Volunteers are needed for a research study being conducted by a trainee psychologist at King's College, London

[Alida_Bennett]

The study aims to explore stigma and other related experiences of people who live with chronic pain and aid in the understanding of how social factors affect the well-being of those people.

The study involves completing an online questionnaire anonymously. Upon completing it, you will have the option to enter into a prize draw to win one of ten £25 shopping vouchers.

To qualify for the study you should be over 18 and have experienced chronic pain (lasting longer than three months) that is not caused by cancer, be a resident of the UK and be able to complete the questionnaire in English.

You can find the questionnaire here:

tinyurl.com/wk5wszf6

Thank you.

Alida

[PMRpro]

Hi Alida - I take it this is open to non-lupus patients too?

[Alida_Bennett Partner LUPUS UK in reply to PMRpro]

Hi. Absolutely - anyone who has suffered chronic pain for more than three months - but it has to not be caused by cancer. Thanks.

[PMRpro in reply to Alida_Bennett]

Duly linked on the PMRGCAuk forum - I'd do it but I'm in Italy!!!!!

[Alida_Bennett Partner LUPUS UK in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for that - its a shame you can't take part but I appreciate you sharing it. I hope the weather in Italy is better than the UK!

Kind regards

Alida

[PMRpro in reply to Alida_Bennett]

Glorious sunshine at the moment - bit parky, -12C this morning, 4C plus now but that is warm enough in the sun to sit outside comfortably for a drink!! Supposed to snow tonight - coming from the south so we'll see!

[Hidden]

Thank you for sharing! We also particularly encourage males and people from non white backgrounds to take part, as these are groups less represented in pain research usually. Many thanks.

[LottieLou96]

Great to have a research study into this, because chronic pain on the whole is so poorly managed and carries such a stigma. We too easily can be given labels that many in the medical profession deem as non legit issues because they are poorly understood or because others think the pain is purely psychological. As a HCP in ED I see more and more people who come in with chronic conditions and debilitating pain that hasn't been managed in the community.

Family and friends can be a great asset and support network, but to those whose family can't comprehend how chronic pain fluctuates and that it's difficult at times to plan ahead and conserve energy at times. It can be even harder to find our sense of self.

But most importantly we have to live in the moment, raise awareness to improve and drive change.

[Chris21]

I’ve completed the study, felt it more looking at how it affects your mental health?

[Alida_Bennett Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Chris21]

Hi Chris 21 - I believe the study is looking at the impact of chronic pain on the person's wellbeing - including mental health.

[Poshcards]

all done x

[DottyLotty999]

Thankyou for getting in touch.I feel that I meet the criteria and would welcome the opportunity to give my input.Kind regards

Heather Kaye

[Hidden]

Hello all, thank you for your support so far! We're still recruiting, and would like to particularly invite males and people from ethnic minority backgrounds to participate-as it would be great to have better representation in these groups. Please feel free to share with anyone that you think might be interested. Thanks, Lauren!