Chronic Pain & Mental Health: Flare-Ups, CBT, Pacing & 4Ps"
2024-07-25 19:00 - 20:00 (Europe/Dublin)
Chronic Pain & Mental Health: Flare-Ups, CBT, Pacing & 4Ps

This month we explore Managing flare ups, incorporating CBT, Pacing and the 4 P’s
Chronic Pain Ireland has partnered with Turn2Me an Irish online mental health charity that provides free, anonymous and confidential online professional health services. We’ve partnered to offer a series of specific chronic pain and mental health group sessions which at present are available to members of Chronic Pain Ireland. This month we explore Managing flare ups, incorporating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Pacing and the 4 P’s.
Chronic Pain Group sessions – Chronic Pain is invisible, you cannot show it to your doctor, friends, or family. There isn’t always a scar or any visual cues to the pain you are suffering. This peer support group is a place where you can seek support from others who suffer with chronic pain and can empathise with what you are
going through. At this group we will be looking and discussing ways to improve your:
ï‚· self care
ï‚· sleep
ï‚· emotional awareness
ï‚· your relationship with your body.
Why not take that step and communicate via instant chat with people with similar challenges and experiences you have. The group is completely anonymous offering you safety and a chance to be honest and authentic with what you are going through and hear from other members what has helped them and how they manage. Remember living with chronic pain, is day by day, slow and steady. To join this group you need to register as a user with Turn2Me and then register for the group in advance of the scheduled date and time. Well done, we look forward to virtually meeting you.
Chronic Pain Ireland in partnership with Turn2Me will facilitate a specific ‘chronic pain group counselling support group’ on the last Thursday evening of every month at 7pm. This service is available to current members of Chronic Pain Ireland.
If you would like to learn more about CPI membership see here
About Turn2Me:
Turn2Me is supported by the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention to deliver counselling online. Turn2me is a national mental health charity that was founded in 2009 by Oisin and Diarmuid Scollard, who tragically lost their brother, Cormac, to suicide in 2003. Turn2me offers adult counselling and support group services to adults and young people aged 12 plus. Turn2Me has helped over 120,000 people since it was set up in 2009. Turn2Me offers up to six free counselling sessions to adults living in Ireland.
Turn2Me also offer a wide range of online mental health supports that the general public can access online – To sign up or for more details please visit www.Turn2Me.ie

Chronic Pain 5-week Self-Management Course
2024-08-12 14:00, 2024-08-19 14:00, 2024-08-26 14:00, 2024-09-02 14:00 | online, Ireland
Chronic Pain 5-week Self-Management Course
Chronic Pain Ireland is holding our 5-week Self-Management Course for people living with chronic pain. This 5 session course is delivered online over a 5 week period and is a 2 hour session. The course focusses and looks at key ideas in the self-management of chronic pain and encourages participants to explore ways to both manage their condition and cope better. The course offers a special kind of flexible interactive experience in which questions, feedback, discussion and mutual support are an important part of the process.
There are key topics that will always be covered and there is a ‘direction of travel’ (per topics listed) but the exact order in which topics are discussed and the focus given to each area, depends on the needs and interests of the group at the time. The course is delivered in a non-linear way such that topics overlap and ‘inform’ each other. A good example would be how Pacing for instance requires that we also look at the effects of stress, beliefs and issues around acceptance.
The topics covered during the course will be:

Introduction â€“ in which participants will be asked what they want to achieve and a big picture of pain management is shared including an explanation of the bio-psycho-social model
Understanding chronic pain
Boom-Bust, Pacing, Baselines, goal setting
Stress awareness and management ideas, breaking the pain stress cycle
Anxiety
Sleep
Social aspects
Acceptance & emotions
Flare ups

