Прогулка с альпаками помогла подросткам с ювенильным артритом почувствовать себя менее одинокими

A day out with alpacas is helping young people with arthritis feel less alone. Children and teenagers living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) took part in an alpaca walk in the Brecon Beacons National Park, organised by Arthritis UK’s Young Peoples and Families support service. The event was run by Alpaca My Boots, a trekking centre based in the park. Elinor Tuckey, young peoples and families manager at Arthritis UK, said: "I’ve had a delightful afternoon with the young people and families who joined the alpaca walk today. It was wonderful to see them enjoying the walk, making connections, and meeting some unforgettable woolly companions." The event was designed to offer an inclusive way to stay active while spending time in nature and meeting others who understand the challenges of living with JIA. Ms Tuckey said: "We see time and time again that there is a lack of awareness of arthritis in children and young people, leaving many young people and their families feeling isolated and alone after a diagnosis. "A fundamental part of our Young People and Families Service is building a strong supportive community of young people and families who understand the challenges of managing a condition like JIA." JIA is an autoimmune form of arthritis that affects around 10,000 children under 16 in the UK. It can make physical activity feel daunting due to pain and fatigue, but staying active is an important part of symptom management. The alpaca walk gave parents a chance to understand what it’s like to live with arthritis as a young person. One parent said the highlight was "for my newly diagnosed daughter to see that there are other children living with the same condition." The young people also found comfort and enjoyment in the experience. One participant said: "The unpredictability of the Alpacas! These events are so important and help anyone, like a lot of us with JIA, feel less isolated." Read more Children's charity near Newtown to host litter picking fundraiser challenge More engagement planned as proposals for former Powys rugby club move forward Powys show celebrates family success among top prize winners A long-term condition like JIA can be disruptive and challenging for young people as they manage appointments, treatments, medications, and the side effects of their condition alongside school and family life. Arthritis UK organises events like the alpaca walk to help young people stay active, build friendships, and spend time in nature in a supportive, understanding environment. More information can be found here: https://www.arthritis-uk.org/young-people-and-families/