PAPAA was founded in 2007, as a joint venture between the Psoriatic Arthropathy Alliance (PAA) (Reg Charity No: 1051169), and the Psoriasis Support Trust (PST) (Reg Charity No: 1088359), with the aim of merging the original charities into a single entity, to establish the principal resource of information and help for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in the UK.


The PAA was founded by David and Julie Chandler in 1993, as an organization specifically for people with psoriatic arthritis. David, who has both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, was forced to retire from commercial business at the age of 36 through ill-health caused by the conditions.

David and Julie soon discovered that the amount of information and knowledge regarding the disease was minimal, and it was Julie, David’s wife, who decided that she could best help David by forming an active group of fellow sufferers to provide much-needed help and support to her husband and also those in a similar situation.

The PAA, although primarily set up for psoriatic arthropathy, moved into psoriasis as a consequence of demand by its members. It quickly became well established and respected amongst the medical profession and patients.

The PAA was supported by a team of unpaid volunteers, to help people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The team included clinical specialists from the fields of dermatology, rheumatology, immunology, physiotherapy, nursing, scientific and pharmaceutical experts, together with input from the world of business and public relations.

Its main activity was an education and information programme which included the Skin ‘n’ Bones Connection journal, Psoriatic Care Fact File and various information leaflets and booklets.


The PST was set up in March 2001 by Charles Peel to assist people with psoriasis. Since that time, with the assistance of medical advice, the trustees reviewed the various treatments available to people with psoriasis. The trustees decided to concentrate on the effects of stress on psoriasis and how one can deal with the psychological effects the condition has on individuals. The Trust supported via a grant the development work of a team, headed by Prof Christopher Griffiths, at the Department of Medicine (Dermatology) at Hope Hospital, University of Manchester. This work led to the development of a programme that assists people with psoriasis to deal with their condition in a more effective and positive manner. In addition, the Trust also provided the Psoriatic Arthropathy Alliance (PAA) with financial assistance to consolidate its work with patients.


The essence and thrust of both original charities continues within PAPAA and is a combination of the strengths and activities that have been the success stories for both charities.

PAPAA knows only too well the day-to-day struggles of living with a long-term medical condition and problems that are faced by people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and as an organisation is working to keep the patient-centred voice alive.

This continuity and link offers the focus and understanding that is needed in
order to provide services that patients in the 21st century need, whether information, a listening ear or a disease management programme. PAPAA aims to provide traditional patient support as well as new innovative approaches that a changing healthcare environment requires.
• PAPAA is advised by a medical advisory board and supported by a larger group of interested individuals from all areas of the medical profession.
• PAPAA provides support to those affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
• PAPAA supports the medical profession by providing access to up-to-date patient literature and management programmes which are evidence based and backed by research. Good science is the key to providing support to people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.


PAPAA offers free inclusion into the PAPAA Register, free informational leaflets for patients and professionals. Other material is available to purchase or available via subscription - this includes the 2 issues of the journal (Skin ‘n’ Bones Connection) per year.

PAPAA also runs its own website which acts as a doorway to its work as well as a sign-post to other relevant sources of useful information.


The PAPAA Register is a confidential database of friends, supporters and people with or interested in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and other related conditions. The register is used by PAPAA to carry out surveys, promotional activities, special mailings, sampling, inserts and/or advertisements as part of its regular distribution process. People are encouraged to register in order to receive these mailings.


• Relevant mailings via PAPAA
• Access to areas of the website only available to people who register, such as FAQs and user comments.


Benefits of becoming a subscriber are:
• Welcome information pack (including two back issues of the journal)
• Next two issues when published
• Other mailings during the year
• New information leaflets when produced
• Publications list
• Automatic inclusion on the PAPAA Register
• Special offers and discounts


Yes, PAPAA believes that research is important, but must be relevant and effective. Following on from the PST funding activities, PAPAA continues to support programmes which lead to ‘here and now’ positive research outcomes for real people.

PAPAA does not accept unsolicited applications and will actively seek appropriate areas of research to support. All research support is reviewed, supported and undertaken following advice from its medical advisory board.


PAPAA continually reviews its activities and consults with other organisations in order to provide services and activities that are appropriate for the changing needs of patients in the 21st century.

The needs of people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are and will continue to be the thrust of all activities the organization delivers. These activities will be delivered in an appropriate way that is based on good evidence and input from patients, carers and healthcare professionals.

PAPAA does not receive funds from the pharmaceutical industry or commercial sector. All activities are funded via donations, subscriptions, charitable grants or other noncommercial income generation. We believe that this allows us to act in a non-biased way and remain free from any influence or agendas that may arise.

We do not link our activities to commercial marketing or public relations campaigns and will only link our name or logo to an activity if we believe that it is beneficial to our constituent group.

We do not endorse products or make recommendations. We provide information that has been approved by healthcare professionals or has been proven beneficial by published evidence. We provide a signposting service to help people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to make an informed choice and understand how to deal with their condition in a constructive and confident way.


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