World Pain Awareness Month: Together We’ll Do More for Pain
Join us in raising awareness, sharing stories, and supporting those living with chronic pain across the UK.
World Pain Awareness Month is a global initiative to highlight the challenges faced by those living with chronic pain and the importance of better support and management. This year, we focus on a unified approach across the UK to improve pain management, raise awareness, and empower those affected.
Pain Awareness Themes & Key Focus Areas:
Week-by-Week Overview:
Week 1: Scotland
Self-Management for Chronic Pain in Scotland
Week 2: England
Tackling Pain in England: Challenges and Solutions
Week 3: Ireland (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland)
Pain Across the Island of Ireland
Week 4: Wales
Pain Management in Wales: Building a Supportive Network
Week 5: Cross country
A Comparative Perspective
How You Can Make a Difference:
Share Your Story:
Use #MyPainStory to share your personal experience with chronic pain on social media. Your story can inspire others and raise awareness.
Follow us on social media:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Promote Awareness:
Spread the word by sharing our resources with your community and online.
Advocate for Change:
Support the push for better policies and pain management services across the UK. Join the conversation and call for more comprehensive care and support systems for chronic pain sufferers.
Success Stories: Real Impact Across the UK
Scotland:
Self-management support programs have empowered thousands to take control of their pain and enhance their quality of life.
England:
The NHS Pain Management Programmes feature a multidisciplinary approach that has improved patient outcomes significantly.
Ireland:
Chronic Pain Ireland offers vital support services that reduce stigma and help those living with pain feel less isolated.
Wales:
The Welsh Government and Welsh Pain Society’s initiatives have strengthened community-based support and self-management resources.
Promote Collaboration:
Advocate for a UK-wide approach to pain management that builds on successful initiatives from every region.
Support the Four Nation Strategy:
Learn about the Four Nation Strategy and its focus on improving access to multidisciplinary care, research, and education across the UK.
Support the British Pain Society
Support our mission to improve pain management and patient care by making a donation to the British Pain Society here
Week 1: Self-Management for Chronic Pain in Scotland
Did you know that nearly half of Scotland’s population—around 2.1 to 2.5 million people — experience chronic pain? This week, we’re focusing on the importance of self-management and the steps you can take to improve daily life.
This week’s focus:
The work of Pain Concern and Pain Association Scotland—charities offering practical resources and support ad self- management support: Pain Association, and Healthcare Improvement Scotland
NHS Scotland’s efforts to improve access to self-management tools. NHS Inform
Scotland’s National Pain Management Programme
Get Involved:
Learn and Share: Reduce stigma by spreading awareness of self-management techniques like pacing and relaxation.
Advocate for Better Services: Contact your MP and support funding for research and education in chronic pain management.
Support a Loved One: Check in on someone living with chronic pain. A small act of empathy can make a big difference.
Join the Conversation: Share your story or listen to others using #MyPainStory. Personal stories help others feel understood and supported.
Promote Mental Health Support: Self-management should address both the physical and mental aspects of chronic pain.
Together, we’ll do more for pain.
Need support?
Visit British Pain Society resources or explore resources available at Live well with Pain, Pain Concern, Pain Association, Versus Arthritis or Flippin’ Pain. Visit NHS Inform or reach out to the Pain Concern Helpline: 0300 123 0789. Together, we will do more for pain! #ChronicPainAwareness #PainInScotland #BritishPainSociety
Week 2: Tackling Chronic Pain in England
In England, 28 million adults—about 43% of the population—live with chronic pain. This week, we’re focusing on the challenges and solutions related to chronic pain and how we can make a difference.
Key Focus Areas This Week: NHS England’s Pain Management Services: Discover the latest updates and improvements in pain management services across the NHS.
Pain Management Programmes (PMPs): Learn about these programmes and their impact on managing chronic pain effectively.
Pain Clinics and Multidisciplinary Approaches: Explore how pain clinics and multidisciplinary teams are working to provide comprehensive care.
Get Involved:
Learn and Share: Spread awareness about the prevalence of chronic pain and the services available. Share information on social media to help reduce stigma.
Advocate for Better Services: Write to your MP or support campaigns that call for improved accessibility to pain management services and better integration into general healthcare education.
Support Pain Management Initiatives: Encourage healthcare providers and educators to incorporate pain management into their training and practices.
Share Your Story: Use #MyPainStory to share your experiences with chronic pain. Your story can help others feel less isolated and promote a greater understanding of the condition.
Support the British Pain Society: Support our mission to improve pain management and patient care by making a donation to the British Pain Society.
Need support?
Visit British Pain Society resources or explore resources available at Live well with Pain, Pain Concern, Pain Association, Versus Arthritis or Flippin’ Pain. Visit NHS England’s Pain Management Programmes. Together, we will do more for pain! #ChronicPainAwareness #PainInScotland #BritishPainSociety
Week 3: Pain Across the Island of Ireland
Chronic pain affects 13% of the population in the Republic of Ireland and 30% in Northern Ireland. This week, we’re highlighting the challenges and solutions related to chronic pain across the island of Ireland and the important work being done.
