Testimonies
Testimonies from group members about their experience as a member of CamPain
Scarlett Cannon
"The importance of peer support is very simple for me - not having to explain myself, my symptoms or my condition, knowing that everyone in the group understands, which is freeing in itself."
Anonymous CamPain member
"The last session of my Pain Management Programme was due to happen just as the first lockdown started. By luck, I had kept in touch with a few people from there, and one of them suggested I come along to these online sessions. (They had already come to a few).
Everyone was really friendly. I’m not the best talker but they made me feel at ease. Since then, I’ve come along to most of the online sessions.
We don’t always talk about pain, but knowing that this is what we have in common is useful; it’s the glue that keeps us together.
I’ve found the group to be really supportive and encouraging. Even if we don’t agree with each other, we respect each other. There’s an understanding we’re peers with shared lived experiences and not healthcare professionals: we don’t give each other medical advice, but offer suggestions and discuss what helps us."
Siddiqa
"I can only get so much help from doctors. Listening to other people talk about their pain helps me understand mine a little bit more.
In the group we sometimes share ideas about what helps us.
I find this useful as from time to time there have been ideas and suggestions I have tried myself."
Claire x
"After attending an 8 week NHS community pain management course, armed with lots of information and resources, the one thing missing was continued peer support. When it came to an end, I thought, where do I go from here?
But then luckily for me I found CamPain, a patient peer support group within my community.
Here I am with people who have lived experience, they can relate to what I am going through and some of the challenges I have to deal with.
Did you know, living with pain makes you feel so isolated and alone? With the group, I know I am not alone, I am in a safe non-judgemental environment I am respected and my opinions matter. An environment of loving kindness and emotional support when needed.
As well as providing emotional support, we learn, we share knowledge, experience, treatments and coping strategies. As a group we work in partnership to input into government, health strategies and initiatives. We have a voice, we matter and we can make a difference.
Blessed Love"
Helen Goualin
"I like that we have the space to share and listen to one another and also have made friends on the way.
I appreciate the support and tips shared when we meet, it helps to stay informed and current on ways to manage chronic pain. This is helping me manage my flare-ups better."
Stephen Lee
"Being part of a group that understands pain and understands what it’s like to live with a silent invisible illness, to have a group of people where it is always recognised, is very special. Together we share ideas and experiences of carrying on doing our normal routine as much as possible. The best person to ask for direction is the person that has already been to the place you looking for."
Pauline x
"I believe the support group has serviced a number of pain suffers well. In allowing them the opportunity to share personal and commercially valuable information that is beneficial, and this has been done in a safe face to face and online environment. The facilitators have done a fabulous job in providing for example, being organised, providing support and newsletters so that those who partake are well informed."
Maisy
"Words that come to mind: empathy, practical no-nonsense advice (how to manage a PIP interview for example), quizzes!! (I never knew I’d get to enjoy them), new friendships in “older” ;-) stage, with people of all ages and all backgrounds. Diversity in action: try it. Community, the benefits are endless."
