RHEUMATISM YOUTH ASSOCIATION

Rheumatism Youth Association (RYA) is a non-governmental and non-profitable organisation, established in 1995 by group of parents who had children with rheumatic diseases. Since then, the organisation has joined children and youngsters with arthritis/rheumatism and their families, medical personnel and other concerned.

Organisations` mission is to make a fulfilled life possible for families with children with rheumatic diseases.

Our moto: Together we are strong!

We believe that with positive attitude and help from others who have been through the same, we can help families to come through the difficult periods and find strength to cope the illness. We also want to broaden the awareness of the society to welcome children with disabilities as normal persons.

Amongst others are our goals:

• to support children and youngsters with arthritis/rheumatism and their families;
• help prevent deepening of the disease and handicap;
• help families and children with the disease overcome biological, psychological and social problems;
• work for equal possibilities;
• increase knowledge among Estonian society in general and institutions (schools, hospitals etc;
• provide fun and useful activities, where children and families can relax and enjoy the company of the people with similar problems;
• make connections with similar organisations in Estonia and abroad to share knowledge and experience

 To achieve our goals, we:

• find and disseminate informational materials both for families with children with disease and institutions like schools, hospitals etc to broaden the awareness and introduce the needs of children with arthritis/rheumatism;
• organize conferences, seminars and camps for children with disease and their families; also for doctors, teachers, physiotherapists, people in general;
• organize support groups for families with newly diagnosed children;
• train members to take more actively and positively control over their lives;
• offer physical training (e.g. swimming)

 Activities

• Summer and winter health-seminars for the whole family.
  Our organisation has two main camps every year – summer and winter camp. Then most of the members have 2-4 days out in the nature. There are playgroups for children and lectures for parents and older members. We also discover Estonia and its wonderful secrets. Seminars are a good place for new and old members to get to know each-other and to share their experience.
• We have conferences once or twice a year where we study a bit of psychology, healthy-diets, crisis-management and so on. Conferences are sometimes made in co-operation with the Estonian Rheumatism Association, Tartu Rheumathism Association or others. We have a long-term co-operation with Tartu University Clinic.

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION!

E-mail: info[at]rhlny.ee 
Phone: +372 5344 7040