Iconic buildings across Wales and Northern Ireland light up blue in support of World Arthritis Day
10 October 2024On the run up to World Arthritis day on the 12th of October, county halls and other prominent, iconic buildings across Wales and Northern Ireland will light up blue to mark the day.
Versus Arthritis are leading this action to help shine a light and raise awareness of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, which are too often ignored and misunderstood.
World Arthritis Day
12 October is World Arthritis Day, a global awareness day that aims to highlight the impact of arthritis by increasing understanding of conditions and symptoms, healthcare challenges, and treatment options.
Raising awareness is essential to ensure that in the future, arthritis becomes preventable, manageable, and treatable. World Arthritis Day is an opportunity for people with arthritis to share their experiences, connect with each other and be heard.
Arthritis in Wales and Northern Ireland
There are currently as many as 525,000 people in Northern Ireland, and around 974,000 people in Wales, living with musculoskeletal conditions including arthritis.
“It's vitally important that charities, governments and the NHS work together to make sure arthritis is taken seriously and ensure people have timely access to the right support and care they need to live healthy and happy lives.”
However, many more experience the pain and fatigue of arthritis but remain undiagnosed, untreated and unsupported. We want the light-up of these buildings to inspire people with arthritis in the community to share their stories and experiences, and to know that they are not alone.
“So we’re grateful to councils across Northern Ireland who plan to light up buildings in blue to mark World Arthritis Day for the second year in a row. It is a great reminder of hope to those living with arthritis that they are not alone and that the people of Northern Ireland take arthritis seriously.”
Celebrating your stories
At Versus Arthritis, we know the impact of arthritis can be huge, yet for a condition affecting so many, far too little is done. This World Arthritis Day, we are campaigning to ensure that people with arthritis feel heard and can access the care and support they need.
On the day itself, Saturday 12th October, we will be celebrating the stories people with arthritis have shared from 2024 across social media.
“I've probably had osteoarthritis 12 or 13 years and I’m on the waiting list for knee replacements in both knees. I can potter around the house without a stick or a crutch, but as soon as I leave the house, I would have to have my crutch with me. I don't really go to many places on my own these days. I tend to have somebody with me. I kind of lost my confidence going out and about. I used to think nothing of jumping on the bus. I can’t do that anymore because I haven’t been able to manage.”
“It is empowering to be able to exercise now, looking back and thinking about how many issues I had at school even just walking. I’m very grateful for what my body is capable of when I’m having a good day. The main thing I take away is gratitude to be able to train. It’s about being able to move well and not have any pain.”
Join and support in raising awareness on 12 October
You can be a part of and support this campaign by tagging your photos and stories on social media.
If you are in Wales please tag @VersusArthritis on Instagram and Facebook or @CymruVArthritis on X and use the hashtag #WorldArthritisDay.
If you are in Northern Ireland please tag @NorthernIrelandVersusArthritis on Facebook, @niversusarthritis on Instagram or @NIVArthritis on X and use the hashtag #WorldArthritisDay.
Where you can see the buildings that will be lit up?
Wales
Cardiff | Cardiff Castle |
University Hospital of Wales - The Lake Outside the Hospital | |
Carmarthenshire | Carmarthenshire County Hall |
Ceredigion | Llyfrgell Ceredigion Library |
The Bandstand Aberystwyth | |
National Library of Wales | |
Torfaen County | Civic Centre |
Barry Town | Barry Clock Tower |
Barry Tunnels | |
Barry Island Shelters | |
Denbighshire | Rhyl Sky Tower, pavilions and promenade shelters |
Northern Ireland
Causeway Coast and Glens | Council Headquarters at Cloonavin, Coleraine |
Antrim and Newtownabbey (lighting up on 10th October) | Mossley Mill |
Antrim Civic Centre | |
Clock Face at Ballyclare Town Hall | |
Fermanagh and Omagh | Enniskillen Castle |
Strule Arts Centre, Omagh | |
Derry City and Strabane | Council Office, Strand Road, Derry |
Alley Theatre, Strabane | |
Mid Ulster | Ranfurly House, Dungannon |
Burnavon, Cookstown | |
Bridewell, Magherafelt | |
Newry Moune and Down | Newry Town Hall |
Down Leisure Centre |
About Versus Arthritis
As well as raising awareness of arthritis and investing in research, Versus Arthritis offers practical support through a range of services. These include information about the conditions, self-management advice, exercise programmes, online communities and how you can get involved.
Find out about support offered in your area
Contact us, join our online community, and follow us on social media
- If you would like to talk to someone, you can call our free helpline on 0800 5200 520
- Join our online community
- Stay in touch and follow us on Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram