APMA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

• the APMA Membership kit – which includes a Chronic Pain DVD, the Pain Toolkit, a 2012 Pain Toolkit calendar, and a range of informational leaflets with advice on sleep, coping with flare-ups, a pain diary and much more…;
• quarterly Wellbeing membership newsletters;
• 20% off all books sold in the APMA Shop;
• access to the APMA library of books, journals and articles about pain conditions and self-management information and resources & the latest information about pain issues;
• wide ranging volunteer activities to support return to community living;
• the ability to feed into and provide feedback on National and State pain management strategies, policies and services;
• have your views about pharmaceutical, prosthesis and medical service improvements professionally lodged and fed in to the various government assessment processes;
• advice and assistance with workers' compensation, veteran compensation and Centrelink claims and issues;
• access to a free (initial) legal consultation service in relation to superannuation, insurance or employment matters;
• Voting rights for the APMA Committee of Management, and at Annual and Special General Meetings;
• the right to be considered as an APMA representative on a range of advisory bodies.

APMA ADVOCACY & SUBMISSIONS

As part of its efforts to advocate on behalf of people with persistent pain and influence Governments, employers and the Australian community generally about the needs of affected individuals and their families, APMA regularly prepares submissions and lobbies Ministers, Governments and Health Departments.
Some of the detailed submissions prepared and lodged in the last year cover:

• ensuring persistent pain needs are considered in the development of Medicare Locals
• seeking improved pain services in South Australia (a similar letter was sent to every South Australian State MP)
• protecting people with persistent pain from unregistered practitioners
• the Government's administration of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
• the proposed new Impairment Tables for assessing eligibility to receive Disability Support Pension
• an additional submission about the DSP Impairment Tables
• the development of guidelines for the Federal Government's Chronic Disease Prevention & Service Improvement Fund. The original DOHA discussion paper is available here.
• the draft WA Chronic Health Conditions Framework & Chronic Conditions Self-management Strategic Framework

Pain Support Groups

APMA offers an alternative to coping alone with persistent pain and that is to join a pain support group. APMA has a number of support groups up and running led by experienced volunteer facilitators. Our pain support groups provide you with the opportunity to meet up regularly with others in a similar situation and:

• Talk freely about your experiences and feelings in a safe, non-judgemental environment
• Share helpful hints and practical tips
• Access to APMA’s library of disease and pain management information
• Receive and give encouragement and support to others
• Chat and make new friends

APMA is keen to expand the availability of pain support groups – if you are interested in a group being established in your area – or would like to help to establish a group – please contact us on info@painmanagement.org.au.

Wellbeing newsletter

Keep informed about persistent pain, support, events and new medical breakthroughs with APMA’s quarterly newsletter Wellbeing. In each issue read about:

• Pain Masterclass – outlines practical suggestions for patients to employ with their treating medical practitioners
• My Story – Personal anecdotes by members brings a common element to others’ suffering and provides inspiration and positive ideas for managing chronic pain
• Stay connected – readers can write in & have their questions answered or connect with other people in their area
• A specific pain condition/disease is explained
• A pain management technique is explored
• Pain management clinics – a different pain clinic is featured in each Wellbeing
• Clinical trial information and/or medical breakthroughs in chronic pain management
• One of Life’s Little Indulgences - A rural retreat, spa or disability friendly tourist destination

Summer 2011 Vol 3 No1
Click here to read the newsletter

Spring 2010 Vol 2 No4
Click here to read the newsletter

Winter 2010 Vol 2 No3
Click here to read the newsletter

Autumn 2010 Vol 2 No2
Click here to read the newsletter

Summer 2010 Vol 2 No1
Click here to read the newsletter

For the very latest issue, as it becomes available, join APMA today.

Membership Discounts

• 10% off Kiva Spa and Bathhouse, Mullimbimby
• 20% discount on (recommended reading) books available through the APMA shop