Published Papers

Working alongside Dr. Kate Thompson and Professor Mark Johnson from Leeds Beckett University, we have developed a series of research summary papers that bring together research, lived experience and practical learning from the Rethinking Pain programme. The papers showcase innovative approaches to chronic pain support, with a focus on accessibility, health inequalities, community engagement and partnership working across the NHS and VCSE sector.

MAKING PAIN EDUCATION ACCESSIBLE

Explores how community-based pain education can make complex pain science easier to understand and apply, helping more people access information, build confidence and develop practical self-management skills.

TACKLING HEALTH INEQUALITIES

Examines the development and evaluation of culturally adapted Faith and Pain workshops, demonstrating how faith-informed approaches can help people engage with pain support in ways that reflect their beliefs, values and lived experiences.

SYSTEM INTEGRATION IN PRACTICE

Provides a detailed case study of the Rethinking Pain model, showcasing how NHS and VCSE partners can work together to design, commission and deliver innovative chronic pain support.

A COMMUNITY-LED MODEL

Describes the development of the model and the principles that underpin its delivery. It outlines how health coaching, education, social connection, community assets and strong NHS-VCSE partnerships come together to provide holistic, accessible and equitable support.

Rethinking pain: a paradigm shift in primary care for chronic pain via community-based, culturally-responsive GP support

Chronic pain presents a complex challenge in general practice, often leading to overmedicalisation and missed opportunities for holistic, community-based care. This article argues for a shift in the primary care paradigm, showing how approaches such as Rethinking Pain can empower GPs with the tools, training, and networks to navigate chronic pain holistically, improve outcomes, and align care with national strategies for sustainable pain management.

October 2025

Perspectives on community-based system change for people living with persistent pain: insights from developing the “Rethinking Pain service”

In this perspective article we advocate community-based system change for people living with persistent pain. Our view is that greater use of the voluntary and community sector, in partnership with the clinical sector, creates the conditions for a “whole person” approach to pain management.

March 2024

Rethinking Pain’s outcomes would not have been possible without the support of their service users, team of health coaches, and partners: the community sector, healthcare professionals, Bradford District Health & Care Partnership and Primary Care Networks.

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Opioid Masterclass

Link to videos

Rethinking Pain is a service led by Keighley Healthy Living (KHL)
In Partnership and collaboration with HALE, the Voluntary Community Sector,
Bradford District & Craven Health & Care Partnership and Primary Care Networks