Pain Conversations

A series of recorded chats with Affa Sair guests speaking to Chairman, Chris Bridgeford.

Tom Herbert
Researcher
Robert Gordon University Aberdeen

In this conversation between Tom and Affa Sair Chairman Chris, they discuss the co-production of a peer support programme for people with chronic non-cancer pain using Intervention Mapping.

Luis Enrique
Researcher
Aberdeen University

This recording features Luis Enrique, a researcher at Aberdeen University, who is partnership with Loria Rebodello, is developing a digital tool to allow chronic pain sufferers in NHS Grampian to self manage their chronic pain.

Charles Balcombe
Founder
Paind

This recording features Charles Balcombe, founder of ‘Paind’ - a new initiative to the chronic pain scene. Paind ties together chronic pain sufferers, clinicians and advocates to help create a unique community for people battling with chronic pain.
To sign up to ‘Paind’ please visit paind.com or you can go direct to the app at app.paind.com

Matthew Duff
Lead Policy Advisor
Adult Disability Payment

This 27 minute recording features Matthew Duff, Lead Policy Advisor of the new Scottish Adult Disability Payment.

The new benefit will be rolled out nationally on 29th August 2022 bringing an end to the fearful process of DWP assessments.

This is a true game changer for chronic pain sufferers in Scotland.

Naomi Morrison
Therapist

Naomi Morrison of ‘Relax and Wellbeing Therapies’, Elgin is giving Affa Sair members a whopping 20% discount on all therapies.

Therapies include Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Remedial Massage Hot Stone Massage, Indian Head Massage, Swedish Massage, Hopi Ear Candling, Kinesiology Taping, Tropic Facial, Lower Leg and Foot Recovery.

For more details on treatments phone 07985 704622 or look at their Facebook Page on

https://www.facebook.com/relaxandwellnesstherapies/

Naomi spoke to us about her treatments and the discount scheme.

Joe Parsons PhD
Ehlers Danlos Sufferer

This is a 22 minute track featuring Joe Parsons, a young chronic pain sufferer with a Phd in Biochemistry and now an Affa Sair Trustee. Joe is also writing a book on chronic pain and has designed a pain management programme to be rolled out the the NHS.

If you are willing to share your own experiences of chronic pain with Joe to give a better understanding of living with chronic pain for his book, then please email him at:

joseph.parsons@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

Louise Trewern
Chronic Pain Campaigner

This is a 35 minute track featuring Louise Trewern, a chronic pain sufferer who decided to stop taking her opiates and feels much better without them. Here she tells Chris Bridgeford, Chairman of Affa Sair about her battle with chronic pain and how her decision has improved her life.

Dr Kanakarajan
Lead Clinician
NHS Grampian Pain Clinic

This 11 minute recording features Dr Saravanakumar Kanakarajan head clinician at NHS Grampian Pain Clinic based in Aberdeen. He tells Chris Bridgeford of the future plans for Grampian Pain Services and how they were already carrying out video consultations with patients at time of recording using the NHS ‘Near Me’ technology.

  • From 29th August 2022 case transfer begins and people will be changed to the new benefit automatically.

  • You can apply for Adult Disability Payment by four methods – paper application, online, by phone or in person.

  • The Scottish Government see benefits as a human right not a handout.

  • There will be a workforce of Local Disability Officers to enable people to access the benefit.

  • Current PIP claimants will be moved over to Social Security Scotland before their current review is due to take place.

  • Decision making will rely on Doctors’ or Clinicians’ opinions. There will be no assessors employed by private companies.

  • There will be no assessment centres people need to travel to.