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Arthritis Ireland Annual Report 2025

Contents

Annual Report 2025

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Message from the Chair and CEO

Our impact in 2025

How we raised money

How we spent money

Our Strategic Priorities 2025-2029

Service Delivery

Partnership

Advocacy

Research

Awareness

Organisation

Directors report and financial statements

Our Vision A better world for people living with arthritis today and a world without arthritis tomorrow.

Our Mission We seek to ensure that every person living with arthritis in Ireland is supported to live a full and active life, having access to appropriate health services and treatments. We work to ensure an enhanced quality of life for people living with arthritis, minimising the devastating effects that arthritis can have on lives.

Arthritis Ireland

Our Values First and foremost, we are personcentred. This approach puts people living with arthritis at the heart of everything we do. Arthritis doesn’t discriminate, so it’s important for us to understand the lived reality of every person affected by this debilitating disease.

We understand the importance of trust and acting with the utmost integrity. We are responsible, accountable and operate to the highest governing standards.

We strive to be inclusive and ensure that the voice of those living with arthritis always takes priority.

We are committed to finding smarter ways of doing things to improve quality of care, uphold integrity, ensure transparency and foster person-centred inclusive practices.

We work in partnership with people living with arthritis, their families, employers, health professionals and other service providers to achieve the best possible outcomes and greatest impacts.

Annual Report 2025

We are innovative, forward thinking and dynamic.

We are committed to transparency and are honest and clear about what we do, what we don’t do and why.

Message from the Chair and Chief Executive On behalf of the Board and leadership team, we are pleased to present Arthritis Ireland’s Annual Report for 2025, a year defined by resilience, progress, and a deepened commitment to improving the lives of people living with arthritis across Ireland. Throughout the year, Arthritis Ireland remained focused on delivering highquality, person-centred services while continuing to strengthen our voice as a leading advocate for change. We are proud of the meaningful impact achieved through our supports and services, information and educational campaigns, and our growing community of corporate and individual supporters. A key highlight of 2025 was the continued delivery and expansion of our STEPS programme. This referral programme is a personalised package of support to help people address issues and challenges on their journey with arthritis. Alongside STEPS, our community activity classes continued to thrive and evolve.

This year marked an important transition to centrally delivered community activities and classes, led by a wonderful team of volunteers and dedicated representatives, whose energy, commitment and passion help create supportive and inclusive environments where participants can engage in physical activity and build meaningful connections. Our awareness and education campaigns also played a vital role in supporting individuals and increasing public understanding of arthritis. National Arthritis Week, with its focus on lifestyle medicine, highlighted the importance of physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress management in living well with arthritis. Our World Arthritis Day activities further strengthened engagement at a local level, including collaboration with rheumatology clinics to deliver information stands and ensure accessible, trusted information was available directly to patients. These campaigns, alongside our Inflammation Nation podcast, Mindful Monday blog series, and wide range of educational resources, have helped to inform, empower, and connect our community.

Arthritis Ireland

Fundraising played a critical role in enabling this work, and we are deeply grateful to all those who supported Arthritis Ireland throughout the year. A standout moment was our participation in the Dublin Marathon, where an inspiring group of fundraisers demonstrated extraordinary commitment and determination. Their efforts not only generated vital income but also significantly raised awareness of arthritis and the work of the organisation. Arthritis Ireland was delighted to launch a research grant call during the year, inviting applications for innovative, high-quality research projects that have the potential to improve outcomes and quality of life for people living with arthritis. The call offered funding for five research grants, representing a total investment of €100,000 in arthritis research. This investment underscores Arthritis Ireland’s commitment to supporting impactful research that will deepen understanding of arthritis and contribute to better treatments, care, and quality of life for those who live with arthritis.

Annual Report 2025

As we reflect on the year, we also recognise the strength of our partnerships, the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and the courage of the individuals and families we serve. Together, these collective efforts have enabled Arthritis Ireland to continue delivering meaningful change through advocacy, education, and direct support. While significant challenges remain, we are encouraged by the progress made and remain ambitious in our goals for the future. We will continue to advocate for improved access to care, invest in innovative supports, and ensure that the voices of people living with arthritis are heard at every level. We would like to thank all our stakeholders, partners and supporters for their continued trust and collaboration. It is through this shared commitment that we will continue to advance our vision of a better quality of life for everyone affected by arthritis.

Professor Ursula Fearon Chairperson

Gráinne O’Leary Chief Executive

Arthritis Ireland Impact 2025 Our community

24,881 Service users, members, donors, health care professionals, and people who have registered for information and support

Online engagement

14,076 Newsletter and blog subscribers

53,611 Social media followers

101,278 Website users

Volunteer community

635 Ordinary members

52 Volunteers and course leaders

Arthritis Ireland

Self-management & physical activity courses

302 Living Well with Arthritis & Living Well with Pain participants

47 Behind the Pain participants

3,984 Physical Activity Programme participants

Helpline

1,592 Contacts with helpline / online support

4,734 Number of members of private online forum

833 Number of STEPS programme referrals

Research activity

€17,022 Invested in research

Annual Report 2025

How we raised money In 2025 we had income of €1,379,858. Our main sources of income include: €220,326

HSE

Department of Rural and Community Development

€90,961 €113,618

Corporate sponsorship

€264,395

Fundraising

€602,262

Donations and legacies

Other income

€88,296

HSE Other income

6% 16%

Donations & legacies

44%

19%

Department of Rural & Community Development

Corporate sponsorship

Fundraising

Arthritis Ireland

How we spent money In 2025, our total expenditure was €1,274,228.

Administration

Other (1%)

27%

Fundraising

Research (1%) 25% Governance Awareness & Advocacy

Annual Report 2025

Community support service

19%

Education & information programmes

Arthritis Ireland Strategic Plan 2025-2029 In 2025, Arthritis Ireland launched its strategy setting out a five-year plan to achieve its strategic priorities. This new strategic plan provides a clear path for the future of the organisation, ensuring that efforts are focused where they matter most. As we move forward, this strategy reflects our commitment to adaptability, growth, and ensuring that even more people benefit from our work.

Our Strategic Priorities 1

Service Delivery

4 Research

We will provide relevant and meaningful services to people living with arthritis across the full journey of their disease.

We will influence research activities for better treatments, diagnoses and cures.

2 Partnership

5 Awareness

We will take collective action to address the needs of those living with arthritis.

We will increase public knowledge of arthritis and Arthritis Ireland’s work.

3 Advocacy

6 Organisation Capacity

We will advocate with and on behalf of people with lived experience of arthritis to influence policy makers to respond to the needs of people with arthritis.

We will ensure our organisation is designed to implement our strategy through the right structures, processes, systems and governance.

Arthritis Ireland

Service Delivery

We will provide relevant and meaningful services to people living with arthritis across the full journey of their disease.

Delivering support across the arthritis journey

Overview of supports and services

In 2025, Arthritis Ireland strengthened and expanded its support services to ensure that people living with arthritis could access relevant, meaningful and evidence-informed supports at every stage of their condition. This year marked a significant evolution in our service delivery model, with the successful implementation of our Community Activities Programme and the continued expansion of our STEPS (Steps Toward Empowered People) referral programme.

Our services are designed to empower people to live well with arthritis by providing education, self-management tools, physical activity opportunities and emotional support.

Through a combination of community-based supports, self-management programmes, physical activity initiatives, peer support and information services, Arthritis Ireland reached a growing number of people living with arthritis across Ireland.

Annual Report 2025

During 2025, Arthritis Ireland delivered: •

30 Living Well with Arthritis and Living Well with Pain programmes, supporting over 300 participants to build confidence and selfmanagement skills.

•

A broad variety of physical activity programmes to 3,984 participants nationwide.

•

4 Behind the Pain programmes, supporting people to better understand and manage persistent pain.

•

1,592 calls through the Arthritis Ireland Helpline, providing information, guidance and emotional support.

•

Continued growth of our private online community, reaching 4,734 members.

•

833 referrals through the STEPS programme, representing a doubling of referrals compared with the previous year.

Expanding communitybased supports A major achievement in 2025 was the successful rollout and expansion of the Community Activities Programme. The programme provided accessible, locally based opportunities for people living with arthritis to participate in physical activity, build social connections and improve their overall wellbeing. By the end of the year, Arthritis Ireland was delivering 27 weekly community classes across 19 locations, creating sustainable opportunities for participation and peer support. These programmes have strengthened our presence in local communities and enabled more people to access services closer to home. Alongside this growth, our physical activity and adapted exercise programmes continued to demonstrate strong demand and engagement, with 3,984 participant attendances recorded throughout the year.

