What Pain Concern does

Pain Concern is a UK-registered charity (SC023559) and company limited by guarantee (SC546994), founded in 1995 and headquartered at 62-66 Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh. It is the only UK charity solely dedicated to providing information and support for people living with pain and the healthcare professionals who treat them, operating across Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its service portfolio addresses a UK chronic pain population of roughly 14 million in England alone (approximately 1 in 4 UK adults), delivering programmes through a helpline (0300 123 0789), the HealthUnlocked-hosted peer support forum, free Pain Education Sessions delivered by trained volunteers with lived experience, evidence-based information leaflets on 20+ pain conditions, and the quarterly Pain Matters magazine in print and via PocketMags.

The charity's underlying technology footprint is modest: a WordPress-class website at painconcern.org.uk, the HealthUnlocked community platform, Eventbrite for session bookings, PocketMags for digital magazine distribution, and Able Radio for twice-weekly Airing Pain podcast broadcasts. Its proprietary differentiator is the Self-Management Navigator Tool, an award-winning, NICE-recognised digital resource developed as a unique partnership with NHS England to help patients prepare for healthcare appointments. The content backbone comprises 150+ Airing Pain podcast episodes produced since 2010 and 90+ quarterly Pain Matters issues since 1995, co-created with clinicians and patient contributors including Sony Award-winning broadcaster Paul Evans.

Pain Concern operates a hybrid non-profit revenue model combining individual donations and fundraising via JustGiving/EasyFundraising, annual membership subscriptions, magazine subscriptions at £15/year, one-off leaflet and merchandise sales, and a diversified portfolio of grants from charitable trusts (Edinburgh City Council, Big Lottery Fund, Nancie Massey Charitable Trust, Merchant Company Endowments Trust, Agnes Hunter Trust, MacRobert Trust, Forces in Mind Trust), pharmaceutical educational grants (Grünenthal, Kyowa Kirin), and project-specific Scottish Government funding for NHS helpline services. Core services (helpline, education sessions, leaflets) are provided free; revenue is freemium on the user side and grant-dependent on the institutional side, with go-to-market executed through community-led engagement, NHS institutional partnerships, content marketing across podcast/magazine/social/SEO channels, and event presence at British Pain Society conferences.

Name

Pain Concern

Legal name

Pain Concern

Website

https://painconcern.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Pain Concern is a UK charity founded in 1995 that provides evidence-based information, peer support, education, and a helpline for people living with chronic pain and the healthcare professionals who treat them, delivered via its Navigator Tool, Airing Pain podcast, Pain Matters magazine, and NHS partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Chronic Pain Support Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Chronic Pain Rehabilitation & Functional Restoration (HSADAIAJ)

Keywords

• Chronic pain support
• Pain self-management
• Patient education resources
• Helpline support services
• Health information leaflets

Headquarters

HQ city

Edinburgh

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership: Annual membership subscriptions providing access to exclusive content, resources, and community benefits.
2. Magazine Sales: Quarterly Pain Matters magazine available as print subscription (£15/year digital or print options) and single issue purchases. Published since 1995.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Charitable donations from individuals, corporate donations, and fundraising activities through JustGiving and EasyFundraising platforms.
4. Trust and Foundation Grants: Grant funding from charitable trusts including Edinburgh City Council (£12,000 for Young Adult Carers project), Big Lottery Fund (£8,023 for Northern Ireland), Nancie Massey Charitable Trust, and Merchant Company Endowments Trust.
5. Leaflet Distribution: Free information leaflets available as printed A5 products (postage may apply) or PDF downloads. Also branded merchandise available through the online shop.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Pain Concern is a UK charity providing evidence-based information, support, and self-management resources for people living with chronic pain and the healthcare professionals who treat them. Its core offerings include the quarterly Pain Matters magazine, the Airing Pain radio programme and podcast, the NICE-recognised Self-Management Navigator Tool, free Pain Education Sessions, a confidential helpline, an online peer support forum, information leaflets, and mindfulness sessions.