Live notes from each session will be e-mailed along with more formal pre-prepared materials including audio recordings for relaxation practice. This means that people wanting to explore a focus specifically on a topic can do so in-between sessions and the sessions can help explain things further and deal with questions and challenges.
Facilitator for this programme is the Lead Trainer of Pain Association of Scotland, Phil Sizer who has delivered thousands of workshops throughout Ireland and the UK and is the author of Chronic Pain, the drug free way which is available from your local library or via amazon.co.uk. Chronic Pain Ireland has for many years offered self-management training for all living with chronic pain and are partnering with the Pain Association Scotland, who (having pioneered the development and delivery of self-management training) have run community programmes for over 20 years. Both CPI and PAS share mutual aims of helping to improve the quality of life for all living with chronic pain.
Please note the above course is only offered to members of Chronic Pain Ireland at no additional cost. For information about taking out membership to Chronic Pain Ireland see here

CPI Members Network meeting
2024-08-13 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-10 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-08 11:00 - 12:00
Each month CPI holds our peer to peer network meetings which are facilitated by our current Chairperson. It’s a safe, inclusive space to meet others, to chat, share and support each other. Our membership feedback regularly mentions the importance of speaking with others where they can chat openly without judgement and connect with others.
This event is open to members of Chronic Pain Ireland and if you would like to join, membership is €22.00 per year. See here for more details.
Many of our members have formed life long friendships as a result of attending CPI events, workshops and taking part in research. Please, consider becoming part of our community.

Enhancing Social Interaction Communication Chronic Pain Workshop
2024-08-16 10:30 - 12:30
Chronic Pain Enhancing Social Interaction & Communication
Join our monthly workshop to enhance your social interaction and communication skills, specifically designed for individuals managing chronic pain.
Workshop Highlights:
Interaction and Agendas: Learn the importance of clear communication and how to manage conversations effectively.
Identifying Hot Buttons: Discover the common triggers in social interactions and how to handle them.
Understanding Transference: Gain insight into emotional transference and its impact on relationships.
Responding to Comments from Family and Friends: Learn strategies to address well-meaning but sometimes hurtful comments such as “You look well,” “Not better yet?”, isn’t that all in your head? and “Have you tried…?”
Debunking Myths: Tackle misconceptions about chronic pain.
Building Understanding: Foster mutual understanding and support from those around you.
Effective Communication About Pain: Develop skills to articulate your pain experience clearly and effectively.
Why Attend?

Improve your social interactions and communication skills.
Learn practical strategies to manage and respond to common comments and questions.
Enhance your ability to explain and discuss your chronic pain with others.

Chronic Pain Ireland has for many years offered self-management training for all living with chronic pain and are partnering with the Pain Association Scotland, who (having pioneered the development and delivery of self-management training) have run community programmes for over 20 years. Both CPI and PAS share mutual aims of helping to improve the quality of life for all living with chronic pain. The focus of these interactive workshops is therefore on introducing people to, and quickly building, self-management skills, thereby creating practical, positive change leading to an improved quality of life and well-being. Our trained facilitator has delivered over 10,000 workshops to date.
These workshops are offered to members of Chronic Pain Ireland only. If you would like to become a member and avail of all our chronic pain support services including: self-management workshops, telephone support line, chronic pain courses and programmes, online meetings, webinars and networking opportunities â€“ Join here

Youghal - Pain Awareness Month Fundraiser
2024-09-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Youghal Eco Boardwalk, Youghal, Cork
Since 2016 Nikki Bray has organised an annual walking event and fundraiser with all proceeds raised for Chronic Pain Ireland’s support services. This event takes place the first weekend in September to coincide with Pain Awareness Month. With the opening of Youghal Eco-Boardwalk, not only is it is a terrific day but it is a disability and access friendly space, with fantastic views and resting points so please do come along and take part. Families, furry friends, locals, visitors (no matter what you’re capabilities) all always welcome.
Youghal Eco-Boardwalk is a 1.9kilometre hardwood panelled beach walk-way, stretching from Claycastle Beach out to Redbarn Beach, both of which hold Blue Flag Status for 2021. It is totally disability-access friendly with interspersed seating along the route, facilitating easy access for the elderly, people with limited mobility, wheelchair and pushchair users. Making this a perfect opportunity for those living with chronic pain, to set your own pace, rest where needed and choose your own start and finish points.
Nikki writes: “In 2014 I was diagnosed with a congenial spinal defect, in 2015 I organized a walk on the beach in Youghal (walking on sand can be good for the spine) with family and friends, mainly to thank them for their support and celebrate how far I’d come in one year! Of course we had tea and cake afterwards! It was mentioned that year that I should of fundraised at the walk, so in 2016 I decided to do it again and fundraise for Chronic Pain Ireland. That year I did it in October on spine awareness day (the first year Annie our mascot joined us, I figured skeletons and spine go together).
I’d love to see people on the day and if you can’t attend please consider donating which greatly helps Chronic Pain Ireland continue to provide the range of services and supports so many of us have benefitted from over the years.
DONATE HERE and thank you so much for your support.

