In crisis? Find out how you can get urgent support

If you need support urgently or outside of our working hours, please don’t hesitate to contact

SAMARITANS

Freephone their national helpline on 116 123 (24/7) to access confidential emotional support for feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts

SHOUT

A crisis text support service for people in the military community who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis. Text CONTACT to 85258. #TextCONTACT85258

NHS 111

To access medical help fast but when it’s not a 999 emergency, telephone 111 (available 24 hours). To access information from the NHS on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living, visit the NHS website.

COMBAT STRESS

For urgent psychological support, please call 0800 1381619.

SHELTER

For urgent housing support, please call 0808 800 4444.

Within the Armed Forces community, pain may be part of life for many reasons, and its impact may be difficult for others to see or understand.Taking time to understand pain and how it influences our body, mind and everyday life can help us make sense of our experiences. 

We can help you explore connections between pain, energy, thoughts, emotions and wellbeing, as well as available support to help you feel more informed, in control, and better able to live well alongside it.

Three things you could try today

Be curious 

If it feels right for you, try keeping a simple note of your pain, energy levels, sleep and activities. Over time, you may begin to spot patterns or discover things that help, even in small ways.

Find one thing that helps you feel a little more comfortable 

This might be a breathing exercise, listening to music, spending time in nature, a warm bath, resting, a hobby, or a calmer environment. There is no right answer, only what feels helpful for you.

Treat yourself with kindness

Living with pain can take a lot of energy. On difficult days, it can help to acknowledge what you have managed to do, rather than focusing on what you haven't. 


Please note

Contact your GP if you develop new pain, or if your pain is not adequately controlled with simple analgesia or your usual pain relief measures. If you have concerns outside normal GP opening hours, contact NHS 111 or your local out-of-hours service.

What Support for Pain does Help for Heroes Offer?

A Group Course

Living with and beyond pain

  • A free, group course run online via Microsoft Teams.
  • Co-delivered by those with lived experience and experts from our Services Team.
  • These sessions give you an opportunity to understand what is happening when we experience pain as well as coping strategies with others in the Armed Forces Community.
Apply for Course

Clinical Services Team

If your injury or medical condition make everyday tasks a struggle, pain is making sleep impossible or if your mobility made you a prisoner in your own home, we can help.

Our nurses and occupational therapists have experience working with veterans, and many have served in the Armed Forces. They can support you to create a healthcare plan that improves your quality of life.

For more information visit our physical health page. 

More about the Group Course

What will I learn on the Living with and Beyond Pain group course?

  • Understanding what is happening when we experience pain.
  • Discuss the connection between the body and the mind.
  • How to identify your own responses to pain and the different coping strategies you can apply.
  • Exploring how to talk about pain and access sources of support.

      Please note
      This course is not designed to cure your pain. Instead, it looks at how pain affects your whole body, and includes practical exercises and activities to help you manage your pain day-to-day.

      Living with and Beyond your Pain has been co-produced with ‘Breathe and Recover’.

      How long is the course?

      • 1 x meet and greet session.
      • 5 x approximately 3-hour modules. One module per week over five consecutive weeks.

      How do I apply?

      If you are already engaged with us, please speak to your point of contact within the Charity. 

      If you are not yet engaged with us, we’d love to welcome you.

      Apply for Course

      I’ve attended other pain management courses before, but this one offered a wealth of new information.”

      Veteran

      Pain Course

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