Supporting selfmanagement and empowerment Supporting people to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their condition remains central to Arthritis Ireland’s mission. Throughout 2025, we delivered 30 Living Well with Arthritis and Living Well with Pain programmes, reaching 302 participants through both online and community-based delivery. These evidence-informed programmes equip participants with practical strategies to manage symptoms, maintain independence and improve quality of life. Arthritis Ireland’s Behind the Pain programme also continued to provide targeted support for individuals living with persistent pain, helping participants better understand pain mechanisms and develop effective coping strategies.

Athy Living Well with Arthritis leaders and participants

Arthritis Ireland

Strengthening referral pathways through STEPS Arthritis Ireland’s STEPS programme (Steps Towards Empowered People) is a personalised package of support to help people address issues and challenges on their journey with arthritis. Any person can join the programme by self-referral or through a referral from a health professional. The STEPS programme experienced substantial growth during 2025, with 833 referrals, more than double the number received in the previous year. This increase reflects the strengthening of partnerships with healthcare professionals and clinical services nationwide. During the year, Arthritis Ireland worked with 22 clinics, 52 healthcare referrers and multiple external organisations to ensure that people living with arthritis could access support at the earliest possible stage of their journey. The growth in self-referrals also demonstrates increasing public awareness of the supports available through Arthritis Ireland.

Building a strong volunteer community Volunteers remain at the heart of Arthritis Ireland’s services. During 2025, 31 volunteer leaders supported the delivery of our Living Well programmes, while 16 community volunteers contributed to the success of the Community Activities Programme. Additional volunteers provided essential support through our Helpline, online forums and fundraising activities. The commitment, experience and generosity of our volunteers continue to enable Arthritis Ireland to extend its reach and provide peer-led support to communities throughout Ireland.

Achievements and challenges The expansion of community-based services and referral pathways represented significant achievements during 2025. Increased demand for services demonstrates both the growing need for support and the confidence that people living with arthritis and healthcare professionals place in Arthritis Ireland. Annual Report 2025

As demand continues to increase, maintaining service quality, ensuring equitable access nationwide and securing sustainable resources remain important priorities for the organisation.

Looking ahead to 2026 In 2026, Arthritis Ireland will continue to strengthen and expand its service offering, building on the successful growth achieved during 2025. Key priorities will include further expansion of community-based supports, continued development of the STEPS referral pathway, strengthening volunteer engagement and ensuring that people living with arthritis can access high-quality, person-centred support wherever they live. Through collaboration, innovation and a continued focus on the needs of people living with arthritis, Arthritis Ireland remains committed to supporting individuals to live well throughout their arthritis journey.

Partnership

We will take collective action to address the needs of those living with arthritis.

In 2025, Arthritis Ireland continued to prioritise the development of strong, collaborative relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders to advance our vision for improved outcomes for people living with arthritis. Central to this approach is our ongoing engagement with key partners such as the Irish Society for Rheumatology (ISR) and the Irish Rheumatology Nursing Forum (IRNF). These relationships enable meaningful collaboration across clinical, research, and patient advocacy domains, ensuring that the voice of people living with arthritis is represented in service development, policy discussions, and best practice initiatives. During the year, Arthritis Ireland further strengthened its visibility and engagement at both the ISR and IRNF annual conferences. These events provide critical platforms to connect with healthcare professionals, share insights from the patient perspective, and contribute to discussions on service delivery and innovation in rheumatology care. Our presence at these conferences reinforces our commitment to working in partnership with clinicians and nurses, supporting a more integrated and patient-centred approach to care. At a European level, Arthritis Ireland continued to build and maintain important international relationships through active participation in the EULAR (European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology) Congress and EULAR PARE (People with Arthritis/Rheumatism in Europe). Attendance at these key events ensures that Arthritis Ireland remains connected to international best practice, emerging research, and policy developments. 16

Chief Executive Gráinne O’Leary and ANP Louise Moore at EULAR 2026 Congress

Engagement with EULAR PARE in particular enhances our advocacy work, enabling us to collaborate with peer organisations across Europe, share learnings, and amplify the collective voice of people living with arthritis. Beyond clinical partnerships, Arthritis Ireland actively strengthened its connections through participation in national and community-based networks, fostering opportunities for shared learning, advocacy, and innovation.

Arthritis Ireland

Living your Best Life with Arthritis Living with arthritis? Discover how simple lifestyle changes can transform your life! Join us for interactive sessions, practical tips, and connect with others facing similar challenges. Learn about local activities to help you manage your condition and take control of your health.

Meet - Dr Andreé Rochfort, GP and lifestyle medicine expert - Úna Martin, Rheumatology Advanced Nurse Practitioner - Gráinne O’Leary, Chief Executive of Arthritis Ireland - Anne Cushen, Wexford native who lives with arthritis - Healthy Wexford Date: Tuesday 11th March Time: 6pm-8pm Location: The Riverbank House Hotel, Wexford, Y35 AH33

Social media continues to play a vital role in how Arthritis Ireland connects with people living with arthritis. Throughout 2025, the organisation strengthened its digital presence and grew its audience by delivering a consistent mix of educational content, member stories, advocacy updates, event promotion and fundraising activities, reaching more people than ever before and increasing awareness of Arthritis Ireland’s supports. This work included campaign activity with a stronger focus on video content and storytelling and was strategically executed through a mix of organic outreach and paid advertising, ensuring strong visibility and engagement across multiple audiences.

Tea/Coffee & Refreshments on arrival Places are limited and registration is necessary using one of the following options:

0818 252 846

Don’t miss this opportunity to take a proactive step towards better health and well-being. We look forward to seeing you there!

Arthritis Ireland held an in-person lifestyle medicine event in association with Rheumatology Southeast, in March at the Riverbank House Hotel in Wexford. The evening featured GP and lifestyle medicine expert, Dr. Andreé Rochfort, Anne Cushen, who lives with arthritis, Rheumatology Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Úna Martin, and Arthritis Ireland Chief Executive, Gráinne O’Leary. Representatives from Healthy Wexford and the local sports partnership added to the occasion. With a strong turnout and an atmosphere of inspiration, the event was well attended and received positive feedback. Our digital engagement channels continue to play a vital role in reaching and supporting our community. We manage a number of Facebook support groups, providing safe and accessible peer-to-peer spaces where members can share experiences, seek advice, and build supportive connections.

Annual Report 2025

Throughout the year, we expanded our communications efforts through a variety of content platforms. Our bi-monthly blog, Mindful Monday, focuses on lifestyle interventions and practical daily tips to support individuals in managing arthritis. In addition, we published a number of lived experience interviews which help to reduce isolation and validate emotions for people living with arthritis and related conditions. Our monthly newsletter remains a key communication tool, keeping our stakeholders informed about organisational updates, educational resources, upcoming events, and advocacy efforts. Together, these initiatives strengthen our relationships with individuals, healthcare professionals, and partner organisations, reinforcing Arthritis Ireland’s role as a trusted source of information, support, and collaboration within the arthritis community.

World Arthritis Day also provided a significant platform for Arthritis Ireland to work in partnership with healthcare providers to support activity across rheumatology clinics nationwide, including the delivery of information stands. These stands provided patients and the public with direct access to educational resources, guidance on supports and services, and opportunities to engage with healthcare professionals. This collaborative, on-the-ground approach helped to extend the reach of our messaging and ensure that reliable information was accessible to people at the point of care.

Through these sustained and evolving stakeholder engagements, Arthritis Ireland continues to build a connected and informed network, driving progress towards improved quality of life for all those affected by arthritis.

Arthritis Ireland

Advocacy

In 2025, Arthritis Ireland continued to deliver strong and impactful advocacy activities, ensuring that the needs and voices of people living with arthritis remained central to health policy, service development, and public discourse. A key pillar of this work was our ongoing engagement with the National Clinical Programme for Rheumatology. Through constructive collaboration, Arthritis Ireland contributed to perspectives informed by patient’s experiences to discussions on service planning, models of care, and access to timely diagnosis and treatment. This partnership supports the alignment of clinical priorities with the realworld experiences of those living with arthritis, helping to improve care pathways and outcomes nationwide. Arthritis Ireland also actively participated in a range of public consultations during the year, responding to national policy developments and healthcare reform initiatives. These submissions ensured that arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions were recognised as significant public

We will advocate with, and on behalf of, people with lived experience of arthritis to influence policy makers to respond to the needs of people with arthritis.

health priorities. By advocating for improved resourcing, equitable access to services, and integrated care, the organisation worked to influence decision-making at government and policy levels. A defining feature of our advocacy approach in 2025 was the continued integration of lived experience. Arthritis Ireland amplified patient voices through structured lived experience interviews, capturing personal stories that highlight the daily realities, challenges, and resilience of those living with arthritis. These insights provide powerful qualitative evidence to support policy recommendations, enhance awareness, and humanise the impact of arthritis for policymakers, clinicians, and the wider public. Collectively, this work reflects Arthritis Ireland’s commitment to evidence-based, patientcentred advocacy. By combining strategic partnerships, policy engagement, and authentic lived experiences, the organisation continues to influence meaningful change and improve the lives of people affected by arthritis across Ireland.

