National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society

NRAS helpline

Our helpline is for those with rheumatoid arthritis and is manned by three trained staff supported by other members of the NRAS team.

Our aim is to provide callers with up-to-date information, give emotional support and help people understand more about the disease and the treatments available.

We aim to keep well-informed of developments in the field of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and will always try to answer your questions as fully as possible.

What we can help with

We provide information and support on a range of topics including:

• getting a diagnosis
• side effects of medications
• issues with work
• the financial impact of RA
• possible benefits available
• diet and exercise
• pregnancy
• complementary therapies
• surgery

We receive a wide range of calls and when relevant information or detailed knowledge is not available. We will always try to find evidence-based information from other sources, and give details of the best organisation to help you, perhaps with more in-depth knowledge and experience on a particular topic.

Please note that we have no medical training and cannot answer specific medical questions. These will instead be referred to your rheumatology team or GP.

We have access to a team of Medical Advisors including consultants, rheumatology nurse specialists and other health professionals who we can contact for further information and advice.

They will occasionally help us to respond to difficult queries by email.

Contacting us

You can contact the helpline by:

• phoning (free from landlines) on 0800 298 7650 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4.30pm
• emailing helpline@nras.org.uk
• writing to: Helpline, NRAS, Ground Floor, 4 Switchback Office Park, Gardner Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 7RJ

NRAS online community 

The NRAS HealthUnlocked Community was set up for those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to learn more about it, connect to others with the disease and share experiences.

You can ask questions, read hospital reviews by others and add your own.

You'll also read blog posts and ideas to benefit others, from experiences with anti-TNFs (a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis) and methotrexate (a chemotherapy agent used to treat rheumatoid arthritis), to persistence in getting a blue badge.

It's quick and easy to register and once a member, you can see all the content and start adding your own.

If you have any questions regarding our HealthUnlocked site, please contact us on 0845 458 3969.

Visit the NRAS HealthUnlocked online community

NRAS Ground Floor
4 The Switchback
Gardner Road
Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL6 7RJ