Inspiring Resilience - Empowering Lives

Charity led by lived experience

IAUK is the only UK charity dedicated to all types of autoimmune inflammatory arthritis (IA). Founded by people with over 50 years lived experience of IA for people with IA. Together, we’re building a future where everyone affected by IA feels seen, supported, and never alone.
We are one community, every story, all inflammatory arthritis.

About Us

"I’ve just been diagnosed with RA at the age of 45. Whenever anyone hears arthritis we all get the image of an old person with wear and tear, but this is nothing like that. Katy and Debbie helped me to put everything perspective and stopped me imaging the worst. Their humour and warmth really make a difference. Just the information I needed at exactly the right time."

“Great idea for a charity, I have found attitude and resilience to have been the most important things so far and have certainly been on a massive journey in the last couple of years with it (IA)"

“They are so helpful especially as you talk about real lived experiences. Thank you too for your honesty and vulnerability. I feel I am not alone and someone else understands it.”

I became so emotional listening to this. It’s 12 years since diagnosis and it’s like living in another world within the world. Thank you for shining a light on my world.

Podcast

Join our founders, Debbie and Katy, as they share their journey of living with inflammatory arthritis (IA), a chronic and fluctuating disease, in our regular podcast Inflammatory !.

With honesty, positivity, warmth, and practical insights, they discuss the challenges, triumphs, and everyday realities of living with IA.

Whether you’re personally affected, supporting a friend or family member, or simply seeking understanding, Inflammatory! is for you.

Tune in to connect, learn, and find inspiration in a shared journey.
You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music and now watch the episodes on our YouTube channel.

New Updates

Episode 73 Why is IA So Frustrating?

Have you ever felt dismissed, unheard or not believed because of your inflammatory arthritis? This week, Debbie and Katy explore the frustrations of navigating healthcare, why patients are the experts in their own bodies, and how trust, rapport and listening can make all the difference.

Episode 72 Arun: AS, Work & a Rare Side Effect

Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in his twenties, Arun's life took an unexpected turn when an exceptionally rare biologic side effect left him unable to recognise loved ones or carry out everyday tasks. He shares his journey from rebuilding his independence to becoming a leading voice in disability policy and advocacy.

Episode 71 Why Don’t You Believe Us?

We discuss why people don't always believe us when we say we have inflammatory arthritis, and whether the true impact of living with an invisible illness can ever be understood. Plus, a light-hearted discussion on the economics of "man flu".

News

We would like your feedback

Through real stories and expert conversations, Inflammatory! helps people feel informed, understood and less alone.

We would be very grateful if you could please take a few minutes to complete our survey and help shape the future of the podcast. Your feedback also helps us demonstrate the impact of our work and secure support for the future. Complete short survey here

New IA Story – CPPD Arthritis

Julie’s sudden, painful hand swelling led to a diagnosis she’d never heard of, CPPD arthritis. With little clear information available, she turned her confusion into a simple, relatable workbook that explains this crystal‑driven condition in everyday language. Her story and guide aim to help others feel informed, supported and far less overwhelmed. Read her full story here

New IA Story – Bridging Clinical Practice, Research and Patient Voice

Insightful new IA Story from Andy Kelly about how better discussions in inflammatory arthritis are made when clinical insight and patient voice stand side by side. Read the full story here here

Mailing list Sign up

Be the first to access the latest episodes of Inflammatory!, exciting research opportunities, ground-breaking publications, events, and up-to-date IA news. For details about what we do with your data please see our privacy notice

Inflammatory Arthritis UK is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1211390.