Kevin Bergin

Annual Report 2025

Lived experience interview with Aoife O’Driscoll Twenty-five-year-old Aoife O’Driscoll from Dublin was diagnosed with enthesitisrelated arthritis, a type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), when she was fourteen years old. Enthesitis-related arthritis involves inflammation at the sites where soft tissues attach to bone. “It all started when I noticed pain and swelling in my knees. I was very physically active at the time – I played Gaelic football and was mad into dancing. My poor parents were taking me to physiotherapists to try to get answers, and every physio seemed to have a different idea about what was going on. Some suggested it may be down to overuse (because I was so active) or a weakness in my muscles. “But then my lower back started. I had a lot of pain in my sacroiliac (SI) joints, and I still do. My lower back would be hot to touch, my whole body was stiff, and my energy levels were low. At that time, I was very lucky to be with a GP who was aware. He said, “This just isn’t very normal for a thirteenyear-old to be in so much pain,” so he organised blood tests. Something showed up – initially they thought it was lupus, but then it was clear I needed further investigation. At the time, we looked at accessing the public system, but we were told it would be over two years before I would be seen by a rheumatologist. The symptoms were so severe at that stage, so we had no other choice but to go privately to CHI at Crumlin.” “My rheumatologist almost immediately diagnosed me with enthesitis-related arthritis, a subtype of juvenile arthritis. This was confirmed by in-depth history, X-rays, MRIs and blood tests to rule out other conditions. At that time, it was only my knees and lower back that were affected. But, unfortunately, over the next two years, most of my joints became affected, particularly my hands. It also became apparent that I suffered from hypermobility as well. 20

I couldn’t write very well – I had a scribe for junior and leaving cert which I was quite embarrassed about. I found those years of secondary school very challenging. My family did too – there was so much disruption to our lives. We had to learn all the medical lingo and do all the ferrying around, getting me to my appointments. They were heartbroken to see my deterioration, both physically and mentally.” “It was such a huge change for me, going from being so physically active to becoming really quite disabled – it was shocking. I struggled with the fact that people would say to me, ‘But you’re so young’. I became self-conscious and embarrassed about my limitations. Being diagnosed with a chronic illness in my teenage years hugely affected my mental health. I had been a very bubbly, happy child but this really knocked my confidence and self-esteem. It was a struggle to get out of bed sometimes. I missed so much school, particularly in fifth and sixth year, when I was only in for about a third of the year.” “But that is when I became really determined to succeed at the one thing I could control – academia. I am a high achiever. I really wanted to do well in the leaving certificate, but I had to learn how to balance my limitations versus my own expectations of myself. I couldn’t pull all night study sessions or sit for hours in one spot like my peers. I used studying as a way to gain control over my life, when so many things appeared out of my control. I ended up being quite successful in the leaving cert – getting 518 points.” “I went to DCU to study a three-year degree in BSc Health and Society. Moving away from physically writing and being able to type on a laptop made things so much easier, but I was slower at typing than my peers and the chronic fatigue still persisted. DCU and my course lecturers were very understanding, and I was granted extensions to allow me the time I needed to complete assignments to the best of my ability. I graduated with a first-class honours degree, which I am very proud of.” Arthritis Ireland

Aoife O’Driscoll

“After college, I began working as a case worker for a homeless charity. Despite coming from a totally different background, my ability to relate to hard times meant I could really connect with people who were struggling. I loved that job but, unfortunately, from a physical and emotional perspective, the workload and long hours took its toll on me. There was a massive sense of failure again – I was capable enough to do the job, but it was like my body was letting me down. Of course, the more stressed I became, the worse the flares would be.” “I don’t look ill. I don’t look like I have a disability, but the pain and fatigue are so debilitating. I pay such a heavy price for working full-time. It was a continuous cycle of working full time hours, then crashing and having a huge flare, no matter what role I tried. I’ve now had to accept that working part-time is much better for me, and that is quite an unusual position to be in for a twentyfive-year-old. This may change in the future, but Annual Report 2025

it took a lot of work on my part to finally put my foot down and say, ‘It just has to be part-time’. Only by accepting myself and stripping back the expectations that others and society put on me, was I then able to build a life that better suited me - quirks and all.” “I have lost some friends along the way, as most young adults do. One aspect that has been hard is that I really struggle with nights out – it takes me days to recover, even though I don’t even drink alcohol. Some people just don’t understand that. I have people in my life now that value me and see past my limitations. People who are supportive. Making new friends as an adult was scary. I’ve recently joined a football team that allowed me to be a part of the team, even though I very rarely play. It meant so much for me to be included. I had to really push myself to go, and to be really open to it. In the end, it was worth it.”

“One thing I’ve really learnt as a result of living with a chronic illness is that you have to be creative. You must think outside the box. My symptoms may be a bit better these days, but not by a huge amount. I can definitely cope better. There is more to me than my disability. I have hobbies, friends and family. An important aspect of my life is my dogs. To be honest, they are great therapy. Having dogs that need to leave the house gets me outside, even if it is just across the road to the green. I sometimes struggle to motivate myself to get out, but with dogs, there’s no choice. Once I am outside, I never regret it. Nature soothes my soul.” “It was recommended I start yoga for my joints and stress relief in my early twenties and so I began to try out different classes. I was guided to a type of yoga called Akhanda Yoga and I was hooked. Up until this point, I had spent so many years dwelling on my past, running from the present and worrying about the future. Yoga gave me the tools to cope with the present, my reality. It wasn’t instant but the more yoga I did, whether that was physical movement, breathwork, meditation or mantra, the more I was okay and at peace with my reality. I wanted to share that with others, and to work in the community. The whole philosophy around yoga is super interesting. It is all about being in the present moment, stilling the cyclical nature of the mind and returning to your true self.” “I’m very lucky – I travelled to India to learn to be a yoga teacher. I was taught by experienced teachers who all came from a long lineage where the tradition has been passed on. It was the toughest thing I have ever done. The wonderful aspect about yoga is that anyone can do it, regardless of your physical abilities. My teacher says, as long as you can breathe, you can do yoga. I wanted to bring yoga to anyone who didn’t feel comfortable in the typical yoga studios, whether that was down to them having physical, mental or emotional differences, or perhaps being marginalised in some way. It is a pity that so many teachers do not cater to the full spectrum of people here on earth.” 22

“I mainly teach accessible yoga and these classes are offered through Arthritis Ireland. With our Arthritis Ireland group, some people practice on mats, while others are on chairs. It doesn’t matter what your physical ability is – there is no hierarchy. We are all there doing the same thing. It’s all about learning to feel your body, tune in and pay attention to sensations without judgement. I hope that, with these more accessible classes, it is a welcoming space for anyone and there’s no expectation to ‘perform’. The only rule I have is to always listen to your body first and my voice second. You can challenge yourself but should never, ever push past pain. We are so conditioned to just follow instructions and push past pain, but by slowing down, tuning into your body and listening to yourself you can learn a lot.” “I do practice yoga but, in all honesty, I absolutely do not practice for an hour every day. Yoga is made of eight different aspects, and physical movement is just one of those. There are other options, including meditation, mantra and breathing. Some days I could do a movement practice on the mat, another day it could be morning meditation, another day it could be ten minutes of deep yogic breathing whilst sitting on a chair. All are valid forms, and one is not better than the other.” “One hugely important part of all this is realising that you’re not alone. There are so many people in pain or going through something similar to you. And that’s hidden. I didn’t know, as a teenager, that there were other people like me. You are never really alone. There are others in a similar position, and if you reach out for support, it is there.”

Arthritis Ireland

Research

As part of our commitment to advancing arthritis research in Ireland, Arthritis Ireland launched a research grant call during the year, inviting applications for innovative, high-quality research projects that have the potential to improve outcomes and quality of life for people living with arthritis. The call offered funding for five research grants of €20,000 each, representing a total investment of €100,000 in arthritis research. Researchers from across Ireland were invited to submit proposals aligned with Arthritis Ireland’s strategic research priorities, focusing on areas that can deliver meaningful benefits for patients and their families. Priority areas included disease prevention and early diagnosis, treatment development and optimisation, symptom and pain management, lifestyle and self-management approaches, and mental health and wellbeing. The call was designed to encourage research that improves understanding of arthritis, supports earlier

Annual Report 2025

We will influence research activities for better treatments, diagnoses and cures.

intervention, advances treatment options, and addresses the wider physical and emotional impact of living with arthritis. The research grant call generated significant interest from the research community, with a strong volume of applications received from institutions and researchers nationwide. The high level of engagement reflected both the quality of the funding opportunity and the growing commitment within the research sector to improving outcomes for people affected by arthritis and related conditions. Applications submitted in 2025 were subject to a rigorous review process, culminating in the announcement of successful recipients in 2026. Through this initiative, Arthritis Ireland continues to support the development of new knowledge, innovative approaches, and evidence-based solutions that will help shape the future of arthritis care and treatment in Ireland.

