Fern Howard

What's your message to the Prime Minister this #WorldArthritisDay? The cost of living crisis means that people with arthritis face a cold, painful winter. Sign our open letter to the Prime Minister to ensure they take the pain of arthritis seriously: action.versusarthritis.org/page/114394/pe…

Long waiting times are destroying lives. We’re calling on politicians to make sure everyone waiting for joint replacement operations has access to support from their local health service while they wait. Ask your elected representative to back our call: action.versusarthritis.org/page/91462/act…

Whether you’re waiting for surgery, feeling isolated or need support, this #WorldArthritisDay we're sharing a reminder that there's a whole community right here behind you. Share our video and leave your message to others. And if you’re having a tough day, we hope this helps. ❤️

Our research into the scale and immediate impacts of extended surgery waiting times for those in chronic pain shows that people waiting for joint replacement surgery are now having to bear a financial cost. 👇 versusarthritis.org/news/2021/sept… #BBCPanorama

100,000s of people with arthritis are waiting for joint replacement surgery, often in unbearable pain. I’ve just signed @VersusArthritis petition to demand UK governments urgently set out plans to bring waiting times down-will you join me? #MyPainDemands action.versusarthritis.org/page/85054/pet…

Thanks to @ASSoftballTeam for the close and lovely game yesterday. Could have gone either way but glad to get a win before playoffs start. Good luck with the rest of the season! 😘 @CharitySoftball #lcsl

It’s coming home. This week, on Thursday, SOFTBALL will be coming home. We can’t wait to play our friends (and family) in @ASSoftballTeam. 😘😘😘 #lcsl @CharitySoftball

@SoftballVersus are proud to announce the legal merger of their captain @mhjmurray to @ASSoftballTeam captain @NatashaHoward90. Mergers don’t get better than this! #softballwedding @CharitySoftball #lcsl

Great to meet with @vickyfoxcroft, Shadow Minister for Disabled People to discuss the upcoming National Disability strategy with Poppy and Lynda who shared their experiences of living with #arthritis, and how the strategy can support people with arthritis and #MSK conditions.

People with arthritis shouldn’t have to wait for joint replacement surgery in pain, distress and uncertainty. I’ve just taken action with @VersusArthritis to demand better support for them - please will you join me? #OurPainDemands action.versusarthritis.org/page/83938/pet…

Thanks @justinmadders for mentioning our Impossible to Ignore campaign: "These are people who as Versus Arthritis point out, live with extreme distress and struggle to cope with pain that is Impossible to Ignore, worsening mental health and reduced quality of life" #MyPainDemands

New figures from @NHSEngland show the total number waiting for routine operations in England is 4.7 million, the highest since modern records began in 2007. Our campaigner Loraine spoke to @BBCr4today about her experience of surgery delays (from 1:49:17). bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0…

We have launched a survey to paint a full picture of what waiting for joint replacement surgery is like. If you are waiting for surgery, please help us to tell the government and health services that the pain of arthritis is impossible to ignore: 👇 action.versusarthritis.org/page/69250/sur…

WATCH: We will be giving evidence tomorrow at 11.30am to @AppgCoronavirus, Chaired by @LaylaMoran, on the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable groups. You will be able to watch the session live on Zoom via their Twitter page.

Lara was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis around her 2nd birthday. Once she had treatment, her parents realised what she has been unable to do. Our research and services #SendStrength to families like Lara’s. Share her video and send strength: bit.ly/SendStrengthTW

Latest NHS data shows that waiting lists for planned surgery continue to grow. We're calling for plans to bring down joint replacement waiting times safely, and clear communication to those waiting: independent.co.uk/news/health/nh… #MyPainDemands

Today we welcome the @CommonsHealth report on the delivery of core NHS and care services during the pandemic and beyond. We know many of you have been affected by delays to treatment. Read our full statement: bit.ly/34iOUNX bbc.co.uk/news/health-54…

Hope Graham has received a #PointsofLight award from PM @BorisJohnson for pioneering an app with @VersusArthritis during lockdown to help young people with juvenile arthritis. Read More 👉 pointsoflight.gov.uk/arthritis-trac…

Starting secondary school can be daunting for anyone but what if you throw arthritis into the mix? If your child has arthritis and you're looking for some advice on starting the new year, check out our latest blog post: bit.ly/2ZjBfEt

📣 Thank you for supporting our latest petition. Our recent survey confirmed that lockdown, and the impact of the pandemic on the NHS, has had devastating consequences for many managing their arthritis and related conditions. Read more: versusarthritis.org/news/2020/july… #MyPainDemands