Creating an impact

By Jasmine White

Since my diagnosis with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) when I was 16, I have developed a passion for creating awareness and advocating about the prevalence of this condition in young people like myself. This passion, which stems from wanting to support other young people with the type of support I wish I had been given at the time of my diagnosis, gave me the drive to begin volunteering with Arthritis NZ in 2020. In August 2022, I was honoured to be offered the opportunity to participate in a three-month internship with Arthritis NZ.

During the internship, I carried out multiple oneon-one peer support meetings with children and parents and used my lived experience to normalise feelings of unease or distress when facing a new diagnosis. I also co-designed the annual Arthritis NZ Teens and Familie’s camps. I facilitated the Arthritis NZ Youth Advisory Group to review the camp designs and co-led this group through the modification process.

I also co-led the Arthritis NZ Youth Advisory Group while we created a mental health journal that provides activities, guidance, and journaling space to support a young person through the emotional challenges of their diagnosis. The Journals contain insightful tips that members of the Youth Advisory Group provided from their lived experiences. In October 2022, I was honoured to represent this group and be highly recognised for this work when I was nominated for and was successful in receiving multiple 2022 University of Canterbury Tohu Kahurangi Blues Awards. I was awarded Blue for Community Engagement, and I was the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Equity and Diversity for 2022.

“Jasmine’s involvement in youth services of Arthritis NZ has been invaluable. As a youth volunteer, she brings a fresh perspective, innovative ideas and a relatable presence to young people with arthritis. Jasmine’s willingness to share her journey with arthritis serves as a role model for others who may feel isolated or alone in their experiences.

Jasmine’s leadership skills with the youth group were significant in this year’s Teens Camp, her leadership during the camp helped ensure a positive experience for all involved. Overall having a volunteer like Jasmine engaged in youth services of Arthritis NZ provides numerous benefits, creating a stronger and more supportive community for all young people living with arthritis.”

– Tory Garnham, Arthritis NZ