MAintAin Activity in Arthritis The MAintAin research project is supported by Arthritis Ireland, Health Charities Research Ireland and the Health Research Board. The programme is led by Professor Suzanne McDonough, RCSI School of Physiotherapy. This project is developing and testing a programme to help people living with arthritis stay physically active after completing an exercise programme.

Professor Suzanne McDonough

Why is this research important? Around the world, health experts recommend that people living with arthritis stay physically active. Being active can help reduce pain, improve quality of life, support independence, and lower the risk of other health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. However, while many people become more active through exercise programmes, it can be difficult to keep up these activity levels over time. The MAintAin Activity in Arthritis project aims to help people with arthritis stay physically active in the long term after they finish an exercise programme, such as Arthritis Ireland’s Be Active With Arthritis programme. The programme was designed together with people living with arthritis to make sure it meets their needs and fits into their everyday lives.

How was the programme developed? The project had three main stages:

Learning from research

The research team reviewed scientific studies from around the world to identify good ways to help people with arthritis keep up regular physical activity over time.

Listening to people

People with arthritis, family members, healthcare professionals, exercise professionals, and Arthritis Ireland staff were invited to share their views. Their ideas and experiences helped shape the programme.

Testing the programme

People who had completed a physiotherapy-led exercise programme were invited to try the new programme. Feedback was gathered through interviews and questionnaires.

Arthritis Ireland

2023–2024

2025–2026

Key developments

Testing the intervention

Claire Kinneavy who has lived experience of arthritis, was part of the original grant application and continued to work with the research team. Two people with lived experience of arthritis were appointed to join the research team as embedded researchers (Stacey Grealis and Noreena Coyle) and set up a wider panel of people with arthritis (Stephen Bender, Frankie Brown, Eadaoin Ryan) to work with Stacey, Noreena and Claire and to advise the research team.

Between March 2025 and January 2026, three groups of people with arthritis took part in the new programme. Members of the research team attended each session, took notes, and collected feedback from participants. People living with arthritis who were involved as Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) partners also reviewed the programme materials. Their feedback helped refine the programme before the final group took part.

During this phase the research team:

Collecting and analysing the data

•

Completed a systematic review of the research evidence and published findings.

•

Observed 13 ‘Be Active With Arthritis’ classes across three locations to better understand how the programme is delivered.

•

Conducted online group interviews with people living with arthritis to explore what helps them stay active and what barriers they face.

•

Held workshops with people living with arthritis and key stakeholders, including HSE healthcare professionals, Arthritis Ireland staff, Sport Ireland, the Department of Health, and the All-Ireland Social Prescribing Network.

•

Explored how the new programme could be delivered and where it could best fit within existing services and supports.

•

Combined all of this information to co-design the new MAintAin intervention and published a detailed description of the development process.

Annual Report 2025

The research team has now completed data collection. Participants completed questionnaires immediately after the programme and again six months later. These questionnaires will help understand whether the programme supports long-term physical activity. The research team also carried out interviews before and after the programme to learn more about participants’ experiences. The findings are currently being analysed and presentations, scientific papers and easy-to-read summaries of the results are being prepared.

What happens next? The project team is now analysing the data from the programme. These findings will help the research team understand the factors that support people with arthritis to remain physically active once a structured exercise programme has ended, and will inform the design of a future intervention to support longterm physical activity.

By gaining a better understanding of what helps people maintain an active lifestyle over time, the research team hopes to develop effective strategies that support long-term health, wellbeing, and quality of life for people living with arthritis.

Presentations by the embedded researchers took place at the following locations: •

ISCP Annual Conference 2025,

•

The PPI Ignite Summer School 2025

•

MTU Postgraduate integrated care, and the online certificate in Integrated Care

•

EULAR conference 2025

Noreena Coyle and Stacey Grealis at the EULAR Conference 2025

Arthritis Ireland

Awareness

We will increase public knowledge of arthritis and Arthritis Ireland’s work.

Throughout 2025, Arthritis Ireland delivered a comprehensive programme of awareness and education campaigns aimed at improving understanding of arthritis, supporting self-management, and empowering individuals to live well with their condition. These initiatives combined accessible educational resources, digital engagement, and storytelling to reach diverse audiences across Ireland.

Fibromyalgia and a third booklet, written in association with Teagasc, Take Care: Protect Your Joints, Protect Your Farm Life. The booklet was launched on July 2nd at the Teagasc Open Day in Moorepark, Co. Cork with the support of the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae T.D. The guide aims to empower farmers and their families with vital knowledge about arthritis, exploring its causes, preventative measures, and effective strategies for managing symptoms. Packed with actionable advice, the booklet offers simple yet impactful lifestyle changes to ease the challenges of living with arthritis, while fostering a proactive approach to wellbeing.

A cornerstone of our education efforts was the continued development and distribution of high-quality informational booklets. A number of key booklets were written and published in 2025, Living with Osteoarthritis, Living with

Launch of Take Care: Protect Your Joints, Protect Your Farm Life booklet

Annual Report 2025

In parallel, Arthritis Ireland delivered a number of targeted awareness campaigns throughout the year, aligned with key health awareness dates and policy priorities. These campaigns focused on increasing public understanding of arthritis as a serious and often invisible condition, challenging misconceptions, and highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and access to care. Through integrated communications – spanning social media, digital content, and stakeholder engagement – these campaigns helped to elevate the profile of arthritis nationally and reinforce its impact on individuals and society.

Professor Carmel Silke

Digital platforms played a central role in extending the reach and accessibility of our education and awareness work. The Inflammation Nation podcast series continued to grow as an engaging and informative channel, with eight episodes delivered in 2025. The series brought together expert voices, patient perspectives, and practical advice, covering a wide range of topics from treatment developments to mental wellbeing and lifestyle strategies.

Complementing this, Arthritis Ireland expanded its focus on conversational engagement through a lived experience campaign. Through an in-depth interview, featuring Professor Louise Crowley, this campaign sought to offer a compassionate and authentic perspective on the challenges, triumphs, and hopes of someone living with lupus. These initiatives create space for open dialogue, enabling people living with arthritis to share their experiences, learn from one another, and engage directly with healthcare professionals and subject matter experts.

Professor Louise Crowley

Arthritis Ireland

A key highlight of 2025 was National Arthritis Week, which centred on the theme of lifestyle medicine. This campaign emphasised the role of evidence-based lifestyle interventions – such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress management in supporting people to better manage their arthritis and improve overall wellbeing. Through a coordinated programme of digital content, expert insights, and community engagement, Arthritis Ireland encouraged individuals to take practical, manageable steps towards healthier living, while reinforcing the importance of holistic care alongside medical treatment. Two webinars with lifestyle medicine experts were delivered during the week as well as an online taster Tai Chi class. In May and June 2025, Arthritis Ireland delivered a four-part webinar series, dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by

Annual Report 2025

women with arthritis. This comprehensive series featured a lineup of esteemed speakers who are experts in the field of women’s health and arthritis. Attendees gained invaluable insights and acquired practical skills and knowledge to help them recognise their vital role in managing risks and improving their health outcomes. This series promises to empower women to navigate the daily realities of living with arthritis, fostering resilience and wellbeing every step of the way. Collectively, these awareness and education campaigns reflect Arthritis Ireland’s commitment to providing reliable information, amplifying patient voices, and promoting a proactive approach to arthritis management. By combining traditional resources with innovative digital engagement and storytelling, we continue to enhance understanding, reduce stigma, and support better outcomes for people living with arthritis.

Organisation

During 2025, Arthritis Ireland continued to strengthen the organisational foundations required to deliver its mission effectively and sustainably. Significant progress was made across governance, financial sustainability, fundraising, workforce development and organisational systems, ensuring the organisation remains well positioned to meet the needs of the 1 in 5 people in Ireland living with arthritis.

We will ensure our organisation is designed to implement our strategy through the right structures, processes, systems and governance.

Strong governance and organisational capacity Maintaining strong governance remains a cornerstone of Arthritis Ireland’s work. During the year, a comprehensive Board Effectiveness Review was completed, providing valuable insights to support continuous improvement in governance practices and Board performance. The organisation continued to meet all regulatory, audit, insurance and compliance requirements to a high standard, ensuring transparency, accountability and good stewardship of resources. Recognising the importance of maintaining a diverse and skilled Board, Arthritis Ireland also commenced a Board recruitment campaign, seeking expressions of interest from individuals who can contribute expertise, experience and leadership to support the organisation’s future growth. Investment in organisational capacity continued throughout the year, with the recruitment of a Services Administrator enhancing the organisation’s ability to support and coordinate an expanding portfolio of services. Ongoing staff development and volunteer support further strengthened organisational effectiveness and service delivery.