HSE Living Well with Fibromyalgia
2024-09-10 19:00 - 21:30, 2024-09-17 19:00 - 21:30, 2024-09-24 19:00 - 21:30, 2024-10-01 19:00 - 21:30, 2024-10-08 19:00 - 21:30, 2024-10-15 19:00 - 21:30 | online, Ireland
HSE Living Well with Fibromyalgia programme
HSE CH09 have partnered with Chronic Pain Ireland in support of Pain Awareness Month and are running this free 7-week programme for people living with Fibromyalgia. This free, online 7 week programme can help you develop skills and confidence to manage your condition.
Workshop Topics
Techniques to deal with symptoms of fibromyalgia such as fatigue, sleeplessness, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear, and frustration, with emphasis on cognitive behavioural therapy techniques for managing pain.
Topics include:
ï‚· Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance
ï‚· Balancing activity with rest
ï‚· Tools for overcoming worst-case thinking
ï‚· How our minds affect pain and how we can use our minds to lessen pain
ï‚· Negative emotions
ï‚· Healthy eating
ï‚· Appropriate use of medication
ï‚· Working more effectively with health care providers
ï‚· Communicating with friends and family
ï‚· Communicating with the health care system
ï‚· Communicating with oneself
ï‚· Action-planning, problem-solving, decision-making
Why join the Living Well with pain programme?
People who are supported in this way increase their knowledge, skills and confidence to better manage their health in partnership with their health care provider(s).
How: For more information or to register, contact the Living Well Team via Email LivingWellDNCC@hse.ie or call 01 8976171

HSE Living Well with Chronic Pain
2024-09-11 19:00 - 21:30, 2024-09-18 19:00 - 21:30, 2024-09-25 19:00 - 21:30, 2024-10-02 19:00 - 21:30, 2024-10-09 19:00 - 21:30, 2024-10-16 19:00 - 21:30 | online, Ireland
HSE Living Well with Chronic Pain programme
The HSE Living Well with Chronic Pain programme is open for registration. This free, online 7 week programme can help you develop skills and confidence to manage your condition.
Workshop Topics
Techniques to deal with symptoms of chronic pain conditions, such as fatigue, sleeplessness, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear, and frustration, with emphasis on cognitive behavioural therapy techniques for managing pain.
Topics include:
ï‚· Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance
ï‚· Balancing activity with rest
ï‚· Tools for overcoming worst-case thinking
ï‚· How our minds affect pain and how we can use our minds to lessen pain
ï‚· Negative emotions
ï‚· Healthy eating
ï‚· Appropriate use of medication
ï‚· Working more effectively with health care providers
ï‚· Communicating with friends and family
ï‚· Communicating with the health care system
ï‚· Communicating with oneself
ï‚· Action-planning, problem-solving, decision-making
Why join the Living Well with pain programme?
People who are supported in this way increase their knowledge, skills and confidence to better manage their health in partnership with their health care provider(s).
How: For more information or to register, contact the Living Well Team via Email LivingWellDNCC@hse.ie

