About ARMA

    ARMA – the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance

ARMA is the umbrella association body providing a collective voice for the arthritis and musculoskeletal community in the UK.

 Our History

The organisation was founded in 1972 as the British League Against Rheumatism (BLAR). The name was changed to ARMA in April 2002.

 Our Membership

Today we have 37 member organisations, ranging from specialised support groups for rare diseases to major research charities and national professional bodies.

 Our International Membership

Our international membership is aimed at organisations based outside of UK where we actively collaborates with other national and international organisations. Our membership keeps you informed and connected with developments across the globe and provides you with the connections and resources to help combat musculoskeletal disorders.

ARMA is the UK member of EULAR PARE and the UK National Action Network (NAN) for the Bone and Joint Decade (BJD)

 Our Vission

ARMAs vision is of an effective, unified musculoskeletal community working together to improve the lives of people with musculoskeletal disorders.

  Our Misson Statement

ARMA strives to transform the quality of life for people with musculoskeletal disorders. This is achieved through partnership with its member organisations, by shaping policy and best practice. 

  Our Activities

ARMA works in partnership with its Member organisations to improve standards of care for people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. Recent activities and initiatives includeing

 Joint Working

An audit of the implementation of the Department of Health’s musculoskeletal services framework. Joint Delivery, an updated report will be launched in Spring 2012.

 Setting Standards of Care

Including, Inflammatory Arthritis, Musculoskeletal Foot Health Problems, Osteoarthritis, Regional Musculoskeletal Pain, Connective Tissue Diseases, Back Pain, Metabolic Bone Diseases, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and the most recent publication on Gout.

 ARMA Charter for Work

For people affected by musculoskeletal disorders in the UK. This charter was created for use in England, Wales and Scotland.

 Campaigning to improve services

Pressing for higher priority for arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions with policy makers and service planners.

 Influencing policy

Responding to government and health service consultations on behalf of the arthritis/musculoskeletal community.

Networking

Providing opportunities for groups to work together and exchange information and ideas through seminars, conferences, debates and joint projects.