Arthritis Ireland

Investing in systems and performance Throughout 2025, Arthritis Ireland continued to develop its data management, performance monitoring and reporting systems. These improvements have enhanced the organisation’s ability to capture meaningful data, measure outcomes, assess impact and support evidence-based decision-making across all areas of activity. The availability of stronger organisational data not only supports operational planning and service delivery, but also enables Arthritis Ireland to demonstrate the value and impact of its work to funders, partners and stakeholders.

Legacy gifts provide essential funding that enables Arthritis Ireland to plan for the future, invest in service development, strengthen advocacy efforts, expand information and support programmes, and respond to emerging needs. The impact of these gifts cannot be overstated. They represent a profound commitment to improving the lives of others and advancing our vision of a world where arthritis no longer limits people’s lives. We are deeply grateful to every supporter who has chosen to remember Arthritis Ireland in their will. Their generosity, foresight and belief in our mission will continue to make a lasting difference to people affected by arthritis across Ireland for years to come.

Financial sustainability and fundraising performance Arthritis Ireland maintained a diverse portfolio of income streams during 2025, helping to strengthen financial resilience and support the delivery of strategic priorities. Total fundraising and grant income reflected the generosity and commitment of supporters, donors, funding partners and corporate organisations across Ireland.

Legacy giving Legacy income remained a vital source of funding and an important contributor to the organisation’s long-term sustainability. In 2025, Arthritis Ireland received €602,262 in legacy income, including several substantial gifts from the estates of generous supporters who chose to leave a lasting gift to support future generations of people living with arthritis.

Annual Report 2025

Grants and foundations Grant income totalled €322,407, reflecting the continued importance of support from government departments, agencies and charitable foundations. Funding received from the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Department of Rural and Community Development and other grant-making bodies enabled Arthritis Ireland to continue delivering targeted services and programmes throughout the year. Support from the HSE in 2025 totalled €220,326 which enabled 30 Living Well with Arthritis programmes to be delivered to people throughout the country and a variety a physical activity options at community level. Support through the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) was €90,961 which enabled us to fund staff positions in the organisation to deliver upon our ambitious services delivery. We were also pleased to secure funding of €14,560 from ESB’s Energy for Generations Fund. This grant was specifically restricted to the delivery of our adapted exercise programmes, supporting people living with arthritis to remain active, manage pain and improve mobility in a safe and structured environment. In addition, Arthritis Ireland was delighted to receive a grant of €3,000 from the Hospital Saturday Fund to support service delivery for people affected by arthritis. These grants not only provide essential financial support for specific programmes, but also demonstrate continued confidence in the quality and impact of Arthritis Ireland’s work. We are sincerely grateful to all our funding partners for their support during 2025.

Arthritis Ireland

Fundraising Campaigns and Community Support Throughout 2025, supporters across Ireland demonstrated extraordinary commitment to Arthritis Ireland by organising fundraisers, taking on personal challenges and raising awareness within their communities. These efforts generated vital income while helping shine a light on the realities of living with arthritis and the importance of the support services we provide.

The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon once again proved a popular event for supporters wishing to fundraise for Arthritis Ireland. Despite places selling out in record time, our dedicated participants raised an impressive €2,630.

Debbie Gallagher, running the 2025 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon in memory of her friend, Tina

In May, supporter Peter O’Rourke took part in the Great Limerick Run in memory of his late mother, Mary, raising an outstanding €6,031 through the generosity of family, friends and local businesses.

Annual Report 2025

Peter O’Rourke joined by family and friends, running 33 the Great Limerick Run in memory of his mother

Another highlight was the Irish Life Dublin Marathon, where eight runners proudly represented Team Arthritis Ireland. Amanda Lynch, Kristen Bell, Leyna Rodgers, MaryAnne Aherne, Mikaela Dodig, Niall McGoldrick, Patryk Kiwitt and Paul Flynn collectively raised €11,850 in support of people living with arthritis across Ireland.

MaryAnne Aherne running the Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2025

Overall, community and event-based fundraising generated €21,882 during the year, demonstrating both the generosity of supporters and the significant potential for growth in participatory fundraising.

Arthritis Ireland

National Raffle

Corporate support

The Arthritis Ireland National Raffle remained an important source of unrestricted income in 2025, generating €76,308 to support services, information programmes, advocacy work and organisational development.

Corporate support continued to play an increasingly important role in 2025. Arthritis Ireland received €113,618 in sponsorship from AbbVie, Alfasigma, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic. This funding supported a range of key initiatives, including the STEPS referral programme, the Mindful Monday blog, and awareness campaigns focused on pregnancy and arthritis, surgery and arthritis, lupus, and World Arthritis Day. These partnerships enabled Arthritis Ireland to reach more people living with arthritis with trusted information, support and education, while strengthening engagement with healthcare and industry stakeholders.

This total included €73,542 from physical ticket sales and €2,766 from online ticket sales. The success of the raffle reflects the continued loyalty and generosity of supporters across the country. Funds raised through the raffle help Arthritis Ireland respond to the evolving needs of people living with arthritis, ensuring that trusted information, support services and advocacy remain available to those who need them most. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who purchased tickets, promoted the raffle or encouraged others to take part.

Annual Report 2025

Throughout the year, we focused on building meaningful partnerships with organisations that share our commitment to improving the lives of people living with arthritis. Alongside financial support of €67,432, these partnerships created valuable opportunities to engage employees, promote workplace wellbeing and deepen understanding of a condition that affects 1 in 5 people in Ireland.

GE Healthcare staff taking part in an Office Spinathon 35 fundraiser in their Cork office for Arthritis Ireland

A highlight of the year was Milltown Golf Club’s Annual Charity Day, where Arthritis Ireland was selected as one of two beneficiary charities. The event saw 50 teams participate in a golf competition, followed by a dinner and raffle. During the evening, our Chief Executive, Gráinne O’Leary, spoke about the impact of arthritis and the work of Arthritis Ireland. The event raised an outstanding €33,000 in support of our services and programmes. A key development during the year was the launch of our Office Spinathon initiative, designed to provide companies with a fun and accessible way to support Arthritis Ireland while encouraging employee engagement and teamwork. Following strong interest from corporate contacts, the initiative was aligned with World Arthritis Day in October, giving organisations the opportunity to participate in a national awareness campaign while raising vital funds.

The team at GE HealthCare Cork hosted an Office Spinathon, raising €5,000 through staff fundraising and a corporate donation. Gym Plus Swords organised a two-day fitness fundraiser for World Arthritis Day, raising a further €2,000 through activities including aqua aerobics, spinning, dancing, bingo, a raffle and karaoke. We were also delighted to receive generous support from a number of corporate donors during the year. Musgrave doubled its annual contribution to €10,000, while EI Electronics made a generous donation of €5,000 as well as €4,000 from Mason Hayes & Curran. We are deeply grateful to all the organisations that supported us during 2025 and look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.

Gym Plus staff and members taking part in a 2-day fundraising event for Arthritis Ireland in their Swords club

Arthritis Ireland

Direct mail appeals and individual giving Online donations and individual giving initiatives, Donate today including the Spring Appeal, generated Your generosity approximately €27,500 during the year. will help reclaim

stolen moments and change lives. Donate today and The 2025 was distributed to 10,000 helpSpring someoneAppeal take back what arthritis supporters, including donors, raffle participants, has stolen.

regular givers and selected programme participants. The appeal featured the story of Emma O’Carroll, winner of the 2024 Edgar Stene Essay Competition, who lives with axial spondyloarthritis Easy ways(axSpA). to donate: Donate securely online at arthritisireland. ie/donate.

Call us at 01 661 8188 to donate by phone.

Complete the enclosed form and return it in the pre-paid envelope.

Emma’s story highlighted how the impact of arthritis extends far beyond physical symptoms Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you for yourimportance support! and demonstrated the of access to information, support and community. The campaign encouraged supporters to help ensure Do you need help? Need someone to talk to? We’re here for that people living with at arthritis access the you. Call our helpline 0818 252could 846 for support and information. tools, information and services needed to live well Arthritis Ireland, 1 Clanwilliam Square, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2, D02 DH77 with their condition. Registered Charity Number: 20011123. Charity Number: CHY 6297 The appeal generated over €13,000 in income and provided valuable insights into messaging, audience engagement and supporter behaviour that will help strengthen future direct mail activity.

Stolen moments.

Someone like Emma needs your help to take their

life back.