Key Focus Areas This Week:
Statistics: Understand the prevalence of chronic pain in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Current Initiatives: Discover the impactful work of Chronic Pain Ireland and the Northern Ireland Pain Society.
Cross-Border Initiatives: Learn about collaborative efforts in pain management across the island.
Government Policies: Review policies in both regions addressing chronic pain and their effectiveness.
Get Involved:
Learn and Share: Share information about chronic pain statistics and resources available in Ireland and Northern Ireland to spread awareness.
Promote Collaboration: Advocate for more collaboration between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in pain research and management.
Support Rural Areas: Push for the expansion of comprehensive pain services in rural communities.
Reduce Stigma: Support public awareness campaigns to help reduce the stigma surrounding chronic pain.
Share Your Story: Use #MyPainStory to share your personal experiences with chronic pain. Your story can offer support and foster understanding.
Support the British Pain Society: Support our mission to improve pain management and patient care by making a donation to the British Pain Society.
Need support?
Visit Chronic Pain Ireland and Northern Ireland Pain Society for resources and assistance. Visit British Pain Society resources or explore resources available at Live well with Pain, Pain Concern, Pain Association, Versus Arthritis or Flippin’ Pain. Together, we will do more for pain! #ChronicPainAwareness #PainInIreland #BritishPainSociety #MyPainStory
Week 4: Pain Management in Wales – Building a Supportive Network
In Wales, about 1 in 7 adults—approximately 15% of the population—live with chronic pain. This week, we’re focusing on the current initiatives and how we can strengthen support for those affected.
Key Focus Areas This Week:
Prevalence: Learn about the impact of chronic pain on Welsh communities.
Current Initiatives: Discover the strategies of the Welsh Government for managing chronic pain and the efforts of the Welsh Pain Society. Living with Persistent Pain document
Community-Based Approaches: Highlight how local organisations and support networks are working to provide comprehensive care and support.
Get Involved:
Learn and Share: Spread awareness about chronic pain and available resources in Wales.
Advocate for Better Training: Push for improved pain management training for GPs and healthcare providers to enhance care.
Support Service Expansion: Advocate for the expansion of pain services in underserved areas to reach more people.
Promote Support Networks: Highlight the importance of support groups and community resources. Encourage those living with chronic pain to connect with local groups.
Share Your Story: Use #MyPainStory to share your experiences with chronic pain. Your story can offer support and build understanding.
Support the British Pain Society: Support our mission to improve pain management and patient care by making a donation to the British Pain Society.
Need support?
Visit Welsh Pain Society and explore community resources available through local organisations. Visit British Pain Society resources or explore resources available at Live well with Pain, Pain Concern, Pain Association, Versus Arthritis or Flippin’ Pain. Together, we will do more for pain. #ChronicPainAwareness #PainInWales #BritishPainSociety #MyPainStory
Week 5: Pain Across the UK – A Comparative Perspective
As we conclude World Pain Awareness Month, let’s take a closer look at how chronic pain impacts people across the UK where 28 million adults (43% of the population) are affected. Each region faces unique challenges and successes in pain management.
Key Highlights This Week:
Comparative Statistics:
- Scotland: nearly half of Scotland’s population—around 2.1 to 2.5 million people— live with chronic pain. [Source: Scottish Government]
- England: 15.5 million people in England (34% of the population) suffer from chronic pain. [Source: Public Health England]
- Ireland:
- Republic of Ireland: 13% experience chronic pain. [Source: Chronic Pain in Ireland Report]
- Northern Ireland: 30% of the population is affected. [Source: Health and Social Care Northern Ireland]
- Wales: 1 in 7 adults (15%) experience chronic pain. [Source: Welsh Government]
Success Stories:
- Scotland: National Chronic Pain Management Programme offers specialised clinics.
- England: NHS Pain Management Programmes feature multidisciplinary teams.
- Ireland: Chronic Pain Ireland provides crucial support services.
- Wales: The Welsh Government’s strategies and the Welsh Pain Society’s efforts enhance support.
Call to Action:
- Support Collaboration: Advocate for a unified approach and UK-wide policies.
- Share Your Story: Use #MyPainStory to share your experiences with chronic pain.
- Support the British Pain Society: Support our mission to improve pain management and patient care by making a donation to the British Pain Society.
Explore More: Visit British Pain Society resources or explore resources available at Live well with Pain or Flippin’ Pain.
Scotland: Pain Concern
Ireland: Chronic Pain Ireland and Northern Ireland Pain Society
Wales: Welsh Pain Society and Living with Persistent Pain document
England: NHS England’s Pain Management Programmes
#WorldPainAwareness #TogetherForPain #ChronicPain #PainManagement