Empower Your Life: Realistic Lifestyle Changes for Chronic Pain
2024-09-13 10:30 - 12:30
Empower Your Life: Realistic Lifestyle Changes for Chronic Pain
Join us for an empowering workshop designed to help you transform your lifestyle and manage chronic pain effectively. This session will provide practical, realistic changes you can make to your diet, stress management, and activity levels. Our expert facilitator will guide you through:
Nutrition: Discover simple dietary adjustments that can help reduce inflammation and improve your overall health.
Stress Management: Learn effective techniques to manage stress and its impact on chronic pain.
Physical Activity: Find out how to incorporate gentle, pain-friendly activities into your daily routine to enhance mobility and well-being.
Join us to gain practical tools and strategies that will help you live a healthier, more empowered life.
Chronic Pain Ireland has for many years offered self-management training for all living with chronic pain and are partnering with the Pain Association Scotland, who (having pioneered the development and delivery of self-management training) have run community programmes for over 20 years. Both CPI and PAS share mutual aims of helping to improve the quality of life for all living with chronic pain. The focus of these interactive workshops is therefore on introducing people to, and quickly building, self-management skills, thereby creating practical, positive change leading to an improved quality of life and well-being. Our trained facilitator has delivered over 10,000 workshops to date.

These workshops are offered to members of Chronic Pain Ireland only. If you would like to become a member and avail of all our chronic pain support services including: self-management workshops, telephone support line, chronic pain courses and programmes, online meetings, webinars and networking opportunities â€“ Join here

Cannabis and Pain: Myth and Fact
2024-09-17 19:00 - 20:00 | online, Ireland
Cannabis and Pain: Myth and Fact
This webinar will describe how the chemicals from the cannabis plant work in the body, looking at the benefits and disadvantages of cannabis for the management of chronic pain. There has been a lot of interest in some of the many chemicals extracted from cannabis for the treatment of a variety of health conditions. Cannabis products have not been approved for the management of chronic pain in Ireland. This talk will present the evidence for and against cannabis, as well as the recommendations from expert groups around the world about its medicinal uses.
This webinar will be hosted by Dr. Hugh Gallagher, Consultant in Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine at St. Vincent’s University Hospital and St. Columcille’s Hospital. He is also the current Dean of the Faculty of Pain Medicine, College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland, co-author of Pain Medicine for the Practicing Physician and former Committee Member Irish Pain Society.
Please note that registration for this event is only open to members of Chronic Pain Ireland.

Transform Pain into Power: Finding your voice in pain management
2024-09-23 19:00 - 20:00
Transform Pain into Power: Finding your voice in pain management
Meet Dr Evan Parks who will be speaking about Transforming Pain into Power and finding your voice in pain management. This event is part of our 2024 Pain Awareness Month activities and our them is #PainToPower. During this event we will be discussing:

How are emotions and pain connected?
How does trauma impact the brain?
What is the difference between surviving and thriving?
How to get off autopilot and turn pain into power

This event is open to all, is delivered via Zoom and is free of charge. REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Dr. Evan Parks, Psy.D., is a clinical Psychologist and serves on staff at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center in Kalkaska, Michigan. Evan is the author of Chronic Pain Rehabilitation: Active pain management that helps you get back to the life you love. He is also a writer for Psychology Today focusing on chronic pain and emotional health. He is passionate about educating people about chronic pain and is host the Chronic Pain Podcast and creates helpful resources available on his website: www.PainRehabSource.com. Before Evan began his work in rehabilitation psychology, he spent 15 years living in Budapest, Hungary traveling throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia teaching principles of mental health and intervening in mental health crisis situations for humanitarian organisations.

