What We Do
CCAA is a UK charity dedicated to supporting children and young people living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and their families. Founded and run by people with personal experience of JIA, we are driven by a deep understanding of the challenges the condition can bring. Everyone involved with CCAA has been affected by JIA in some way—as a parent, sibling, family member, or young person living with the condition.
Children and families are at the heart of everything we do. We provide emotional support, practical guidance, and opportunities for families to connect with others who truly understand their experiences.
JIA can affect children of all ages and takes many different forms. While every family’s journey is unique, many face similar challenges, including pain, uncertainty, and the impact the condition can have on everyday life. Through our support services, events, and community network, we help families feel informed, connected, and empowered. We also work to raise awareness and understanding of childhood arthritis across the wider community.
Our Aims
Our aim is to help children and young people living with JIA learn, grow, and enjoy new experiences, while recognising that their condition does not define what they can achieve. We want every child to feel confident in pursuing their ambitions and every family to feel supported throughout their JIA journey.
We achieve this by bringing families together through our twice-yearly Family Support Weekends, our network of parent-led Local Area Groups, and a range of family events throughout the year. We also provide information and guidance on topics such as hospital appointments, treatments, education, and everyday life with JIA.
Above all, we are here to offer support, understanding, friendship, and a sense of community whenever families need us.
Our History
After her daughter was diagnosed with JIA, CCAA founder Caroline Cox realised there was very little support available for families affected by childhood arthritis. She brought together families facing similar challenges and created a support network that grew into the charity we know today.
More than 40 years later, we continue Caroline’s vision of helping children and families feel informed, connected, and supported throughout their JIA journey.
In 2019, JIA Matters joined CCAA. Founded by Emily Earle, JIA Matters was a parent-led network that connected families affected by JIA in their local communities. Today, that legacy continues through our Local Area Groups, which bring families together across England and Wales for friendship, support, and shared experiences.
Percy Penguin & Friends
Percy Penguin has been part of CCAA’s story from very early on. When founder Caroline Cox’s daughter was being treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital, she spent time on the Penguin Ward. Inspired by this, the penguin became CCAA’s mascot and logo.
At one of our Family Support Weekends, the children were invited to choose a name for our mascot, and “Percy” was the clear favourite. Since then, Percy Penguin has become a much-loved member of the CCAA family, bringing smiles, hugs, and friendship to children and young people.
Today, Percy is joined by his friends from JIA Matters—Oli, Poly, and SJ. Together, they champion the belief that no child or family should face JIA alone, reminding families that support, friendship, and understanding are always close at hand.
Our Committee
The CCAA committee is made up of dedicated volunteers who are committed to supporting children and families living with JIA. Drawing on our own personal experiences and expertise, we provide emotional support, practical guidance, and a listening ear when it is needed most.
If we cannot provide the help you need directly, we will always do our best to connect you with the right information, services, or professionals who can.
Our Patrons
We are very fortunate to have the support of some incredible patrons. CCAA are extremely grateful for the support and time they give to help us provide resources and information to families. You can learn more about the patrons that support us on our patrons page.