Extract from 2025’s Spring Appeal, featuring Emma O’Carroll

Looking Ahead Through strong Board leadership, continued investment in staff capacity, improved systems and reporting, and a diversified funding base, Arthritis Ireland enhanced its ability to deliver meaningful impact for people living with arthritis. While challenges remain, particularly in growing regular donor income and reducing reliance on legacy income, the organisation is in a strong position to build on this progress. The commitment of our supporters, volunteers, partners, funders, staff and Board has provided a solid foundation for the continued delivery of the Strategic Plan 2025-2029 and for achieving our vision of a world where arthritis no longer limits people’s lives.

Annual Report 2025

Thank you From the smallest donation to the most ambitious challenge, every act of support helps drive our mission forward. On behalf of everyone at Arthritis Ireland, and the thousands of people we support, we extend our sincere thanks to all who contributed to our fundraising efforts in 2025. Your generosity enables us to continue delivering vital services, raising awareness, and supporting people living with arthritis at every stage of their journey. It also ensures we can keep working towards improving quality of life for everyone living with arthritis across Ireland. We are deeply grateful for the continued commitment of our supporters, whose kindness and determination make our work possible year after year. From all of us at Arthritis Ireland, thank you.

Arthritis Ireland

Directors Report & Financial Statements

Annual Report 2025

Reference and Administrative Information

Directors’ Annual Report

for the financial year ended 31 December 2025

Directors Timothy O’Sullivan (Resigned 27 August 2025) Orla Killeen Ciara Curtin Conor Hyland John Stack Mary Gillespie Mairead Shannon (Resigned 20 September 2025) Eric Boyle (Resigned 20 September 2025) Ursula Fearon Catherine Hughes

The directors present their Directors’ Annual Report, combining the Directors’ Report and Trustees’ Report, and the audited financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2025.

Company Secretary John Stack (Appointed 15 October 2025) Eric Boyle (Resigned 15 October 2025) Charity Number 6297 Charities Regulatory Authority Number 20011123 Company Number 78931 Registered Office and Principal Address 1 Clanwilliam Square Grand Canal Quay Dublin 2 Auditors GSW Faulkner Orr (Audit & Assurance) Limited Second Floor, One Stephen Street Upper Dublin 8, D08 DR9P Ireland Principal Bankers AIB 1-4 Lower Baggot Street Dublin 2, Ireland Solicitors Dillon Solicitors Unit A1, Nutgrove Office Park Rathfarnham Dublin 14

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2014, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). The Directors’ Report contains the information required to be provided in the Directors’ Annual Report under the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) guidelines. The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law and under the company’s constitution are known as members of the board of trustees. In this report the directors of Arthritis Ireland present a summary of its purpose, governance, activities, achievements and finances for the financial year 2025. The company is a registered charity and hence the report and results are presented in a form which complies with the requirements of the Companies Act 2014 and, although not obliged to comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP effective January 2015), the organisation has implemented its recommendations where relevant in these financial statements. Arthritis Ireland is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. At the balance sheet date there were 7 members whose guarantee is limited to €1.27. This guarantee continues for one year after membership ceases. The company is governed by the Companies Act 2014 and produces its accounts in compliance with that Act.

Arthritis Ireland

Mission, Objectives and Strategy

Structure, Governance and Management

Mission Statement We seek to ensure that every person living with arthritis in Ireland is supported to live a full and active life, having access to appropriate health services and treatments. We work to ensure an enhanced quality of life for people living with arthritis, minimising the devastating effects that arthritis can have on lives.

Structure Arthritis Ireland is governed by a board of directors. The board is elected at the AGM and consists of not more than 15 representatives as follows: not more than 4 directors from the societies (three from the Irish Society for Rheumatology (ISR) and one from the Irish Rheumatology Health Professionals Society (IRHPS) including the chairperson if a societies director), 4 directors nominated by the Arthritis Ireland branches and elected at the AGM, and 7 ordinary directors to be co-opted by the remaining members of the board. The present membership of the board is listed on the ‘directors and other information’ page. The directors and secretary who served during the year had no financial interests in the organisation. The board of Arthritis Ireland meets on a bi-monthly basis.

Vision A better world for people living with arthritis today and a world without arthritis tomorrow. Values First and foremost, we are person-centred. This approach puts people living with arthritis at the heart of everything we do. Arthritis doesn’t discriminate, so it’s important for us to understand the lived reality of every person affected by this debilitating disease. We strive to be inclusive and ensure that the voice of those living with arthritis always takes priority. We work in partnership with people living with arthritis, their families, employers, health professionals and other service providers to achieve the best possible outcomes and greatest impacts. We understand the importance of trust and acting with the utmost integrity. We are responsible, accountable and operate to the highest governing standards. We are innovative, forward thinking and dynamic. We are committed to finding smarter ways of doing things to improve quality of care, uphold integrity, ensure transparency and foster personcentred inclusive practices. We are committed to transparency and are honest and clear about what we do, what we don’t do and why.

Annual Report 2025

Arthritis Ireland has a Governance and Finance Committee, which is responsible for the following areas: audit and finance, board structure, succession planning, memo and articles of association, AGM, Charities Governance Code implementation and review, compensation and benefits, legal awareness. Financial Review The results for the financial year are set out on page 11 and additional notes are provided showing income and expenditure in greater detail. Income Total income for the year amounted to €1,379,858 (2024: €1,797,506). In 2025, we published a new Strategic Plan which covers the period 2025-2029 and will guide our work for the next five years.

Financial Results At the end of the financial year the company had gross assets of €2,425,893 (2024 - €2,300,566) and gross liabilities of €145,410 (2024 - €125,713). The net assets of the company have increased by €105,630. Reserves Position and Policy The Board recognises that an integral part of charitable fundraising has an element of risk and therefore agrees to provide a minimum General Reserve fund of €500,000 for safeguarding the provision of its services in the event of adverse economic difficulties. These are referred to as Unrestricted Funds in its financial statements. The full reserves policy of the charity is detailed in note 3. Directors and Secretary The directors who served throughout the financial year, except as noted, were as follows:

Post Balance Sheet Events There have been no significant events affecting the company since the financial year-end. The Auditors The auditors, GSW Faulkner Orr (Audit & Assurance) Limited have indicated their willingness to continue in office in accordance with the provisions of section 383(2) of the Companies Act 2014. Statement on Relevant Audit Information In accordance with section 330 of the Companies Act 2014, so far as each of the persons who are directors at the time this report is approved are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the statutory auditors are unaware. The directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and they have established that the statutory auditors are aware of that information.

Timothy O’Sullivan (Resigned 27 August 2025) Orla Killeen Ciara Curtin Conor Hyland John Stack Mary Gillespie Mairead Shannon (Resigned 20 September 2025) Eric Boyle (Resigned 20 September 2025) Ursula Fearon Catherine Hughes

Accounting Records To ensure that adequate accounting records are kept in accordance with sections 281 to 285 of the Companies Act 2014, the directors have employed appropriately qualified accounting personnel and have maintained appropriate computerised accounting systems. The accounting records are located at the company’s office at 1 Clanwilliam Square, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2.

The secretaries who served during the financial year were;

Approved by the Board of Directors on 13th May 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

John Stack (Appointed 15 October 2025) Eric Boyle (Resigned 15 October 2025) Compliance with Sector-Wide Legislation and Standards The company engages pro-actively with legislation, standards and codes which are developed for the sector. Arthritis Ireland subscribes to and is compliant with the following: - The Companies Act 2014 - The Charities SORP (FRS 102)

Ursula Fearon Director

John Stack Director

Arthritis Ireland

Directors’ Responsibilities Statement for the financial year ended 31 December 2025 The directors are responsible for preparing the Directors’ Annual Report and Financial Statements in accordance with the Companies Act 2014 and applicable regulations. Irish company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under the law the mdirectors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the Companies Act 2014 and FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” issued by the Financial Reporting Council. Under company law, the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the company as at the financial year end date and of the net income or expenditure of the company for the financial year and otherwise comply with the Companies Act 2014. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to: • select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; • make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; • state whether the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards, identify those standards, and note the effect and the reasons for any material departure from those standards; and • prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation. The directors confirm that they have complied with the above requirements in preparing the financial statements.

