Physical branch meetings are currently cancelled due to COVID-19. However there are virtual activities being run by some branches. Please contact your local branch for more information.

We hope you find the information on these pages helpful. Our team is working tirelessly to provide up to date advice in relation to the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic. Record numbers of people are now turning to NASS for support, and we hope to be here for everyone. Our helpline and advice service are only possible thanks to donations from people like you.

If you are able to make a donation to NASS today, we'd be so grateful.

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Self-management Programme

“Living with axial SpA is what happens between appointments and there is so much of that time and so little time in an appointment.”

Our new Supported Self-management Programme gives people with axial SpA the skills and tools they need to help them confidently manage their symptoms and live well with the condition.

In partnership with patients and healthcare professionals

In 2020 we ran a consultation with patients and healthcare professionals, which identified the key objectives:

  • Empower people with axial SpA to live well with their condition
  • Connect patients with their local rheumatology team
  • Reduce isolation
  • Be co-designed with people living with axial SpA and healthcare professionals
  • Be easily accessible
  • Leave a legacy

Pilot Programme

Thanks to funding from the Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, we were able to run a pilot programme delivering 10 online self-management sessions in partnership with six NHS Trusts. You can read the results of the programme in our impact report.

We also shared these results in:

  • A recorded abstract presentation at BRITSpA Annual Scientific Meeting 2021
  • An article in OT News in March 2022
  • A poster showcase presentation at BSR 2022 Conference

The British Society for Rheumatology awarded Zoë Clark the Chris Moran award for Best Poster at the Annual Conference 2022, reflecting both presentation and quality.

Future plans

In 2021-22 programme, we have run 24 online patient education sessions in partnership with healthcare professionals from 15 hospitals, funded by local charitable trusts.

We are now organising our 2022-23 online education sessions, developing an online learning programme for people with axial SpA and seeking funding to create a resource library for healthcare professionals to run their own education sessions with our resources and guidance.

Get involved

If you would like to host some NASS-led self-management sessions or be involved in future consultations regarding the programme, please contact Zoë Clark our Senior Self-management Programme Officer.