Press Centre

Welcome to our Press Office. Here you will find our press releases, key statistics and information about spokespeople.

If you're a journalist working on a story about arthritis, we're here to help. We can answer your questions, help with case study content and provide expert spokespeople across research, policy and healthcare for comment. We can also help with statistics, ground-breaking research and more.

We've also got a brilliant community of people with lived experience. You can read some of their stories here. 

Contact our Media and PR team with any media enquiries

Telephone: 0300 7900 456 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Email: press@versusarthritis.org

Please note, these contact details are for journalists and people currently working in the press and media only. If you are looking for support from Versus Arthritis, or have questions about donations or fundraising, please visit our contact us page. 

Press Releases & Statements

Read our latest campaigns, research and statements 

Our Reports & Publications

Our data and analysis help policy makers to understand arthritis and MSK conditions. Research our reports and influence policy development.

Meet our community

Learn about what the online community is, how it can support people with arthritis and how to get involved.

Our Spokespeople

We can provide spokespeople on topics including arthritis research, our government calls and the injustices that people with arthritis face, such as access to treatment, NHS waiting times, and the impact on work, mental health and daily life.

We work in all four nations in the UK and have spokespeople available in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

To request an interview with one of our spokespeople, please contact the Press Office.

Contact our Media and PR team with any media enquiries

Telephone: 0300 7900 456 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Email: press@versusarthritis.org 

Deborah Alsina MBE

Chief Executive 

Deborah Alsina is a passionate advocate for people with arthritis. She has personal experience of living with a musculoskeletal condition and the challenges that chronic pain can bring. Deborah campaigns to ensure that every person with arthritis can gain access to a swift diagnosis and the best treatment and care. 

Zoe Chivers

Director of Services and Influencing

Zoe Chivers leads our strategy to better support for people with arthritis to manage their condition and live well. She leads on delivering high-quality services for people with arthritis including expert information and support. 

Professor Lucy Donaldson

Director of Research 

Professor Lucy Donaldson is a leading figure in steering our research to move closer to a future free from arthritis, and ultimately find a cure. Her research legacy spans over XX years with a focus on the mechanisms of acute and chronic inflammatory pain.  

Joe Levenson

Assistant Director of UK Advocacy and Health Intelligence 

Joe Levenson has 25 years of policy and communications experience with a particular interest in tackling inequalities and a track record of leading work which has resulted in social change. He is passionate about making policy accessible and ensuring decision makers understand the experiences of people living with arthritis. 

Lauren Bennie

Head of Scotland 

Lauren Bennie leads our influencing work in Scotland, advocating for the charity's priorities with the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, and other public bodies. She builds and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, including other charities, and provides oversight of our policy work 

Sara Graham

Head of Northern Ireland  

Sara Graham leads the charity's work in Northern Ireland, which supports people with arthritis to manage their condition. She influences government to make arthritis a priority, calling for improved diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, action on waiting times for orthopaedics and rheumatology, better communication and support for people waiting for surgery and a strategic approach to MSK healthcare in Northern Ireland. 

Mary Cowern

Head of Wales 

Mary Cowern leads on external affairs and stakeholder management and provides strategic leadership in Wales. Having lived with arthritis since her early 20s, she is a passionate advocate of patient empowerment. Mary has given lectures and presentations on arthritis, pain, musculoskeletal conditions, disability, co-production and self-care to audiences across National, European and International platforms. 

Related Links