Pain Concern

Charity registered in Scotland SC023559

Pain Concern is a charity working to support and inform people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. We believe that pain is best faced together by the ‘Pain Community’ of people with pain, their family, supporters and healthcare professionals. This ideal is reflected in the make-up of the Pain Concern team.


Current opportunities

About Pain Concern Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work.   All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results  Role purpose We have various fundraising events throughout the year and we are looking for volunteers to help us to support our amazing fundraisers. This would involve joining us at the fundraising events to cheer them on. This role would suit enthusiastic people who would like to motivate fundraisers to complete their event. We will have at least one cheer point along the route, where we will be showing our dedicated fundraisers how much we support them by cheering and clapping as loud as we can. This will also help to increase awareness of Pain Concern and the support the charity provides. 1 in 4 people in the UK live with long term pain, help us to help others by cheering on our fundraisers! To find upcoming fundraising events local to you, please visit our website. Travel and lunch expenses can be reimbursed in line with our Expense Policy. We’d love to have you join us as a Cheer Volunteer why not bring your friends and family along too. What you would be doing Keeping an eye on our website to see which fundraising event(s) you would like to attend Working with our Fundraising Team who will be organising the cheer stations Adhere to Pain Concern’s policies and procedures Representing Pain Concern in a professional manner Taking pictures at the event for our communications team to use Make a lot of noise and most importantly, have fun by cheering along our fundraisers! Is this role right for me? We are looking for an individual who possesses some, or all of the experiences, skills and qualities listed below: Friendly, positive and outgoing personality A flexible team player Interest in chronic pain Ability to travel to local events Comfortable with being in loud, busy places Availability and location  This is an ad hoc role, which will happen where the fundraising event is taking place. Benefits to you Opportunity to meet new people Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team Satisfaction of supporting a valuable service in the community You will receive support from a dedicated line manager We can reimburse your travel and lunch expenses in line with our Expenses Policy How do I apply?  For more information, please contact hr@painconcern.org.uk  

About Pain Concern: Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work. All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results. Purpose of Volunteer Role This role supports our aim in delivering pain education in our communities and providing access to high quality resources to those who may not have digital access. As an ambassador you will provide tailored information on pain management services available in the local health board area and Signpost to any other support services in the community. Promote the concept of supported self-management as a recommended, effective intervention for chronic pain. Help make a difference to people living with pain by providing a powerful platform to hear the views and experiences for the all too often, voiceless patients. Due to the nature of the role, successful applicants will be required to undertake a PVG check. What would you be doing: • Have personal experience of chronic pain (e.g., a diagnosis or experience of supporting a family member or friend). • Representing Pain Concern in a professional manner • Build a network with local GP surgeries, NHS health board. • Attend Pain Management groups (virtually or in person), to highlight long term support options. • Making conversation with members of the public as appropriate, and answering questions about the charity’s work. • Signpost to helpline, Pain Concern information leaflets, Airing Pain etc • Carry out research into community groups, local events and businesses in your area, so that you can contact them to attend fayres, exhibitions etc • Attend cheque presentations and local events officially thanking donors and hosts for their support • Adhere to Pain Concern’s policies and procedures at all times, including Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; • Attend training and volunteer meetings • Keep your Volunteer Manager up to date on your activities, including the contacts you’ve made and talks that you’ve arranged. Is this role right for me:  We are looking for an individual who possesses some or all of the below experiences, skills and qualities.  • Friendly, positive and outgoing personality • Tenacity and enthusiasm for sourcing opportunities in your community • Enthusiasm and interest in chronic pain and the work we do • Good communication skills, including public speaking • Strong organisational skills, and an ability to work on own initiative and be proactive • Access to the Internet and confidence in using it • A good local knowledge • Flexibility Availability and location Minimum commitment of 6 months. Minimum 2-3 hours per week. By becoming one of our Community Ambassadors, you will travel in and around your geographical area to meet support groups and/or attend events from our office at Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh EH15 3HS Benefits to you:  • Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team • Meet new people  • Build on your employability skills  • Training and a dedicated volunteer line manager looking after you   • A job reference after 6 months of volunteering. • Satisfaction of giving a valuable service to the community • On-site car parking • Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy   How do I apply: Download and complete an application form our website at https://painconcern.org.uk/volunteer-for-pain-concern/ For more information please contact hr@painconcern.org.uk

About Pain Concern All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results Role Purpose Pain Concern is looking for volunteers to help moderate the charity’s online community on the Health Unlocked platform. Our forum provides peer support and a learning environment for people living with chronic pain and those who care for them. Forum moderators follow Health Unlocked guidance, creating a great culture and setting the tone for the forum. As a volunteer moderator you will help to ensure that our online community is maintained as a safe, supportive and fun environment. You will gather information on what issues are important to forum users. You will help to monitor and moderate user-generated content. By joining us you will join a fast-growing and respected service. Previous experience or training is not necessary. We are looking for a willingness to learn and a commitment to help. Knowledge of chronic pain while useful, is not essential. Due to the nature of the role, successful applicants will be required to undertake a PVG check and complete a 1hr Safeguarding online course. What you would be doing · Welcoming new members to the community · Overseeing posts to the forum · Ensure that posts conform to the community guidelines · Signpost members to helpful resources · Share cases with your supervisor and team members · Help to gather information and feedback for statistics and report purpose Is this role right for me? We are looking for an individual who possesses some, or all of the experiences, skills and qualities listed below: • Access to a computer, or other device, and internet (if volunteering from your own location) • An empathetic and non-judgemental manner • Excellent written communication skills • Knowledge of chronic pain • Ability to commit to at least 6 months of volunteering