Better days Programme brings hope to thousands living with chronic pain in Northern Ireland

Amanda McAuley and Breige Conway

More than 2,000 people suffering from chronic pain have found new ways to live better lives thanks to the Better Days Pain Support programme — a pioneering community-led initiative backed by the Department of Health and celebrated at Stormont earlier this month.

Speaking at the event on Tuesday 3 June, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt praised the programme’s impact, describing it as “a lifeline to many who live with chronic pain across Northern Ireland.”

He continued, “The programme is an excellent example of an innovative, community-driven solution to a complex health challenge and I want to thank those involved in delivering it. This work is invaluable and deeply appreciated.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt

A growing public health issue

Chronic pain affects an estimated 500,000 people across Northern Ireland, often leading to job loss, social isolation, mental health difficulties, and dependency on powerful pain medications such as opioids.

In response, the Better Days initiative has taken a new, human-centred approach by focusing on education, peer support, and lifestyle strategies, rather than purely clinical solutions.

A community-based model that works

Delivered through Healthy Living Centres across the region and coordinated by the Healthy Living Centre Alliance (HLCA), the Better Days programme offers practical tools and emotional support for people living with persistent pain.

In the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area, it is delivered by the Northern Area Community Network.

Tony Doherty, Regional Coordinator for HLCA

Tony Doherty, Regional Coordinator for HLCA, said:

“We are very proud of the Better Days programme. Its early success has been recognised in a major NHS Pharmacy award in 2021.

“Our programme, co-designed over five years with pain patients, begins with the fact that their pain is highly unlikely to be cured but that they can learn to live better with their pain. For many, this is the lightbulb moment of revelation and acceptance.”

He added:

“While the results of the pilot programmes were very interesting, with many participants providing glowing accounts of their progress and returning each week for more information, the long-term development of Better Days has simply reinforced for us how well the programme is received regardless of when or where it is delivered.”

The programme is supported through a five-year contract with the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG), following collaboration with the Public Health Agency dating back to 2017.

Steering group and academic expertise

The programme is overseen by a multidisciplinary Steering Group, including academics and clinicians such as Professor Kevin Vowles from Queen’s University Belfast and retired pain consultant Dr Pamela Bell. Both experts attended the Stormont event, emphasising the scientific rigour and clinical insight guiding the initiative.

Delivered where it’s needed most

One of the most impactful aspects of Better Days is its accessibility. The programme is almost exclusively delivered in communities experiencing high levels of social deprivation – areas where health inequalities are often most acute. Its community development approach, rarely applied in the field of pain management, sets it apart from traditional treatment models.

Real impact – real voices

Participants have consistently praised the programme, offering heartfelt feedback that illustrates its life-changing effects:

“It increased the knowledge on how to cope with the pain in a more positive way.”

“Very informative, helped me understand the role of pain medication and how best to use it… also learned about other coping techniques.”

“Loved the programme and the company. I get very lonely as I live alone. This programme has made me feel less alone with people who understand my pain.”

“Brilliant, really enjoyed it. Helped – it was a godsend. I still do the exercises – helps a bit to relieve the pain.”

“Very, very well organised programme. Friendly, approachable facilitators and guest speakers. Very educational and reassuring.”

These testimonials highlight not only the medical insights offered through Better Days, but also the emotional and social connection it fosters among participants.

Next steps

With continued support from the Department of Health and the wider health sector, the Better Days Pain Support programme looks set to expand its reach and influence. It stands as a model for how community health solutions can successfully address entrenched public health challenges — especially for conditions where long-term medical cures remain elusive.

For more information on the Better Days programme, visit www.hlcalliance.org