News Archive

Norwich branch has successful launch

After months of careful planning the Norwich branch of Action on Pain opened its doors for the first meeting. As is always the case the first meeting was all about introducing the charity and then finding out what people want from the branch. The meeting which was well attended generated a lot of enthusiasm which enabled us to shape the programme for the future meetings.

The next meeting on 26 July 2006 will be all about how excercise can help people with chronic pain. Run by a Chartered Physiotherapist with an MSC in Pain Management the meeting will be informal and informative being open to all.

One of the objectives of Action on Pain is that our branches become part of the community that they serve. So it was good to see that we received so much support from the local media who did the charity proud with the coverage they provided. Additionally and perhaps crucially we also received a generous donation from the Wroxham and Hoveton Lions Club in support of our work in the Norwich area. Such support is invaluable in enabling Action on Pain to reach out to as many people affected by chronic pain as possible. For that support we say thank you.

Important victory for chronic pain sufferer

Those of you who visit the AOP website on a regular basis would have noticed the article about one of our members who had been having a running battle with the Department of Work & Pensions(DWP) over her claim for Incapacity Benefit. Despite having a clear and obviously justified condition her Incapacity Benefit was stopped with all appeals being turned down which Included a deeply distressing and humiliating Tribunal Appeal. With encouragement she appealed to the Commissioners on a point of law which we are delighted to report she won. Whilst Action on Pain is still looking at the legal implications of the ruling it is already clear that the Tribunal failed miserably in taking the impact of the chronic pain into consideration when coming to their decision. What is particularly disturbing is that members of Tribunal panels do in some instances appear to demonstrate that they have little of no knowledge of how chronic pain can disturb your quality of life yet they still make decisions which have a major impact on the claimant.

There is surely a "wake up" call here for the DWP who must ask themselves the following questions:

1) Is the benefit system fit for purpose?

2) Are the doctors who carry out medicals on behalf of the DWP up to standard?

3) Do Tribunal panels members receive appropriate training and asessment?

4) Are Tribunals really independent?

There are many of you out there who would give a resounding "NO" to all those questions as this is not the only example of the DWP "heavy hand". Action on Pain says simply this-that a system that puts an intelligent and sincere woman through such a distressing;humiliating and stressful experience for no just purpose is clearly deeply flawed.

To Alan Johnson, the Government minister with responsibility for the DWP we say that there is a key responsibility on you to get your department in order.

On the road

AOP has been gradually developing a branch network with it is fair to say mixed results. Some branches have worked really well going from strength to strength whilst others have simply not worked. Whilst this gives us concern we are re-assured from converstions with other charities who report a similar pattern. That some of these charities have been around for far longer than Action on Pain provides a reliable source of information.

One of our key objectives is to reach out to as many people as possible who are affected by chronic pain. We are always looking for new ways of achieving this which has come up with the thought that we should explore the feasibility of having a mobile unit that could "set up" in appropraite places. This would give people an infromation source as well as the opportunity to talk to one of our volunteers on a "face to face" basis. Whilst at an early stage the intitial feedback has been positve so we shall now move towards costing the proposal which if viable will then form a grant application. What do you think? Call Action on Pain on 01362 820750

Have boards will travel

As part of our growth AOP has recently taken delivery of a new exhibition display kit which will enable us to attend a far greater number of events across the UK. We are currently designing the graphics for the display panels intending to have the kit available after the summer holidays.

With Action on Pain nearly eight years old the need to carry out our second strategic review is upon us. It is very easy to feel that everything is going to plan without the benefit of an "outside" opinion which can reveal things that we have missed. We have therefore asked one of our new Trustees, Beatrix Maynard, to carry out this review over the next couple of months. It is then our intention to discuss the findings amongst all Trustees with a view to formally introducing the results at our AGM in November.

We would very much welcome your views-you do not have to be a member! If you are affected by chronic pain in any way at all is there something that we are not doing that you would like us to consider? Is there something we are doing that just does not seem right?

Why not call us on 01362 820750

You could be a volunteer

Action on Pain could really do with your help! As we grow so the demands on our services grow which is where our volunteers come in. Have you a few hours that you can spare us? It does not have to be regular-we can work around your needs. It is a wonderful opportunity to help those affected by chronic pain with the possibility to help yourself. Why not give Action on Pain a call -your skills could help us in so many ways.

The number to call is 01362 820750