Chronic Pain Peer Support Grant Scheme

Here in Barnsley:

•    Persistent pain is common and can be linked to reduced quality of life, social isolation and financial hardship.

•    Peer support projects are particularly encouraged for residents who may experience barriers to pain management support, including:

o People living with long-term pain (e.g. back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuropathic pain)

o People waiting for, receiving, or recovering from pain-related treatment (including MSK services)

o People who are socially isolated, housebound, or have limited confidence to attend groups

o People with long-term health conditions or disability where pain is a significant feature

o People experiencing low mood, stress or anxiety related to living with pain (alongside appropriate signposting for clinical support)

o People who are out of work, at risk of work loss, or facing financial hardship linked to pain

o People from communities experiencing the greatest health inequalities, including those living in more deprived areas

o Unpaid carers supporting someone living with persistent pain

This list is not exhaustive, and projects can extend beyond these groups.

Aims and Objectives

Persistent pain is complex and influenced by physical, psychological and social factors. People may benefit from support that helps them understand pain, build confidence and develop self-management strategies alongside any clinical care.

The aim of this grant scheme is to strengthen community-based pain management peer support so that residents can:

• Feel less isolated and more connected to others with lived experience

• Improve knowledge and confidence in everyday pain self-management (e.g. pacing, gentle movement, sleep and stress strategies)

• Access the right local services and community activities, with clear signposting and inclusive support

• Build resilience and wellbeing, and reduce avoidable escalation and crisis presentations

Funding has been made available through BMBC Public Health to operate a grant scheme to support community-led pain management peer support in Barnsley.

Applications are invited from local charities, community groups and clubs for individual or collaborative grants up to the value of £5,000 that support the objectives outlined in this document.

Applicants are asked to define how their proposals will support one or more of the following key activities:

• Reduce isolation by creating safe, inclusive peer support opportunities for people living with persistent pain

• Build skills and confidence in evidence-informed self-management (e.g. pacing, movement, relaxation, sleep support)

• Improve access for communities experiencing the greatest health inequalities (including those living in more deprived areas)

• Develop new or enhanced community programmes that complement clinical pathways and support people before needs escalate

• Co-produce initiatives with people who have lived experience of persistent pain and/or caring responsibilities

We encourage innovative and community-driven approaches to pain management peer support; projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Facilitated peer support groups (in-person or hybrid) for people living with persistent pain

• Peer-led education sessions on pacing, flare-up planning, goal setting, sleep and stress management

• Supported pathways into gentle, inclusive physical activity (e.g. walking, chair-based movement, tai chi-inspired sessions)

• Buddying schemes and check-in support to reduce isolation and encourage engagement

• Workshops that combine peer support with practical support (e.g. benefits/signposting, workplace advice, or carer support)

• Community awareness sessions to improve understanding of persistent pain and how to access support

The projects outlined above are indicative only.

All organisations that meet the eligibility criteria are welcome to apply for this funding; however, priority will be given to applications that clearly address health inequalities and barriers faced by people living with persistent pain.

You can apply for up to £5,000.  The deadline for your application is 4.00 p.m. on Friday 24th April 2026.

‍