Straightforward yet impactful ideas to encourage participation in Pain & Supported Self-Management (PSSM) Week: 16th - 21st February 2026

Here are some straightforward yet impactful ideas to encourage participation in Pain & Supported Self-Management (PSSM26) Week:  16th - 21st February 2026

Idea from Helen Room(Occupational Therapist) 

How about encouraging people to host "watch parties" where they gather people together to watch the conference live or the recording later if timing is awkward. They can still all register/donate but it can make it quite festive and possibly be the launch of some new support groups? 

Might be nice for the host to send your pictures or video clips of the parties to share during the event or afterwards on social media.

Idea from Pete Moore & Keith Meldrum

Pete Moore and Keith are going to do daily Instagram Live videos

21st February 2026 (20th if you live in North America) is the 4th Pain Supported Self Management - Online World Conference

Pain Supported Self Management Conference. Joint conference of Self-Managers and Healthcare Professionals - for more information and to register, please click here

Daily Self-Management Tips

• Idea: Share a tip of the day on social media platforms, websites, or internal newsletters. Tips could focus on small, actionable steps like setting manageable goals, practicing mindfulness, or pacing activities.
• Materials: Provide a set of pre-made images or short text blurbs for each tip to make sharing easy.

Lunch & Learn Session

• Idea: Host a 30-minute virtual or in-person session over lunch, where an expert or experienced individual shares basics of pain self-management.
• Materials: Supply a ready-made presentation or a few talking points to guide the discussion, along with a list of recommended resources.

Support Group Meet-Ups

• Idea: Encourage local organisations to host a one-time support group where people can share strategies for self-management and hear from others in similar situations.
• Materials: Provide an easy-to-follow agenda and ideas for group discussion questions.

PSSM Week Challenge

• Set up a simple daily challenge, like a 5-minute mindfulness practice, gentle stretching, or journaling about pain management.
• Materials: Offer a downloadable “Challenge Card” with daily tasks, so participants can track their progress and share it online if they like.

Personal Story Sharing

• Idea: Invite people to share personal experiences with pain self-management on social media using a common hashtag (e.g., #PSSMWeek2025).
• Materials: Provide a template for story-sharing or create short prompts that people can respond to.

Informational Posters or Flyers

• Idea: Place informational posters or flyers in visible places to raise awareness about pain self-management.
• Materials: Create downloadable, visually appealing flyers that include basics about self-management, helpful resources, and where to find more support. 

Resource Share

•  Idea: Organisations can share or email a simple list of trusted pain self-management resources, apps, or websites with their staff or audience.
• Materials: Develop a one-page resource guide that is easy to distribute.

How to register for the 4th Pain Supported Self Management - Online World Conference

Pain & Supported Self Management Conference. Joint conference of Self-Managers and Healthcare Professionals - for more information and to register, please click here