Planning a trip within your time on the 3 week programme

When we learn a new skill in any aspect of our life, whether it is learning a new language, a musical instrument, or working out how to use a new TV remote, we know that with practice we can refine our skills and that over time it may even become that bit easier.

We recognise that an important element in learning new pain management skills is having opportunities to put skills into practice both inside and out with the programme environment.  In the final days of the three week programme block, participants are invited to visit a local art gallery and museum as a group.  The gallery offers a wide range of exhibitions along with a well recognised “head” display that is known to draw interest from its visitors.

With support, we encourage participants to use the time at the gallery to work towards achieving their own individual goals, so it is common that different group members will be exploring using different pain management strategies during the outing.  Individual goals have ranged from working on improving outdoor mobility, applying activity management pacing strategies, using assertive communication strategies, exploring educational interests, and increasing confidence being in a social community environment.

Participants often tell us that the gallery visit is a confidence booster and is particularly helpful when thinking about how best they could use pain management strategies at home.