A new APMA pain support group will begin meeting in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs in April. Local Occupational Therapist and APMA member Annieke Griersmith has been busy preparing for the first meeting of APMA’s first Melbourne Pain Support Group. As Annieke told APMA “persistent pain can become very isolating and often people with pain are not aware that there are many others living in the same community who also experience pain in their daily lives.”

The Pain Support Group will utilise a program based on other successful groups run by APMA, using the Pain Toolkit. The Toolkit introduces a new pain self-management strategy each month to help attendees learn the skills to manage long-term pain.

“This program has been successful because it allows people with pain the ability to meet others in pain and to see that they’re not alone. By learning how to plan daily routines, individuals can learn to manage and even reduce their pain over time.”

The group will meet on a monthly basis commencing on the evening of Monday April 23 2012. Further information is available here, or contact Annieke and register your interest at a.griersmith@hotmail.com or on 0423 587 663