Community directory

Lupus UK

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, or a type of self-allergy, whereby the patients immune system creates antibodies which instead of protecting the body from bacteria, viruses and other foreign matter attacks the persons own body tissue. This causes symptoms of extreme fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, anaemia, general malaise, and can result in the destruction of vital organs.

Lupus is a condition in which the body's defence mechanism begins to attack itself. The disease can present in a bewildering number of ways, even to the extent of mimicking other diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or Multiple Sclerosis. Many times the patient has been told "It's all in the mind".

Lupus UK is the only National Registered Charity operating Self-Help Groups throughout the United Kingdom for people with Lupus. It also provides advice and counselling on all aspects of the disease and publishes national and regional newsletters.

Fundraising for Lupus research and welfare support is an essential part of the charities work.

Registered charity number 1051610