There are several pain support groups available across Kent. Some provide face-to-face meetings, while others offer online support.
Local pain support groups
Ash
Face-to-face pain support group
This group was set up by a patient who completed the pain pathway with the Community Chronic Pain Service.
The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month, from 11am to 12 noon. Guest speakers attend each session.
The group is funded through a raffle and donations for refreshments.
Contact Maureen on 07922096932
Meeting address:
Ash Scout Hall
Molland Lea
Ash
Canterbury
CT3 2JF
Please note that your sat nav may tell you to turn left when entering Molland Lea Road. Turn right instead. The scout hall car park is at the end of the cul-de-sac on the right.
Ashford
Ashford chronic pain management group
Contact Jenny to find out more about the group and how to join.
07532 417549
ashfordchronicpaingroup@hotmail.co.uk
Meeting address:
The Riverside Centre
Clockhouse
Ashford
TN23 4YN
Canterbury
Pain support group
This six-week course is run by a primary care network in Canterbury. Support is provided by a physiotherapist, mental health support workers and a pharmacist.
Patients in Canterbury can be referred by the social prescribing link worker at their GP surgery. The link worker should contact the lead social prescribing link worker.
Faversham
Fibromyalgia support group
This face-to-face group has an active Facebook community.
Informal drop-in sessions take place monthly on Saturdays, from 2 to 3.30pm. There is also an additional monthly weekday session for people who cannot attend at the weekend.
Contact the group coordinator, Stephanie (on 07908928437 or favershamfibromyalgiafriends@sky.com), for meeting dates.
Meeting address:
The Secret Garden tea rooms
Faversham Quay
Faversham
ME13 7BS
Sheppey
Chronic pain support group
In-person meetings take place on the first Thursday of each month, from 10am to 12 noon.
The group also has a Facebook group called Sheppey/Swale CPSG.
Contact: Sophie and Paul on 07889476409
Meeting address:
Island Works Cafe
Sheerness
Near Sheppey docks
ME12 1ED
Other pain support
Ehlers-Danlos Support UK
Ehlers-Danlos Support UK provides online support through Facebook. Some areas also offer face-to-face meetings through local coordinators.
Where there is a vacancy, the organisation can support people who would like to become a coordinator.
Sign up or log in through the website to find support in your area.
Find an Ehlers-Danlos support group.
Fibromyalgia Action UK
You can find information about local groups by entering your postcode on the Fibromyalgia Action UK website.
Pain Concern
Pain Concern offers an online community where people living with chronic pain can discuss their concerns with peers.
Visit the Pain Concern website.
Helpline: 03001230789
The helpline can provide:
- a safe space to talk about pain
- general information about pain
- help to improve self-management skills
- information about relevant Pain Concern resources
- support to help you make informed choices about managing your pain
- directions to reliable information and resources about pain.
Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis UK
PMRGCAuk is a registered charity supporting people with polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis. The charity provides support, raises awareness and promotes research.
03009995090
info@pmrgca.org.uk
BM PMRGCAuk
London
WC1N 3XX
Helpline: 0300 111 5090
The helpline is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.
Helpline email: helpline@pmrgca.org.uk
You can also speak with other people through the free online community.
Join the PMRGCAuk HealthUnlocked community
Expert Patients Programme
The Expert Patients Programme is a free six-week course for people living with one or more long-term health conditions. It is also available to people with personal experience of supporting someone with a long-term condition.
Courses are provided online and in person at community venues. Each session lasts two hours, including a break.
The course provides practical techniques to help improve your quality of life, including:
- developing communication skills
- managing emotions
- managing daily activities
- working with the healthcare system
- finding health resources
- planning for the future
- understanding exercise and healthy eating
- managing fatigue, sleep, pain, anger and depression.
You do not need a referral.
03000132045, then select option three
kcht.epp@nhs.net
External resources
Disability Assist
01233 633187
Disability Assist is a charity which helps people with disabilities in Kent to live more independent lives. The charity support individuals with finances, benefits, activities and lots of general support.
Involve
03000 810 005
hello@involvekent.org.uk
Involve are a charity providing community services and activities for people of all ages across Kent, improving health and wellbeing. They also help people access the services and support they need, such as housing, healthcare, social care, education, and benefits.
Crisis
Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness.
The Carers Trust Network
The Carers Trust Network is the largest network of organisations across the UK that specialises in the support and wellbeing of unpaid carers.
Carers Support East Kent
Carers’ Support East Kent, is a charity that provides Carers with the information and support they need.
Carers UK
Carers UK support unpaid carers with expert information, advice and support, and also campaign to make life better for carers.
Social Services
This service can provide help if you or someone you care for needs support due to illness, disability, old age or low income. They could also assess you and your home for enabling equipment.
Kent and Medway Recovery and Wellbeing College
The Kent and Medway Mental Health Trust provide free health-related courses to anyone who lives in Kent and Medway and is over 18 years old.
Small Good Stuff
Small Good Stuff is a directory of small, local care and support services
Charities and Support Services in Kent
A directory of charities and support services in Kent.