In this episode, Debbie and Katy explore the powerful role of volunteering, especially for people living with inflammatory arthritis and chronic conditions, to coincide with volunteer’s week. The hosts share personal stories, practical advice, and inspiration on how giving back, even in small ways, can help you reclaim purpose and build a sense of community.

They stress that meaningful volunteering is about using your strengths and passions, not about forced or physically demanding tasks e.g. clearing grave yards! Through anecdotes and humour, they illustrate the many forms volunteering can take, from peer support to admin roles, and emphasize the impact it can have on both the individual and the wider community.

They also share that Inflammatory Arthritis UK is looking for volunteers and whether you're an expert in social media, admin, fundraising, grant writers, or would like to join the board of trustees or the expert advisory board, there's a place for you. If you would like to volunteer for IAUK, please do email info@inflammatoryarthritis.org

🔑 What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• How volunteering helped us rediscover confidence and connection after diagnosis
• Ways to get involved; without needing physical activity or prior experience
• Behind the scenes of starting a new charity: strategy, structure, and passion
• The power of small contributions (yes, even sweeping counts!)
• How you can join our Trustee Board or Expert Advisory Group
• Volunteer opportunities in admin, social media, grant writing, and more

📣 Get Involved:

We’re actively looking for volunteers to support Inflammatory Arthritis UK. Whether you can give one hour a month or a little more, your skills and lived experience are invaluable.

✅ Interested in volunteering, becoming a trustee, or joining our advisory group?

📩 Contact us via: inflammatoryarthritis.org

💬 Or reach out on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | BlueSky

For more information about being a trustee and what it entails please see here.

📝 Quote of the Episode:

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

📬 Stay Connected:

Sign up to our newsletter for updates, guest announcements, and more at inflammatoryarthritis.org.

🎧 See you next week for another inspiring guest episode!

Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.

For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inflammatory! is making a real difference, helping people feel seen, heard, and supported in their journey with inflammatory arthritis. If you’ve found value in what we do, please consider donating to help us continue creating meaningful content. Every contribution, big or small, makes a huge impact.

👉 Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/inflammatory

In this heartfelt and humorous Q&A episode, Debbie and Katy discuss the lighter and often hilarious side of living with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA). From hospital mishaps to dodging duty-free trolleys on long-haul flights, they share real-life stories that bring warmth and authenticity to chronic illness.

The episode kicks off with Katy sharing how her hospital appointments are never simple, this time, a burst water pipe added to the chaos. Despite the disruption, she still managed to get her blood test done and even turned it into a teaching moment for her son, explaining why regular tests are so important. Meanwhile, Debbie talks about the charity’s ongoing work, from ensuring the voices of those living with inflammatory arthritis are heard in NHS service improvements, to awaiting clarity on how the NHS’s 10-year plan will involve the charity sector. She also highlights meaningful discussions with researchers focused on making research truly inclusive and accessible at every stage.

They then go on to answer questions from listeners:

· What side effects have you had with medication?

· Pregnancy, medication and parenting

· What is the most obscure cure you have been told that would cure your IA?

· Do you have a funny story about inflammatory arthritis?

· How do you support a partner who lives with IA?

They end on thoughtful advice to partners supporting loved ones with IA and remind us that laughter and communication are powerful tools for navigating the ups and downs.

Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.

For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Urgent appeal for donations to help keep the podcast running until their planned summer break. Donate here https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/inflammatory

Send us your questions for next week’s Q&A session, especially voice notes: https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/contact-us/

In this episode of Inflammatory!, Debbie and Katy firstly reflect on the first Inflammatory Arthritis UK virtual community event, where they connected with the IA community and received helpful feedback on future topics. Katy shares touching moments of how the podcast has helped others, including family members who have a better understand life with IA.

They then explore the vital role of research in improving care for people with inflammatory arthritis (IA). Katy shares her experiences participating in a range of studies, from surveys and focus groups to serving on research committees. The conversation highlights the importance of Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE), showing how those with lived experience are essential in shaping research that truly matters.

They discuss being involved in steering groups and helping to design digital health apps, while also reflecting on the real-world challenges of integrating new technology into clinical care, illustrated with a humorous story about handwritten notes on a napkin after a system failure.

The episode also explores exciting areas of current research, including genetics, machine learning, and the MAPJAGstudy, which investigates what’s happening inside the joints by analysing biopsy samples from joint injections. Debbie and Katy emphasise how digital innovation and AI could transform diagnosis and treatment, while also urging caution around data privacy and the need for ethical use.

A key theme is ensuring research remains inclusive and accessible—including fair compensation that doesn’t impact benefits. Finally, the hosts encourage listeners to find ways to get involved in research, whether through clinical studies, reviewing patient information, or sharing their voices to guide future priorities.

Resources:

· Research page: https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/research/

· Link to Map-JAG Study here

· Tax implications from HMRC

“There will be no tax or NIC liability arising on the individual if the sums received do no more than reimburse the individual’s reasonable costs of participating in the trial or research, including costs of travel and subsistence. However, should the sums paid exceed those reasonable expenses then the excess may fall to be chargeable to tax as Miscellaneous Income, potentially giving rise to personal tax liabilities of the individuals which should be notified to the HMRC under Self Assessment”.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.