Annual Report 2025

The directors are responsible for ensuring that the company keeps or causes to be kept adequate accounting records which correctly explain and record the transactions of the company, enable at any time the assets, liabilities, financial position and net income or expenditure of the company to be determined with reasonable accuracy, enable them to ensure that the financial statements and the Directors’ Annual Report comply with Companies Act 2014 and enable the financial statements to be audited. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In so far as the directors are aware: • there is no relevant audit information (information needed by the company’s auditor in connection with preparing the auditor’s report) of which the company’s auditor is unaware, and • the directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information. Approved by the Board of Directors on 13th May 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

Ursula Fearon Director

John Stack Director

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Arthritis Ireland Report on the audit of the financial statements Opinion We have audited the company financial statements of Arthritis Ireland (‘the Charity’) for the financial year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account), the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the notes to the financial statements, including the summary of significant accounting policies set out in note 2. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is Irish law and FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102. In our opinion the financial statements: - give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Company as at 31 December 2025 and of its surplus for the financial year then ended; - have been properly prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”; and - have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2014. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (Ireland) (ISAs (Ireland)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described below in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of financial statements in Ireland, including the Ethical Standard for Auditors (Ireland) issued by the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA), and the Provisions Available for Audits of

Small Entities, in the circumstances set out in note 3 to the financial statements, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Other Information The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our Auditor’s Report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Arthritis Ireland

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2014 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, we report that: • the information given in the Directors’ Annual Report is consistent with the financial statements; • the Directors’ Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2014; and We have obtained all the information and explanations which, to the best of our knowledge and belief, are necessary for the purposes of our audit. In our opinion the accounting records of the company were sufficient to permit the financial statements to be readily and properly audited and the financial statements are in agreement with the accounting records.

Annual Report 2025

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES Responsibilities of directors for the financial statements As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 7, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework that give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditor’s Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (Ireland) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Further information regarding the scope of our responsibilities as auditor As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (Ireland), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: • Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. • Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control. • Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by directors. • Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our Auditor’s Report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our Auditor’s Report. However, future events or conditions may cause the company to cease to continue as a going concern. • Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities Our report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Section 391 of the Companies Act 2014. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor’s Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Emma Delaney for and on behalf of KSI FAULKNER ORR LIMITED Statutory Auditors Second Floor One Stephen Street Upper Dublin 8 Dublin D08 DR9P Ireland 13/05/2026

Arthritis Ireland

Arthritis Ireland Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the financial year ended 31 December 2025

Unrestricted Funds 2025

Income Voluntary Income Charitable activities - Grants from governments and other co-funders Activities for generating funds Other income

Restricted Designated Funds Funds 2024 2024

Total Funds 2024

€

5.1

602,262

550,712

5.2

511,014

507,925

5.3 5.4

264,395 2,187

594,564 2,339

141,966

594,564 144,305

868,844

511,014

- 1,379,858

1,147,615

649,891

- 1,797,506

779,300 8,998

485,930 -

- 1,265,230 8,998

690,863 9,016

673,750 -

- 1,364,613 9,016

788,298

485,930

- 1,274,228

699,879

673,750

- 1,373,629

80,546

25,084

105,630

447,736

(23,859)

423,877

80,546

25,084

105,630

447,736

(23,859)

423,877

1,103,166

(13,962)

1,085,649 2,174,853

655,430

9,897

1,085,649 1,750,976

1,183,712

11,122

1,085,649 2,280,483

1,103,166

(13,962)

1,085,649 2,174,853

6.1 6.2

Total Expenditure Net income/ (expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds for the financial year Reconciliation of funds: Total funds beginning of the year

Total Unrestricted Funds Funds 2025 2024

Notes

Total income Expenditure Charitable activities Other expenditure

Restricted Designated Funds Funds 2025 2025

Total funds at the end of the year

Annual Report 2025

Arthritis Ireland Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2025

Notes

2025

2024

€

Fixed Assets Tangible assets

40,209

45,763

Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand

12 13

73,189 2,312,495

61,799 2,193,004

2,385,684

2,254,803

(145,410)

(125,713)

Net Current Assets

2,240,274

2,129,090

Total Assets less Current Liabilities

2,280,483

2,174,853

1,085,649

11,122 1,183,712

(13,962) 1,103,166

2,280,483

2,174,853

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Funds Endowment funds Income funds: Restricted funds General fund (unrestricted)

Total funds

Approved by the Board of Directors on 13th May 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

Ursula Fearon Director

John Stack Director

Arthritis Ireland

Arthritis Ireland Statement of Cash Flows for the financial year ended 31 December 2025

Notes Cash flows from operating activities Net movement in funds Adjustments for: Depreciation

2025

2024

€

105,630

423,877

8,998

9,016

114,628

432,893

Movements in working capital: Movement in debtors Movement in creditors

(11,390) 19,697

(33,808) 9,791

Cash generated from operations

122,935

408,876

Cash flows from investing activities Payments to acquire tangible assets

(3,444)

(4,318)

119,491 2,193,004

404,558 1,788,446

2,312,495

2,193,004

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Annual Report 2025

Arthritis Ireland Notes to the Financial Statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2025 1. General Information Arthritis Ireland is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in Ireland. The registered office of the company is 1 Clanwilliam Square, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2 which is also the principal place of business of the company. The financial statements have been presented in Euro (€) which is also the functional currency of the company. Arthritis Ireland is governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association. In our strategic plan we have identified 6 key strategic priorities: 1. Service Delivery We will provide relevant and meaningful services to people living with arthritis across the full journey of their disease. 2. Partnership We will take collective action to address the needs of those living with arthritis. 3. Advocacy We will advocate with and on behalf of people with lived experience of arthritis to influence policy makers to respond to the needs of people with arthritis. 4. Research We will influence research activities for better treatments, diagnoses and cures. 5. Awareness We will increase public knowledge of arthritis and Arthritis Ireland’s work. 6. Organisation Capacity We will ensure our organisation is designed to implement our strategy through the right structures, processes, systems and governance. Arthritis Ireland has throughout the year been fundraising and spending its funds in support of its strategic priorities.

2. Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the charity’s financial statements. BASIS OF PREPARATION The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland FRS 102”. The company has applied the Charities SORP on a voluntary basis as its application is not a requirement of the current regulations for charities registered in the Republic of Ireland. As permitted by the Companies Act 2014, the company has varied the standard formats in that act for the Statement of Financial Activities and the Balance Sheet. Departures from the standard formats, as outlined in the Companies Act 2014, are to comply with the requirements of the Charities SORP and are in compliance with section 4.7, 10.6 and 15.2 of that SORP. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE The financial statements of the company for the financial year ended 31 December 2025 have been prepared on the going concern basis and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland FRS 102”. FUND ACCOUNTING The following are the categories of funds maintained:

Arthritis Ireland

Restricted funds Restricted funds represent income received which can only be used for particular purposes, as specified by the donors. Such purposes are within the overall objectives of the company. Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds consist of General and Designated funds. • General funds represent amounts which are expendable at the discretion of the board, in furtherance of the objectives of the company. • Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that the board has, at its discretion, set aside for particular purposes. These designations have an administrative purpose only, and do not legally restrict the board’s discretion to apply the fund. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Income from donations and legacies includes donations from individuals and corporate bodies. This income is recognised on a receipts basis. This income is unrestricted. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Income from Charitable Activities includes grant income from the Health Service Executive and Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, corporate sponsorship and income. This income is reflected in the Statement of Financial Activities in the period in which the related expenditure is incurred. This income is always restricted. INCOME FROM FUNDRAISING Fundraising income is derived from activities and events held by the organisation and the general public. This income is recognised when it is received and is classified as unrestricted. OTHER INCOME Other income comprises income received by the charity that does not fall within the categories of donations and legacies, charitable activities, or other primary income streams.

Annual Report 2025

EXPENDITURE Expenditure is analysed between costs of charitable activities and raising funds. The costs of each activity are separately accumulated and disclosed and analysed according to their major components. Expenditure is recognised when a legal or constructive obligation exists as a result of a past event, a transfer of economic benefits is required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be reliably measured. Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the company but cannot be attributed to one activity. Such costs are allocated to activities in proportion to staff time spent or other suitable measure for each activity. ALLOCATION OF SUPPORT COSTS Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs are analysed between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities. Where costs cannot be directly attributed, they are allocated in proportion to the benefits received. Salaries and associated costs which can be attributed to specific projects are charged accordingly. RESERVES POLICY Income/revenue is received from time to time on both a restricted and unrestricted basis. Restricted income is received against a specific project or service either donor advised or corporate sponsorship and cannot be used for any other purpose other than the wishes of the donor. Unrestricted income is used at the discretion of management and is generally deployed against frontline services as the need arises. The policy applies to all funds detailed within the financial statements of the organisation as audited each year by its auditors. • The Board has a policy to ensure all funds, whether invested in short or long-term financial instruments, guarantees the original capital sum. • The Board recognises that an integral part of charitable fundraising has an element of risk and therefore agrees to provide a minimum General Reserve fund of €500,000 for safeguarding the provision of its services in the event of adverse economic difficulties. These are referred to as Unrestricted Funds in its financial statements. 51

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT Short-term employee benefits such as wages and salaries are measured at the amount expected to be paid in exchange for that service and not discounted for the time value of money. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or at valuation, less accumulated depreciation. The charge to depreciation is calculated to write off the original cost or valuation of tangible fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives as follows: Land and buildings freehold 2% Straight line Fixtures, fittings and equipment 33.3% Straight line Motor vehicles 20% Straight line DEBTORS Debtors include amounts owed to the charity for the provision of goods and services or amounts the charity has paid in advance for the goods and services it will receive. Debtors also include amounts receivable on grant funding to which the charity is entitled. Debtors must be measured at their recoverable amounts (the amount the charity anticipates it will receive from a debt or the amount it has paid in advance for goods or services). CREDITORS Trade creditors represent amounts payable to suppliers for goods and services received in the normal course of business. No interest is payable on the outstanding trade creditors. The Company has adequate working capital to meet its obligations. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND Cash at bank and in hand comprises cash on deposit at banks requiring less than three months’ notice of withdrawal. TAXATION AND DEFERRED TAXATION Arthritis Ireland has received charitable exemption from the Revenue Commissioners. Accordingly no taxation charge has been included in the financial statements. The company’s charitable number is CHY 6297.

