keep in touch with the friends you have made, as well as asking for advice on different matters related to arthritis. There you also find all the latest Arthritis Ireland news and blog posts, some positive thoughts and tasty recipes. All you have to do is 'Like' our page here.

Young Arthritis Network:

The Young Arthritis Network is a great resource for older teens (18+). They focus on everyday issues that young people living with arthritis face including pregnancy, relationships and employment. But most of all, they provide a real opportunity for young people living with arthritis all around the country to get in touch with each other and benefit from a strong support network, with many opportunities to socialise and have fun too. Contact them at youngarthritis@arthritisireland.ie or follow them on Facebook.

Remember also that the Arthritis Ireland helpline is available to you if you would like to someone about your arthritis or any other issue. Locall 1890 252 846.