Persistent pain can significantly affect people’s lives, including their activity levels, social interactions, and emotional well-being. Our multidisciplinary team, which includes physiotherapists, psychologists, and nurses, work with patients to improve their quality of life while living with pain.  

We help you to identify goals which are important to you and progress towards them gradually and sustainably. Some aspects of this might include: 

  • Managing your activity levels
  • Enhancing communication and understanding of pain within relationships
  • Supporting emotional well-being and improving mood
  • Returning to enjoyable activities
  • Improving your sleep
  • Managing flare ups
  • Understanding your medication and their benefits and side effects

When you attend appointments with us, we will take time to understand your situation. Together, we’ll create a plan which includes skills and strategies for you to try at home.

While our team uses evidence-based pain management approaches, you are the expert on how these fit into your life. You are never obliged to try anything. 

What happens after a referral? 

You will likely be referred to our multidisciplinary team, including psychology, physiotherapy, and nursing, as a whole. This integrated approach is often more effective than being referred to individual services, as persistent pain can impact many areas of life. 

The steps following a referral typically include: 

  1. Information session (SMAP): Attending an information session called SMAP (Self-Management Approaches to Pain). This session, available online or in person, provides an overview of our multidisciplinary service and helps you decide if it’s right for you. 
  2. Assessment appointment: After attending a SMAP session, you’ll be invited to a 45-minute assessment with a team member. This can take place in person, via video, or over the phone—whichever you prefer. During the assessment, we’ll discuss how pain affects your life, your personal goals, and how we can best support you. Attending the SMAP session beforehand can help you reflect on your needs. We are aware our patients often have multiple health conditions and we will ensure we take account of this when working together and considering next steps.  
  3. Discussing next steps: At the end of your assessment, you and your clinician will explore your options and aims/goals. If our service isn’t suitable, or if you choose not to continue, there may be no further appointments. You may go on to participate in our group pain management programmes or receive individual sessions with physiotherapy, psychology, or nursing. Our service offers a range of specific pain management programmes (including groups for men and women with abdominopelvic pain for example) that take place either online or face to face. All options will be discussed with you at assessment.  

Our support is designed to be time-limited, focusing on equipping you with skills and strategies to live well alongside pain;independently after discharge from our service.  

We are aware there is currently a wait to be seen by our service. Most of our appointments are only booked six weeks ahead of the appointment date as this helps us ensure equitable care and to minimise cancellations.

We encourage you to explore our patient stories, feedback and resources sections for further information while you are waiting.