Chronic Pain Ireland

CPI's Chronic Pain Self-Management Course (5 weeks)
2023-09-11 02:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Dublin) | Dublin
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

HSE Living Well with Chronic Pain Programme
2023-09-09 10:30 - 14:30, 2023-09-02 10:30 - 14:30 | online, Ireland
The HSE in conjunction with Chronic Pain Ireland is supporting our members during CPI’s Pain Awareness Month 2023 Campaign. Over a 7 week period members are invited to take part in the Living Well with Chronic Pain programme. The Living Well Programme can help you develop skills and confidence to manage your condition.
Programme 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 Email LivingWellDNCC@hse.ie

HSE Living Well Chronic Pain programme
2023-09-08 10:30 - 13:00, 2023-09-01 10:30 - 13:00 | online, Ireland
The HSE in conjunction with Chronic Pain Ireland is supporting our members during CPI’s Pain Awareness Month 2023 Campaign. Over a 7 week period members are invited to take part in the Living Well with Chronic Pain programme. The Living Well 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 Email LivingWellDNCC@hse.ie

CPI Workshop: Sleep & Racing Minds
2023-09-08 10:30 - 12:30 | online, Ireland
Sleep & Racing Minds
Poor sleep is common in chronic pain, but it’s often overlooked as seen as a secondary issue. Lack of sleep can build up over time which makes everything worse. Rather than sleep being a side issue, it’s a crucial part of pain management.
Throughout this 2-hour interactive workshop we explore the following:

Understanding the cycles of sleep,
What happens when we can’t get to or back to sleep
Simple techniques to improve sleep
How to deal with a racing mind and ideas from ‘sleep hygiene’.

Chronic Pain Ireland has for many years offered self-management training for all living with chronic pain and are partners 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 Boardwalk Fundraiser Pain Awareness Month 2023
2023-09-03 12:00 - 13:30 | 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 the 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 are welcome. Meeting at 12:00 noon in the carpark and you can decide on a gentle stroll, walk or for those who want to jog or run – there’s plenty of room for all.
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).
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From 2017 onwards I held the event in September for Pain Awareness Month; I still organize a table in a nearby restaurant for anyone that wants to join us afterwards for a chat. The event is bigger every year and is gathering more interest and attendees, which is amazing and helps raise awareness for spinal health and Chronic Pain Ireland.
This year I will be walking in Youghal on 3rd September at 12pm anyone that wants to join me is very welcome or you can walk in your local area and share your pictures with Chronic Pain Ireland.

If you would like to support me and help me to raise much needed funds that help Chronic Pain Ireland continue to deliver their support services, please visit my iDonate page” https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Raisingawarenessforspinalhealth
Nikki’s sister who lives in Tenerife joins her every year virtually and in 2023, she is raising awareness of hidden disabilities. #PainAwarenessMonth #HiddenDisabilities #chronicpain
Listen here to recent radio interview with CRY104FM as Nikki outlines this years Pain Awareness Campaign, living with chronic pain and supporting her fundraiser.

CPI Turn2Me Support Group for chronic pain
2023-08-29 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-07-25 19:00 - 20:00 | online, Ireland
Chronic Pain Ireland has partnered with Turn2Me an Irish online mental health charity that provides free, anonymous and confidential online professional health services to anyone that needs it. They provide a range of online services which anyone can access via their website www.Turn2Me.ie
Chronic Pain Group Counselling
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 support group is a place where you can seek support from others who can empathise with what you are going through, and your experience will resonate with other Chronic Pain Ireland members. Empower yourself to take control and arm yourself with ways to improve your quality of everyday life, strengthen your resilience, prioritise your mental health and self-care. The support group is facilitated by an experienced Psychotherapist who lives with Chronic Pain.
Turn2Me in partnership with Chronic Pain Ireland will facilitate a specific ‘chronic pain group counselling support group’ on the last Tuesday evening of every month. Please note that while the above group is open only to Chronic Pain Ireland members at this time however all other mental health services are available to the general public and you can sign up directly via www.Turn2Me.ie
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. To sign up, go to www.Turn2Me.ie

Workshop - Dealing with Stress
2023-08-18 14:00 - 16:00 | online, Ireland
Dealing with stress is central to pain management, but it’s often treated as a side issue. In this session we’ll look at understanding stress and ways to deal with it.
The plan is to:

Understand what stress is and the different forms it comes in (Stress as a defence)
Eustress, distress
Stress awareness (spotting signs)
The relationship between pain and stress (cycles)
Breaking the pain stress cycle
4 P’s of stress
PEA model
Relaxation

Chronic Pain Ireland has for many years offered self-management training for all living with chronic pain and are partners 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

CPI Members Network meeting
2023-08-08 11:00 - 12:00, 2023-07-11 11:00 - 12:00, 2023-06-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Dublin
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.