Chronic Pain & Mental Health: Communication & Social Interaction
2024-09-26 19:00 - 20:00
Chronic Pain & Mental Health: Communication & Social Interactions

This month we explore Communication and social interactions and their impact
Chronic Pain Ireland has partnered with Turn2Me an Irish online mental health charity that provides free, anonymous and confidential online professional health services. We’ve partnered to offer a series of specific chronic pain and mental health group sessions which at present are available to members of Chronic Pain Ireland. This month we explore in group chat, common triggers in social interactions and how to handle them, responding to well meaning but sometimes hurtful comments, look at skills to help articulate your experiences to those around you.
Chronic Pain Group sessions – Chronic Pain is invisible, you cannot show it to your doctor, friends, or family. There isn’t always a scar or any visual cues to the pain you are suffering. This peer support group is a place where you can seek support from others who suffer with chronic pain and can empathise with what you are
going through. At this group we will be looking and discussing ways to improve your:
ï‚· self care
ï‚· sleep
ï‚· emotional awareness
ï‚· your relationship with your body.
Why not take that step and communicate via instant chat with people with similar challenges and experiences you have. The group is completely anonymous offering you safety and a chance to be honest and authentic with what you are going through and hear from other members what has helped them and how they manage. Remember living with chronic pain, is day by day, slow and steady. To join this group you need to register as a user with Turn2Me and then register for the group in advance of the scheduled date and time. Well done, we look forward to virtually meeting you.
Chronic Pain Ireland in partnership with Turn2Me will facilitate a specific ‘chronic pain group counselling support group’ on the last Thursday evening of every month at 7pm. This service is available to current members of Chronic Pain Ireland.
If you would like to learn more about CPI membership see here
About Turn2Me:
Turn2Me is supported by the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention to deliver counselling online. Turn2me is a national mental health charity that was founded in 2009 by Oisin and Diarmuid Scollard, who tragically lost their brother, Cormac, to suicide in 2003. Turn2me offers adult counselling and support group services to adults and young people aged 12 plus. Turn2Me has helped over 120,000 people since it was set up in 2009. Turn2Me offers up to six free counselling sessions to adults living in Ireland.
Turn2Me also offer a wide range of online mental health supports that the general public can access online – To sign up or for more details please visit www.Turn2Me.ie

HSE Living Well with Chronic Pain (afternoon)
2024-10-10 14:00 - 16:30, 2024-10-17 14:00 - 16:30 | online, Ireland

HSE Living Well with Chronic Pain (evening)
2024-10-10 19:00 - 21:30 | online, Ireland

Exploring Sex and Gender in Chronic Pain
2024-10-11 14:00 - 16:00 | University College Galway OR online, University Road, Galway, H91 W5P7, Ireland
Exploring Sex and Gender in Chronic Pain
This hybrid event will explore the critical issue of sex and gender in chronic pain, inviting all genders to join the conversation. While chronic pain may affect individuals differently, this event will outline what we now know about sex and gender as variables in chronic pain, what impact the outcomes of the PAINDIFF network will have on the study of sex and gender in pain and how this may inform on diagnosis and treatment outcomes for everyone.
We will also look at the reality of in-person clinical experiences, the importance of the patient voice in PPI Research and how to ensure this critical research is incorporated into health policy and services.
Our event’s MC is none other than TV Presenter, Producer and Author Andrea Hayes who will introduce you to our panel of speakers outlining the following topics:
Developing guidelines and an agenda for research on sex and gender as a variable in differences in pain: The PAINIFF Network – Dr. Michelle Roche, University of Galway
What do we know about sex and gender differences in chronic pain? – Prof. Brian McGuire, University of Galway
Working with sex and gender differences in pain: Experience from the clinic – Dr. Rosemary Keane, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Dublin
The important voice of those with lived experience in research activity – Ms Martina Phelan, Chronic Pain Ireland
Ensuring research really matters: Policy and service perspectives – Dr David Moore, Consultant Pain Specialist, Beaumont Hospital, Clinical Lead, Model of Care for Pain Management Services in Ireland
Q&A / Concluding Remarks
As this is a hybrid event you can choose to attend either online or in-person.
To attend online via webinar select this registration link
To come along on the day, meet our panel and our MC in-person at the Galway University Campus select this registration link
This event is organised by the School of Psychology, University of Galway, Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Centre of Pain Research, University of Galway, Chronic Pain Ireland as part of the University of Galway PPI Ignite Network and PPI Ignite Festival.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the PPI Ignite Festival.
