Childrens Chronic Arthritis Association (CCAA)

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) can strike at any age, and take one of several forms, but what is similar about the disease, is the pain and frustration that affects the child, and the feeling of disbelief that affects the whole family. CCAA is a national charity that has been running for over 30 years by a group of committed volunteers who have personal experience with JIA and are passionate in helping support children with Arthritis and their families, in England and Wales. We are volunteer led and don't receive any statutory funding so every penny that's raised counts for us. Children with arthritis are at the heart of our work. They are involved in all of our activities and direct what we do as a charity. We run two annual family support weekends which include fun activities for the kids and informative support sessions, led by Health Professionals, for the parents. Our weekend is a unique opportunity for JIA families to meet and share experiences with other families, and the children meet others in similar situations, realising they are not alone and often leave with lasting friendships. Our aim at the weekend is to provide your family with an insight into the treatment and management of JIA. We also run a Small Grant Awards programme that aims to enhance the day to day life of children living with arthritis by funding specific activities, services or materials, to help with their educational and recreational needs. Our grants have helped many children in the past to support them achieving their dreams and aspirations. We want to help children with JIA to become all they can be and achieve everything they desire, despite the daily suffering they face. CCAA also offers emotional and practical support to maximise choices and opportunities and raise awareness of childhood arthritis in the community.