25 cyclists are taking up the challenge of the Flippin’ Rain Peloton, a 180-mile bike ride across and around Tees Valley, North East England, between 7-12 May, to raise awareness about chronic pain.
The peloton aims to raise awareness of Flippin’ Pain’s Community Outreach Tour, which is also taking place this week. Community Outreach Tour consists of a full schedule of pop-up campaign events and activities in the area, where leading experts will be sharing the latest pain science with those who need it most.
More than 28 million people in the UK live with chronic (or long-term) pain. Statistics show that up to 43% of people in the North East of England are affected by persistent pain, the highest prevalence in the UK. The Flippin’ Pain team aims to bring hope to people they meet through the series of community outreach events, sharing a new understanding of pain and new possibilities for managing it.
For many people affected by it, chronic pain impacts their physical and mental health, their ability to work and socialise, and reduces quality of life. Unfortunately, although chronic pain is common, it’s widely misunderstood.
Flippin’ Pain is a public health campaign sharing the latest scientific understanding of pain with the people who need it the most. Or, as the campaigners like to put it, flippin’ the way people think about, talk about, and treat chronic pain.
The Flippin’ Pain team aims to bring hope to people they meet through the series of community outreach events, sharing a new understanding of pain and new possibilities for managing it.
There are six key messages they use to explain the up-to-date science in an easy-to-understand way:
“Persistent pain is common and can affect anyone.”
“Hurt does not always mean harm.”
“Everything matters when it comes to pain.”
“Medicines and surgeries are often not the answer.”
“Understanding your pain can be the key.”
“Recovery is possible.”
This year’s cycle team comprises healthcare professionals, researchers and people managing life with persistent pain, from across the UK. Joining them on the trail is Professor Lorimer Moseley, a world leading pain scientist and renowned pain educator.
There will be a number of “Lifting the Lid on Pain” workshops throughout the week led by expert pain clinicians and they’re available to anyone working in a role that involves providing care and support for people struggling to manage their pain.
Members of public as well as health care and social care professionals are welcome to the following events in scope of Community Outreach Tour:
Monday 8 May: Guisborough (St Nicholas’ Church Hall)
Tuesday 9 May: Whitby (Turnbull’s Bar, Whitby Town FC)
Wednesday 10 May: Saltburn (Saltburn Community Hall & Theatre)
Thursday 11 May: Hartlepool (Hartlepool College of Further Education)
Friday 12 May: Durham (Elvet Methodist Church)
More information can be found here.
(Source and Image: Flippin’ Pain)
