Join a leading research network in Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) rheumatology

The Barbara Ansell National Network for Adolescent Rheumatology (BANNAR) is a nationwide network of clinicians, allied healthcare professionals, researchers and charity representatives that are interested in progressing the wellbeing and healthcare of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with MSK conditions through research.

It has representation from members in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

With almost 150 members, the membership includes top figures in the rheumatology field, with rheumatology nurses, consultants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, charity representatives and researchers all being part of the network.

Together we strive to enhance the wellbeing and healthcare of the young people we work with. We do this through research and collaboration. We are holistic in our approach; we investigate physical and mental wellbeing, as well as generate awareness of other barriers that young people face, including workplace health and issues with school, college, and university.  

We provide letters of support to our members who are applying for research funding, and we have regular members research updates at our quarterly member’s meetings. BANNAR members also have access to our young people’s research group, Your Rheum. This is a group for 11–24-year-olds across the UK with diagnosed rheumatic conditions, to advise, input and shape current adolescent and young adult rheumatology research.

We share updates through our social media and monthly BANNAR bulletin, as well as our webinar series which has so far included The Adolescent Brain, Risk Factors Associated with Injury in the Active Adolescent and Team Working; The Role of Reflective Practice in Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology.

Our spring webinar sessions include a Nursing Research Update, Work Readiness for Clinicians, and an Adolescent Health Update.

These webinars are completely free. If you would like to attend any of these, please sign up for the BANNAR webinar series.

It is also free to join our membership. Please sign up for BANNAR membership 2.0.

Find out more about BANNAR.

Follow us on Twitter @BANNARGroup.