Young artist shares her experience of living with lupus as charity challenges myths about arthritis
A TEENAGER from Llanelli has travelled to Westminster to help raise awareness of arthritis in young people as part of a national exhibition in Parliament.
Fifteen-year-old Olivia, who lives with lupus, was invited to attend the opening of the ‘Inside Arthritis’ exhibition organised by Arthritis UK. The week-long exhibition, held in the Upper Waiting Hall at the Palace of Westminster from March 9 to March 12, highlights the experiences of children and young people living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
The exhibition showcased artwork created through Arthritis UK’s Joint Creativity programme and aims to challenge the widespread misconception that arthritis is only an illness affecting older people.
Olivia, who was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 11 after years of unexplained joint pain and repeated visits to A&E, met MPs during the opening event and spoke about the challenges of growing up with a chronic illness.
She said: “When I was first diagnosed, I was given a creativity journal. Being able to colour and express myself not only helped with the joint pain in my hands, but it also helped me process my emotions.
“Growing up with lupus meant I didn’t always fit in at school, as my friends and teachers didn’t understand my condition. Someone even started a rumour that I had cancer because my medication caused my hair to fall out, which was a very difficult time.
“However, going on residentials with Arthritis UK meant I was able to meet so many others who understood how difficult growing up with a chronic illness can be. I want people going through something similar to know that while things might be bad now, they can get better.”
Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in different parts of the body, including joints, skin and internal organs. Around 70,000 people in the UK are believed to live with the condition.
Through Arthritis UK’s Young People and Families Service, Olivia became involved in the charity’s Joint Creativity art club, which helps young people learn about their conditions through creative activities.
The exhibition also forms part of events leading up to World Young Rheumatic Diseases Day, which raises awareness of rheumatic diseases affecting children and young people.
Speaking at the exhibition launch, Deborah Alsina MBE, chief executive of Arthritis UK, said hearing directly from young people was crucial to changing public perceptions.
She said: “Inside Arthritis is a great opportunity for parliamentarians to hear first-hand from our young community about the stigma and challenges of living with arthritis.
“Many people know someone living with arthritis and understand the resilience it requires. This can be especially difficult for those affected earlier in life, where the impact on quality of life and mental health can be significant.
“We hope that by hearing from these inspirational young people, parliamentarians will be encouraged to help us tackle the misconception that arthritis is an older person’s disease.”
More than 10 million people in the UK are estimated to live with arthritis or related musculoskeletal conditions, affecting people of all ages, including children and teenagers.
Arthritis UK said it hopes the exhibition will encourage greater awareness, earlier diagnosis and improved support for young people living with these conditions.
