About YASJC
Empowering young adults with chronic skin and joint conditions through advocacy, education, and community
Young Advocates with Chronic Skin and Joint Conditions (YASJC) was formed by young patients located throughout Europe who are working together to enhance and improve the quality of life for adolescents and young adults living with chronic skin and joint conditions.
To improve the quality of life for young adults living with chronic skin and joint conditions by advocating for better healthcare, raising awareness, building a supportive community across Europe, and ensuring that every patient has access to comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses their unique needs.
Our Mission
Our Vision
A future where every young person with chronic skin and joint conditions has access to comprehensive care, feels empowered to advocate for themselves, lives without stigma or barriers to treatment, and is supported by a strong community that understands their journey.
Our Strategic Pillars
Four interconnected areas of focus that drive our advocacy work
Raise Awareness
Amplifying patient voices through campaigns, media engagement, and public education initiatives.
Key Impact Areas:
Social media campaigns reaching thousands
Educational materials for healthcare providers
Public speaking at medical conferences
Collaboration with patient organizations
Integrated Care
Comprehensive Support
Inclusive Policies
Promoting holistic healthcare approached that address physical, mental, and social well-being.
Key Impact Areas:
Advocacy for multidisciplinary care
Mental health support integration
Patient-centered treatment protocols
Transition care programs for young adults
Building networks and resources to support patients throughout their healthcare journey.
Key Impact Areas:
Peer support
Educational workshops and webinars
Resource libraries and toolkits
Mentorship opportunities
Working with policymakers to ensure equitable access to care and treatment.
Key Impact Areas:
Policy recommendations to EU institutions
Healthcare accessibility advocacy
Insurance coverage improvements
Patient rights protection
Our Organizational History
The journey from a corporate initiative to an independent, patient-led advocacy organization.
2022
Foundation Phase
Initiated by UCB in collaboration with Patvocates to address the unmet needs of young patients.
Partnership established between UCB and Patvocates
Focus on empowering young adults with chronic skin and joint conditions
2022
Needs Assessment
Comprehensive research phase to understand the real-world challenges faced by young patients.
In-depth interviews conducted with 15 young patients across Europe
Identification of key advocacy gaps and training needs
2023
Structured Training
European Patient Advocacy Initiative (EPAI) to support:
Delivery of comprehensive training
First Face-to-Face (F2F) meeting held in Brussels
Focus on building core advocacy skills and network creation
2024
Expansion & Independence
A pivotal year marking the transition from a corporate initiative to a patient-led organisation.
Second F2F meeting in Brussels
Unanimous decision by members to create an independent organisation
Transition of leadership to patient advocates
2024-2025
Informal Organisation
Building the foundational structure of YASJC
Defining core mission, vision, and strategic pillars
Establishment of specialized working groups
Development of internal governance and operational frameworks
2026
Public Launch
Official introduction of YASJC to the global advocacy community
Launch of the official YASJC website
Rollout of comprehensive social media presence
Initiation of public awareness campaigns
2026
Path Toward Formal Hosting
Securing long-term sustainability and institutional support
Integration into formal hosting structures within EPAI (European Patient Advocacy Institute)
Expansion of European advocacy network
Enhancing quality of life for young people with chronic skin and joint conditions across Europe through advocacy, education, and community support.
© 2026. All rights reserved.