Product overview

Pain Concern operates as a UK-based charity providing a multi-channel support ecosystem for people living with chronic pain. The organization offers a unified portfolio comprising: Pain Matters (quarterly print/digital magazine), Airing Pain (award-winning radio programme/podcast), the Self-Management Navigator Tool (NHS-recognized appointment preparation resource), Pain Education Sessions (free 2-hour education programmes), Helpline Service (telephone/email support), Peer Support Forum (HealthUnlocked community), Mindfulness Sessions, Information Leaflets, and the Pain Concern Carer Community for young adult carers. The Breaking Barriers Project conducts research into pain management barriers. All resources emphasize self-management, evidence-based information, and community support, unified by the goal of transforming lives through expert-led information and support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Airing Pain: Award-winning radio programme and podcast bringing together people with chronic pain and top specialists to discuss resources which can help.
• Pain Matters
• The Navigator Tool
• The Pain Education Session

Products and services

• Pain Matters Magazine A quarterly magazine containing news, features on self-management techniques, pain treatments, and personal experiences of living with chronic pain. Available in print (A5 format) and digital format through PocketMags, published since 1995.
• Airing Pain Podcast An award-winning digital radio programme and podcast that brings together people with chronic pain and top specialists to discuss resources which can help. Broadcast twice weekly on Able Radio (Tuesday and Sunday 8pm) and available for download. Produced by Sony Award-winning broadcaster Paul Evans.
• Helpline Service A confidential telephone and email support service (0300 123 0789) staffed by trained helpliners providing information and support to people living with pain in the UK. Member of the Helplines Partnership.
• Self-Management Navigator Tool An award-winning, NICE-recognised resource designed to help people prepare for healthcare appointments and improve communication with healthcare professionals. Developed in a unique partnership between Pain Concern and the NHS.
• Pain Education Sessions Free 2-hour education sessions on pain for anyone who has had pain for more than 12 weeks. Available online and in person, delivered by trained volunteers with lived experience of pain, aiming to give participants a better understanding of their pain.
• Information Leaflets Free evidence-based information leaflets on 20+ pain conditions, available as full-colour printed A5 products or PDF downloads. Topics include managing healthcare appointments, stress and relaxation, opioids, gabapentin/pregabalin, neuropathic pain, and complex regional pain syndrome.
• Peer Support Forum An online community forum hosted on the HealthUnlocked platform where members of the Pain Concern community can join conversations, share experiences, and connect with others living with chronic pain.
• Mindfulness Sessions Free online mindfulness sessions offered throughout the year for people living with chronic pain, helping with relaxation and pain management techniques.
• Membership Programme An annual membership programme allowing supporters to contribute to and benefit from Pain Concern's work, providing access to the Pain Concern community, exclusive resources, and supporting the charity's work.
• Manage Your Pain Booklet A practical booklet guide to becoming more active and reducing flare-ups, written by Liz Macleod based on lifetime experience helping people understand and manage their pain.
• Pain Concern Carer Community An online forum for young adult carers (aged 16-25) caring for family or friends with chronic pain, providing a space for discussion, sharing information, and accessing expert panel support.

