Don’t Be Alone With JIA
Find your nearest Local Area Group from our network of friendly, supportive communities across England and Wales.
Our Local Area Groups are led by volunteer parent representatives who understand the challenges of living with JIA firsthand. Through online support, local meet-ups, and family-friendly events, they provide opportunities to connect, share experiences, and build lasting friendships with others who truly understand.
We welcome children and young people living with JIA and other rheumatological conditions, as well as their parents, carers, and siblings. Whether your child would like to meet others with a similar condition, or you’re looking to connect with families on a similar journey, you’ll find a warm and supportive community waiting for you.
We know how valuable peer support can be. That’s why we work closely with rheumatology teams, healthcare professionals, researchers, and partner organisations to help families access trusted information, practical guidance, and the support they need throughout their JIA journey.
Have Fun!
What we do at our local meet-ups depends on what our wonderful local volunteers organise. Popular activities have included bowling, mini golf, pottery painting, park meet-ups, and family days out.
There’s no set agenda—our aim is simply to bring families together, have fun, make connections, and enjoy spending time with others who understand the JIA journey.
Share Experiences
Connecting with other families who understand life with JIA can be incredibly valuable. You may meet someone who has faced challenges similar to your own and can share their experiences, advice, or reassurance. For children and young people, meeting others with JIA can help them feel less alone—whether that’s talking to someone on the same medication, sharing experiences of hospital visits, or simply making friends who understand what they’re going through.
Local groups also provide an opportunity for siblings, parents, and carers to connect with others in similar situations, helping the whole family feel supported and understood.
Meet Other Families
Living with JIA can feel a little easier when you have local families who understand what you’re going through. Many of our members share the same healthcare teams, attend nearby hospitals, or have children at local schools, creating valuable connections close to home.
Our Local Area Groups bring together children and young people with JIA, as well as parents, carers, and siblings, helping everyone feel less isolated on their journey. Whether you’re looking for advice, friendship, support, or simply someone to share a coffee with who truly understands, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to connect.
Feel Less Alone
Most families affected by JIA have felt isolated at some point. Because JIA is a relatively uncommon condition, it can be difficult to find other people who truly understand what your family is experiencing—until it becomes part of your own life.
We know that attending a local meet-up for the first time can feel a little daunting, but time and time again families tell us how reassuring it is to meet others who are facing similar challenges. Knowing you’re not alone and connecting with people who genuinely understand can make a real difference.
Becoming a Local Area Rep
CCAA is always looking to expand its network of Local Area Groups across the UK, helping us provide support to more families affected by JIA.
If you have been on your JIA journey for some time and would like to find out more about becoming a Local Area Parent Representative, we’d love to hear from you. Simply complete the online form below to register your interest.
To help ensure the safety and wellbeing of the families we support, all Parent Representatives are required to undergo DBS and reference checks. As part of the application process, we will also ask for a recommendation from a member of your paediatric rheumatology team.
Full training and ongoing support will be provided, and CCAA will cover all reasonable expenses associated with the role.