Pain Concern’s Impact 2025–2026
People are suffering. We’re offering solutions.
For those in pain, and those who care for them, Pain Concern works towards a world where pain is better understood and does not stop people living the life they choose to live. Our latest Impact Report shares what we achieved this year, and what we’re focusing on next.
What we achieved this year
Celebrating 30 years of publishing and podcasting
This year we marked 30 years of trusted information and conversation about pain, and brought that experience together in new resources, including a bumper-size Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Life with Pain, a milestone episode of Airing Pain, and short pain education videos created for screening and professional learning.
The Helpline, someone to turn to
- Our Helpline team offers information, support, and empathy, with helpliners who have lived experience of pain.
- Around 200 people helped each month by phone and email
- Clinically led supervision and training aligned with Helplines Partnership standards
Pain Matters magazine, practical support people can use
Pain Matters shares expert-led discussion and informed self-management support, with contributions from health professionals, researchers, and people living with pain.
- Digital subscriptions include the full back catalogue
- Free sample issue available for non-subscribers
- Audio option available, turning each issue into a podcast
- Also available in print
Airing Pain podcast, learning that travels
- Airing Pain now includes 150 programmes, bridging professional and public education
- Around 1,100 listeners each month.
- Recognised for Continuing Professional Development credits by the Faculty of Pain Medicine
- Produced in partnership with the British Pain Society at scientific meetings and events
Online community support, peer support since 2010
Our HealthUnlocked community helps people connect and feel understood.
Every month:
- 1,600 active members
- 280 new posts
- 150 new members Impact Report 2025
Pain education sessions, building knowledge and confidence
Our 2-hour Pain Education Session supports people who have had pain for more than 12 weeks. It is delivered by educators with lived experience, through partnership working with the NHS.
- Collaboration across 5 health boards
- 42 education sessions delivered this year
Mindfulness sessions, learning to live with pain and emotions
We continue to deliver online taster sessions and courses led by mindfulness teacher Cath Ashby, supporting people to build skills they can use in daily life.
Reaching people through our website, news, and social media
Every month:
- 10.5K followers across our social media platforms
- 17K visits to our webpages
- 900 downloads of our support resources
- 2,000 people receive our news
Our goals for the year ahead
Shaping our future
We are bringing patient voices and key stakeholders together to strengthen how pain is understood and prioritised in policy and services. We will keep building partnerships across pain organisations, research communities, and health and care networks. Impact Report 2025
Shaping better-informed, more compassionate care
We will continue to contribute to guidance, education, and professional resources, and we will keep showing what works when people with lived experience sit at the centre of service design and research.
Driving change
Pain is the world’s leading cause of disability and poor health. We will support the International Association for the Study of Pain’s 2026 campaign for Neuropathic Pain, and we will keep developing tools and resources that help people navigate life with pain.
Thank you
If you read, share, volunteer, fundraise, donate, or recommend our resources, you help make this work possible.