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NHS EnglandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnique partnership between Pain Concern and NHS England for the Navigator Tool, an award-winning and NICE-recognised resource to help people prepare for healthcare appointments. Also involved in NHS England's Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme for improving pain services.
• NHS Greater Glasgow and ClydecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint pain education sessions partnership expanding across Greater Glasgow and Clyde area. Won Alliance Scotland Self Management Award in 2016. Sessions delivered by trained volunteers with lived experience for anyone who has had pain for more than 12 weeks.
• NHS Forth ValleycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPain Concern received Scottish Government funding to support patients waiting to be seen by pain management services at NHS Forth Valley through a dedicated helpline service. Project exceeded targets with 70% of callers feeling more positive.
• NHS England / NHS GloucestershirecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr Cathy Stannard serves as Pain Transformation Programme Clinical Lead for NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group. Partnership supports opioid re-evaluation and pain management transformation.
• Able RadiocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternet disability radio station broadcasting Airing Pain programme twice weekly (Tuesday and Sunday 8pm) since 2010. Sony Award-winning broadcaster Paul Evans produces and presents the show.
• Helplines PartnershipminorOthersPain Concern is a proud member of the Helplines Partnership, adhering to their professional standards and best practices. Helpline number 0300 123 0789.
• National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)minorOthersPain Concern is an Organisational Member of the NCPS and abides by their Code of Ethical Practice.
• SAFEcicminorOthersPain Concern adheres to professional standards and best practices through SAFEcic membership for safeguarding practices.
• Evaluation Support ScotlandminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPain Concern works closely with Evaluation Support Scotland to monitor and evaluate helpline services, helping continually improve and meet the needs of those they support.
• Professional HelpminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExternal supervision and debriefing for helpline team provided by expert counsellors at Professional Help to ensure high-quality service.
• British Pain SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPain Concern collaborates with British Pain Society for annual scientific meetings, patient voice committee, and shared educational content. Paul Evans received Honorary Membership to BPS. Joint work on opioid awareness and pain management.
• International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPain Concern participates in IASP Global Year campaigns and world congresses. CEO Heather Wallace attended IASP's 15th World Congress on Pain in Buenos Aires. Member of National Pain Education Group.
• Societal Impact of Pain (SIP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEU lobby group aiming to improve pain management across the EU. Pain Concern participates in annual meetings focused on measuring pain and policy development.
• HealthUnlockedcoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline forum platform hosting Pain Concern Carer Community and peer support forums for people living with pain. Includes expert Q&A panel functionality.
• PocketMagsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDigital magazine distribution platform for Pain Matters magazine, making quarterly publications available as digital editions.
• NHS Education for ScotlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPain Concern is a member of the National Pain Education Group partnering with NHS Education for Scotland on the Chronic Pain Knowledge Hub.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Carers Trust: Carers Trust is a major UK charity supporting unpaid carers, including young adult carers (16–25), a specific segment Pain Concern serves through its Carer Community. It is an adjacent peer addressing overlapping but broader carer needs.

Direct peers

• Pain UK: Pain UK is an umbrella body for UK chronic pain charities and provides information and advocacy for people living with pain. It is directly comparable to Pain Concern as a UK-wide chronic pain support organisation with a similar mission and beneficiary base.
• The Pain Toolkit: The Pain Toolkit, developed by Pete Moore, provides self-management resources and workshops for people living with persistent pain in the UK. It directly parallels Pain Concern's mission to equip patients with practical pain self-management skills and evidence-based tools.
• Pain Association Scotland: Pain Association Scotland is a Scottish charity delivering self-management training and support groups for people with chronic pain. It is a geographically and functionally close peer to Pain Concern, headquartered in Scotland and serving an overlapping beneficiary population.
• Live Well with Pain: Live Well with Pain is a UK-based resource providing self-management support and tools for people living with chronic pain, targeted at both patients and healthcare professionals. It is directly comparable to Pain Concern's Navigator Tool and education session offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Versus Arthritis: Versus Arthritis is a major UK charity focused on arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, which include chronic pain as a primary symptom. It is a much larger incumbent with overlapping patient education, self-management resources, and policy advocacy, making it a broader-scale comparable in chronic pain support.
• British Pain Society: The British Pain Society is the UK's professional body for healthcare professionals involved in pain management. Pain Concern is a strategic partner of BPS and shares the same clinical community and educational content focus, making BPS a broader incumbent comparable in the pain ecosystem.

Emerging players

• Fibromyalgia Action UK: Fibromyalgia Action UK is a charity dedicated to people affected by fibromyalgia, one of the chronic pain conditions Pain Concern serves. It is a focused, condition-specific peer with overlapping educational, peer-support, and information resources.
• Pelvic Pain Support Network: The Pelvic Pain Support Network is a UK charity providing information and peer support for people with pelvic pain. It is comparable to Pain Concern as a smaller, condition-focused UK chronic pain charity with information and community resources.

Regional players

• U.S. Pain Foundation: The U.S. Pain Foundation is the leading US chronic pain advocacy and education non-profit, offering resources, support groups, and policy advocacy. It is a regional peer with a directly analogous mission and service mix to Pain Concern, but operating in the United States.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/painconcern
• Xtwitter.com/PainConcern
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pain-concern

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Pain Concern