In line with the stipulations of DPER Circular 13/2014, the charity has obtained and maintained a valid Tax Clearance Certificate for the financial year ended 31 December 2025. This certificate confirms that the charity is compliant with all tax obligations at the time of issuance. 3. Provisions Available For Audits Of Small Entities In common with many other charitable companies of our size and nature, we use our auditors to assist with the preparation of the financial statements. 4. Critical Accounting Judgement And Estimates The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Judgements and estimates are continually evaluated and are based on historical experiences and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below. (a) Establishing useful economic lives for depreciation purposes of tangible fixed assets Long lived assets, consisting primarily of tangible fixed assets, comprise a significant portion of the total assets. The annual depreciation charge depends primarily on the estimated useful economic lives of each type of asset and estimates of residual values. The directors regularly review these asset useful economic lives and change them as necessary to reflect current thinking on remaining lives in light of prospective economic utilisation and physical condition of the assets concerned. Changes in asset useful lives can have a significant impact on depreciation and amortisation charges for the period. Detail of the useful economic lives is included in the accounting policies. Arthritis Ireland

5. 5.1

INCOME DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Unrestricted Funds €

Restricted Funds €

2025

2024

€

602,262

550,712

Unrestricted Funds €

Restricted Funds €

2025

2024

€

90,961 74,989 220,326 113,618 11,120

90,961 170,000 17,445 162,343 67,176

511,014

507,925

Unrestricted Funds €

Restricted Funds €

2025

2024

€

264,395

594,564

Unrestricted Funds €

Restricted Funds €

2025

2024

€

2,187

141,966 2,339

2,187

144,305

Direct Costs €

Other Costs €

Support Costs €

2025

2024

€

118,877 318,140 239,333 120,622 108,507 17,022 342,729

102,907 357,539 189,007 138,559 184,743 101,009 290,849

1,265,230

1,364,613

Donations and legacies

5.2

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Grants from governments and other co-funders: Dept. of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Programme income Health Service Executive Branch grants Sponsorship Other grants

5.3

OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Fundraising

5.4

OTHER INCOME

Branch income Interest income

6. 6.1

EXPENDITURE CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Administration Community Support Service Education & Information Programmes Awareness and Advocacy Governance Research Fundraising

Annual Report 2025

6.2

OTHER EXPENDITURE

Direct Costs €

Other Costs €

Support Costs €

2025

2024

€

8,998

9,016

Charitable Activities €

2025

2024

€

13,629 683,666 82,990 425,741 2,949 3,109 5,730 6,686 31,874 8,856

13,308 590,772 86,128 556,154 10,557 3,516 4,177 60,495 33,496 6,010

1,265,230

1,364,613

Basis of Apportionment

2025 €

2024 €

Occupancy No of Employees Governance Programme Governance Governance Governance Governance Governance Governance

13,629 683,666 82,990 425,741 2,949 3,109 5,730 6,686 31,874 8,856

14,424 590,772 86,128 556,154 10,557 3,516 4,177 60,495 33,496 6,010

1,265,230

1,364,613

2025 €

2024 €

8,998

9,016

8,856

6,010

Other expenditure

6.3

SUPPORT COSTS

Maintenance and Insurance Staff costs Administration Programme expenses Meetings Bank charges Professional membership Professional and consultancy fees Accountancy fees Auditor fees

ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS

Maintenance and Insurance Staff costs Administration Programme expenses Meetings Bank charges Professional membership Professional and consultancy fees Accountancy fees Auditor fees

NET INCOME

Net Income is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation of tangible assets Auditor's remuneration: - audit services

Arthritis Ireland

EMPLOYEES AND REMUNERATION Number of employees The average number of persons employed during the financial year was as follows:

Office and administration The staff costs comprise: Wages and salaries

2025 Number 13

2024 Number 12

2025 € 681,752

2024 € 590,772

The pension costs charged in the financial statements represent the contribution payable by the company during the year.

10.

SALARY BANDS The number of employees whose total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period fell within the bands below were:

€80,000 - €90,000

11.

2025 Number of Employees 1

2024 Number of Employees 1

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Land and buildings freehold €

Fixtures, fittings and equipment €

Motor vehicles

Total

€

At 1 January 2025 Additions

144,688 -

195,220 3,444

28,287 -

368,195 3,444

At 31 December 2025

144,688

198,664

28,287

371,639

Depreciation At 1 January 2025 Charge for the financial year

106,137 2,894

188,008 6,104

28,287 -

322,432 8,998

At 31 December 2025

109,031

194,112

28,287

331,430

Net book value At 31 December 2025

35,657

4,552

40,209

At 31 December 2024

38,551

7,212

45,763

2025 €

2024 €

(2,546) 19,056 56,679

5,101 28,986 27,712

73,189

61,799

Cost

12.

DEBTORS

Other debtors Prepayments Accrued Income

Annual Report 2025

13.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and bank balances

14.

2024 €

2,312,495

2,193,004

2025 €

2024 €

46,633 14,421 (20,240) 104,596

22,543 13,545 30,686 58,939

125,713

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Taxation and social security costs Accruals Deferred Income

15.

2025 €

STATE FUNDING Agency

Pobal

Government Department

Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

Grant Programme

Scheme to support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector

Term

Expires 30th June 2025

Total Fund

€90,961

Expenditure

€90,961

Capital Grant

Restriction on use

Support for staff wages

Agency

Health Service Executive

Government Department

Department of Health

Grant Programme

Section.39

Term

Expires 31st December 2025

Total Fund Received

€190,315

Expenditure

€190,315

Fund deferred or due at financial year end

€0

Capital Grant

Restriction on use

Self-Management Courses

Arthritis Ireland

16.

RESERVES

At the beginning of the year Surplus for the financial year

2025 € 2,174,853 105,630

2024 € 1,750,976 423,877

At the end of the year

2,280,483

2,174,853

17. FUNDS 17.1 RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted Funds €

Restricted Funds €

Designated Funds €

Total Funds €

At 1 January 2024 Movement during the financial year

1,085,649 -

655,430 447,736

9,897 (23,859)

1,750,976 423,877

At 31 December 2024 Movement during the financial year

1,085,649 -

1,741,079 80,546

433,774 25,084

2,174,853 105,630

At 31 December 2025

1,085,649

1,821,625

458,858

2,280,483

Balance 1 January 2025 €

Income

Expenditure

€

Transfers between funds €

Balance 31 December 2025 €

1,085,649

17.2 ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENTS ON FUNDS

Designated funds Designated Fund Restricted funds Restricted Unrestricted funds Unrestricted General

(13,962)

511,014

485,930

11,122

1,103,166

868,844

788,298

1,183,712

Total funds

2,174,853

1,379,858

1,274,228

2,280,483

Designated Fund The designated fund is made up of two legacies received in 2020 and 2021 and is to be used for specific expenditure over the coming years. If the overall funds of the organisation are sufficient to cover this specific expenditure then these funds will be used first. As the designated funds are spent, the amount will be transferred to the unrestricted fund No expenditure was incurred from this fund in 2025.

Annual Report 2025

17.3 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND

Restricted funds

Fixed assets - charity use € 40,209

Current assets

Current liabilities

Total

€ 2,385,684

€ (145,410)

€ 2,280,483

40,209

2,385,684

(145,410)

2,280,483

18.

STATUS Arthritis Ireland is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. At the balance sheet date there were 7 members whose guarantee is limited to €1.27. This guarantee continues for one year after membership ceases. The company is governed by the Companies Act 2014 and produces its accounts in compliance with that Act.

19.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS There were no transactions with the directors during the period. Key management includes the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The amount paid or payable to key management for employee services of the CEO was €88,168 (2024; €88,168).

20.

APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 13/05/2026

Arthritis Ireland

Arthritis Ireland 1 Clanwilliam Square Grand Canal Quay Dublin 2 D02 DH77 www.arthritisireland.ie Tel 0818 252 846 @arthritisie Arthritis Ireland @Arthritisie Arthritis Ireland