Psoriatic Disease UK is heading to Prague for the GlobalSkin Conference

GlobalSkin Conference 2025 Logo

This week, our young organisation will make its first official appearance overseas, representing people with psoriatic disease from England and Wales at the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organisations (IADPO) GlobalSkin Conference 2025, in Prague, Czech Republic.

As the first UK member of GlobalSkin to represent psoriasis, we are honoured to be invited to collaborate globally to improve outcomes for our members and amplify their lived experience and pain points on the international stage.

We will be showcasing our new materials and support offerings, such as flyers, the PSOcial Space Hangouts and our Facebook Peer Support Group, which is currently growing at a rate of several hundred new members every single week, as well as what we have lined up for 2025 and beyond.

What's more, our Founder and Chair, Joel, has been shortlisted for a Patient Leader Award in the Creative Expression category for his poem, "An Undisputed Experience." This poem talks about impostor syndrome and his somewhat unplanned entrance into the advocacy arena - you can read it below.

We look forward to sharing news of our work at the conference, what we've learned and building strong partnerships for the hard work ahead. Keep an eye on our socials for updates throughout the week!

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An Undisputed Experience

By Joel Nelson

Meekly, I step into arenas unknown.

Thrust into the spotlight;

Naked, I share my story alone.

I flap with fledgling wings from the tree in which I’m thrown,

Ducking and weaving tickboxes to keep my truths my own.

Rising through the ranks, my confidence begins to grow.

I’m starting to learn the language and the patter of the prose.

Before, *BAM*…

I take a straight one on the chin,

Knees wobble as the imposter syndrome grows.

I look over to my corner for the path those before me have shown.

Lending a cauliflower ear to a voice gone unheard,

Braced for the fight, I curl my toes into the dirt.

Now, I’ll stand and trade for others until the tables are turned,

Actions speak louder when the pain is transferred.

Words, overused, I retire to the wings.

It's time to make up for the sacrifices whilst the final bell still rings.

As I wrap the hands of the next generation of kings,

I hope I moved the needle in whatever the future brings.

I am not a champion, but an undisputed lived experience.

I refuse to be a number or faceless inconvenience.

Behind the skin, the tests and the mild insignificance,

Is a man, a husband, a brother, a dad;

Carrying the scars of battle with modest perseverance.