Chronic Pain 5-week Self-Management Course
2023-08-01 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-07-25 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-07-18 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-07-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-07-04 14:00 - 16:00 | online, Ireland
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 – 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

Workshop - Practical Relaxation Skills
2023-07-07 14:00 - 16:00 | online, Ireland
Practical Relaxation Skills is the topic for our July self-management workshop. Our approach is based on a holistic, bio-psycho-social model of health including CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), positive psychology, relaxation, hypnotherapy, motivational interviewing and coaching.
In this practical workshop we explore and try different relaxation techniques so that participants can experience for themselves in a small group setting. The different techniques will include:

simple breathing
progressive relaxation
getting to sleep techniques
grounding and visualisation.

Chronic Pain Ireland has for many years offered self-management training for all living with chronic pain and are partners 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

AGM
2023-07-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Dublin
Chronic Pain Ireland’s Annual General Meeting will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday 4th July via Zoom.

Online World Café - CPI Members
2023-06-15 10:00 - 12:00 | online, Ireland
Members of Chronic Pain Ireland have the opportunity to help us to drive research that will help improve or enhance sleep mechanisms for chronic pain. We are partnered with the University of Limerick’s School of Allied Health (winners of the 2022 BMP Pain Research Grant) to look at the problem of poor sleep among people with chronic pain. The project will look at ways to enhance sleep among people with chronic pain, especially considering options other than medication.
What is involved?
CPI members with persistent pain will attend our online world Café event which is being held on June 15th from 10:00 – 12:00 noon. A world Café creates an informal Café setting for participants to explore an issue by discussing it in small table groups.
Patient participation is vital to the success of this research initiative.

Participants will receive a €30 voucher to reflect their time commitment to online world cafes.

The above event is only open to members of Chronic Pain Ireland. If you would like to learn more about joining see here

Workshop Understanding Chronic Pain
2023-06-09 14:00 - 16:00 | online, Ireland
Understanding Chronic Pain is the topic for our June self-management workshop. Our approach is based on a holistic, bio-psycho-social model of health including CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), positive psychology, relaxation, hypnotherapy, motivational interviewing and coaching.
In this workshop session we examine and explore the following topics:

Acute vs chronic pain
Sensory & Emotional
Neuro matrix & gate theory models
Nociplastic pain
Threat-o-meter
Links to pain management strategies

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

Dublin World Café - in-person members event
2023-06-06 12:00 - 14:30 | Dublin
Members of Chronic Pain Ireland are currently helping us to drive research that will help improve or enhance sleep mechanisms for chronic pain. We are partnered with the University of Limerick’s School of Allied Health (winners of the 2022 BMP Pain Research Grant) to look at the problem of poor sleep among people with chronic pain. The project will look at ways to enhance sleep among people with chronic pain, especially considering options other than medication.
What is involved?
We’ve recruited CPI members with persistent pain to attend the June 6th Dublin in-person world Café. A world Café creates an informal Café setting for participants to explore an issue by discussing it in small table groups.
Patient participation is vital to the success of this research initiative.

Participants will receive a €50 voucher to reflect their time commitment to in-person world cafes.

Note: The above event is only open to current members of Chronic Pain Ireland see here

Chronic Pain Self-Management Course
2023-06-05 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-05-29 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-05-22 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-05-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Dublin

Workshop: Hope & Acceptance
2023-05-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Dublin
Workshop : Chronic Pain – Hope & Acceptance
Acceptance is the big idea in pain management, but it’s hard to do!
In the session we will look at:

Understanding acceptance properly
Making sense of where you are
Reframing acceptance
Hope – high road vs low road

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 – Join here

Aspida Workshop - Limerick
2023-05-13 11:00 - 15:00 | Dublin
ASpida: Against Stigma Pain pain intervention development approach

ASpida is an innovative community-based program that aims to tackle the effects of stigma in chronic pain.
University College Cork researchers in conjunction with Chronic Pain Ireland used direct input from our members to developed this programme are now offering you the opportunity to take part in our pilot workshops. Taking place initially in five counties across Ireland (Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Kerry and Limerick) the workshops will be delivered by two facilitators one of whom is a trained CPI member who has been involved with this research from the start. Each half day workshop will help you learn skills to act mindfully, respond flexibly and with awareness to stigmatised behaviours, be guided by values not stigma.

Please register your interest and get involved as your feedback is invaluable. We aim to offer this evidence-based health care service throughout 2024 to a wider audience. Register HERE
Our sincere thanks to all members who were involved in every step of the creation of this project which was funded by the Brain, Mind and Pain Patient-Centred Innovation Grant.
If you want to learn a little more about the project our recognizing and coping with stigma – a silent enemy event was held earlier this month and the recording can be watched back HERE

ASpida Workshop Cork
2023-05-13 11:00 - 15:00 | Dublin
