An extra £240,000 will help 13 Scottish government-funded projects across health boards, third sector and other partners enhance the support available for people with chronic pain.

The money will go towards a range of services, including the bladder and pelvic pain management programme, support for chronic hip, knee and back pain and support, to help people remain physically active.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said, ’Living with chronic pain can be incredibly difficult and we are determined to improve services for all those affected.

‘Health boards have continued to make progress in restarting chronic pain services during extremely challenging circumstances over the last 18 months but the unprecedented impact of the COVID pandemic means that many people are waiting for treatment.

‘The additional resourcing provided through the Chronic Pain Winter Support Fund will enhance the capacity of pain management care to help maintain the health and wellbeing of those affected by chronic pain in the months ahead.’

The successful projects receiving the funding are: Pain Association Scotland, Purple Orchid Health Limited with Bladder Health UK, Pain Concern, Health All Round, NHS Grampian, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, NHS Ayrshire and Arran / Flippin’ Pain, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, NHS Highland, East Lothian Rehabilitation Service, Fife Pain Management Service, Borders General Hospital and NHS Shetland.