Persistent Pain: Beyond Medications – Exploring Safer Alternatives
6:00pm - 26 February, 2025
Do you take prescription medication for managing persistent pain?
If so, you're not alone. Persistent pain affects 28 million people in the UK and over 20% of adults worldwide. But what if the way we've been managing pain isn’t the best approach? Many people rely on medications, but they can often be less effective over time and come with risks.
Here’s what you need to know:
- 5.6 million adults in England are prescribed opioids (strong painkillers) for persistent pain, even though they don’t always provide long-term relief.
- Gabapentinoids (like pregabalin) have seen a 350% increase in prescriptions between 2006 and 2016, despite the risk of dependency and overdose.
- The overuse of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen) causes around 30,000 hospital visits in the UK each year due to serious stomach problems.
What to Expect
In this session, hosted by Pain Support Jersey, Darren O’Sullivan MSc, PgC, BSc (Hons), RODP, Clinical Specialist Practitioner in Pain Management, will discuss why medications might not always be the best solution for managing persistent pain. He’ll also share safer, more effective alternatives that can help you live well with pain and improve your quality of life.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 26th February 2025
Time: 18:00 to 19:00 (doors open at 17:40)
Location: St Helier Town Hall, Old Magistrate’s Court
Refreshments: Tea, coffee, water and biscuits available
Tickets: By donation – please give what you can. Book here.
Since 2009, Pain Support Jersey has grown from just six members to proudly supporting 268 Islanders in 2025. As our community grows, we need your help to support even more people living with persistent pain. Your donation will help us continue to meet this growing demand. By donating in place of a ticket fee, you’re directly helping us provide the support our community needs.
Parking & Accessibility
St Helier Town Hall doesn’t have its own parking, but there are plenty of nearby options:
- Sand Street Car Park – Multi-storey with disabled spaces & lift access.
- Patriotic Street Car Park – Another good option with disabled spaces & lift access.
- Minden Place Car Park – Slightly further but has disabled spaces & lift access.
- Snow Hill Car Park – Open-air with Blue Badge spaces.
If you’re looking for on-street disabled parking, the closest spots are on Seale Street, Vine Street and The Parade East.
Drop-Off Option: If someone is driving you, they can drop you off right outside before parking.
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