The first-ever Pain Community Appointment Day took place recently at Todmoden Leisure Centre. Its aim was to bring local community services together under one roof to support people living with persistent pain to improve their health and wellbeing.  It was made possible through charitable funds and colleagues from a number of departments and organisations working together.

The pilot event was attended by patients from the Upper Calder Valley area who have persistent pain, and was an opportunity for them to speak to a variety of organisations who may be able to support them. Services there on the day included talking therapies, clinical psychology, pharmacy, social prescribers, citizens advise, CHFT physiotherapy, CHFT MSK practitioners, CHFT pain clinic, versus arthritis and drug and alcohol services.

The feedback from patients who attended was very positive, with many of them saying that they weren’t aware of all the services available or how to access them. They went on to say that they had been able to refer themselves during the event. 

Outpatient Therapy Services Manager, Nicola Glasby, said: "The day was really successful, with attendees finding great value in their ability to access multiple services easily in one place."

The hope is that there can be more events like this in the future.