Pain Awareness Month
Pain Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing understanding of what it’s like to live with persistent pain. About 1 in 4 adults in Jersey lives with persistent pain—these could be your friends, family, or colleagues. Persistent pain refers to a condition where a part of your body remains in pain for months or even years. It can affect anyone, not just older adults, and is often invisible with no obvious cause. Pain Awareness Month aims to bring attention to the challenges faced by Islanders living with persistent pain and build a more understanding and supportive community. There are several ways you can get involved in Pain Awareness Month this September.
Share Our Stories
Throughout September, we’ll be highlighting the strength and resilience of our incredible members who live with persistent pain. They’ve generously shared their challenges, practical tips, and advice to help others understand what it’s like to live with persistent pain. Every day this September, we’ll be sharing their stories on Facebook. We’d love for you to join us—follow us on Facebook, like, comment on, and share our posts to spread awareness. Every interaction really makes a difference.
Show Your Support
Support Pain Awareness Month by updating your Facebook cover photo with our special PSJ banner. It’s an easy way to show you care and to help spread the word. First, download the PSJ Pain Awareness Month cover photo by clicking here.
Once downloaded, head to your Facebook profile to update your cover photo. On a computer, simply hover over your current cover photo, click "Update Cover Photo," select "Upload Photo," and choose the PSJ cover image. On your mobile phone, tap on your current cover photo in the Facebook app, select "Upload Photo," and choose the PSJ cover from your gallery.
After updating your cover photo, just copy and paste and post the below text to your timeline to let your friends and family know why you’ve made the change:
I’ve just updated my cover photo to support Pain Awareness Month with PSJ. Persistent pain affects around 1 in 4 adults in Jersey, and it’s often invisible. This is my way of saying, “I understand, and I’m here for you.” Let's raise awareness and build an informed, supportive community. Visit www.painsupportjersey.com/be-pain-aware and update your cover photo now. #BePainAware #PainSupportJersey #PainAwarenessMonth 💚🧡💛"
Join Our Events
We’re hosting the below events in September to raise awareness and provide practical advice on managing persistent pain:
Living with Pain? Find Out Why Taking the Plunge Can Help!
Thursday, 12th September - 10 AM - 12PM
This September, during Pain Awareness Month, PSJ invites you to discover a refreshing way to manage persistent pain through cold water immersion. Join us for a free event where experts Dr Julia Morris and Tara Richardson will share the science behind water-based therapy and the benefits of "blue spaces." The session begins at St Brelade's Church Hall with light refreshments, followed by an insightful and engaging talk. Afterwards, we'll take a short walk to St Brelade's Bay for a revitalising group dip. Whether you're new to sea swimming or an experienced dipper, PSJ’s Chilly Dippers welcome you to experience the soothing effects of the sea. This is a free event, but please don’t forget to register on Eventbrite! Please click here to register.
Pelvic Health with PSJ: Everything You Wish You Knew Earlier!
Wednesday, 25th September, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Curious about what your pelvic floor actually does? Join PSJ for a free, insightful session on pelvic health for Pain Awareness Month this September. Whether it’s something you’ve always wondered about or a topic you’re just now exploring, this event will cover the essentials in a friendly, approachable way. This session is for both men and women—after all, we all have a pelvic floor! Led by Alexandra Frankham, Principal Physiotherapist – Persistent Pelvic Pain, this talk will break down everything you need to know about pelvic health. Alexandra will guide you through what’s normal, what’s not, and how to keep things functioning well. You’ll also learn practical tips that can make a real difference to your everyday comfort and health. Whether you’re experiencing persistent pain or simply want to stay informed, this is the perfect opportunity to gain knowledge that’s both useful and empowering. This is a free event, but don’t forget to register on Eventbrite! Please click here to register.
You're welcome to join any of our weekly sessions, not just in Pain Awareness Month, but all year round. Your first session is free—just pop in and chat with one of our friendly team members.
Here’s what’s on:
Tuesday:
- Gentle Exercise Session
Where: The Bandstand, Coronation Park
When: 10:00 am - 10:45 am or 11:00 am - 11:45 am - Seated Exercise Session
Where: St Clement's Parish Hall
When: 10:00 am - 10:30 am - Craft and Chat Group
Where: St Clement's Parish Hall
When: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thursday:
- Sea Swimming Group 'The Chilly Dippers'
Where: St Brelade's Bay
When: 10:30 am (weather permitting; please see above for a separate event on 12th September)
Friday:
- Gentle Exercise Session
Where: The Bandstand, Coronation Park
When: 10:00 am - 10:45 am or 11:00 am - 11:45 am
We hope to see you there!
Support Us
As part of Pain Awareness Month, all events are free to attend. If you'd like to support our work, donations are always appreciated. PSJ began with just six members in 2009, grew to 64 by 2020, and now, in September 2024, we’re proudly supporting 240 members. This growth shows just how much more people need our support.
To keep up with this growing demand, we depend on your support. By making a donation, you can help PSJ continue to support Islanders living with persistent pain. Your contributions fund a range of evidence-based activities, including gentle exercise sessions, social events, educational talks, and recreational activities—all aimed at helping people live fuller, more comfortable lives despite their pain.
Donate Now: Visit our donation page here to make a difference.
Thank you for being part of our community and for your support. Your involvement helps make a real difference for Islanders living with persistent pain. We look forward to seeing you at our events and connecting with you on Facebook throughout September!
