Cúnamh members help shape landmark pain and trauma study

Members of Derry victims and survivors organisation Cúnamh are participating in a “landmark research study examining the links between trauma and chronic pain”.

The study will be led by the University of Dundee in collaboration with the Regional Trauma Network, of which Cúnamh is a part.

The Regional Trauma Network connects specialist trauma care across the North’s health and social care trusts, and community and voluntary sector organisations, which are funded through the Victims and Survivors Service.

Its aim is to ensure those impacted by the Troubles / conflict can access the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

Cúnamh co-ordinator Cathy Nelis said the organisation’s members were “currently helping researchers to shape the study”.

“[The study] will aim to better understand how traumatic experiences are connected to chronic pain and how pain and trauma together affect health and quality of life,” she added.

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“The findings will be shared with policymakers, with direct recommendations for improving pain management services for victims and survivors.

"For so many of the people we support, the pain — physical as well as emotional — is still very much part of everyday life.

“We are proud to be part of the Regional Trauma Network and to be contributing to research that takes that reality seriously. By sharing their experiences, our members are helping to build the evidence base that could mean better services for victims and survivors for years to come,” said Ms Nelis.

Cassie Higgins PhD, Honorary Senior Fellow, University of Dundee said: “The involvement of community organisations like Cúnamh is absolutely central to our research.

“The trust they have built with victims and survivors over many years will strengthen our project,” added Dr Higgins.

“We are delighted to work with service users who have become an essential part of our research team, and they will continue to contribute to all stages of the research cycle.

They will also be invaluable in helping us to share the study findings with as many affected individuals and relevant organisations as possible.

“We have enjoyed visiting organisations like Cúnamh, where we have been made to feel very welcome.

We have been able to meet many colleagues in Northern Ireland, and we also look forward to working with them as the project progresses,” said Dr Higgins.

For Cúnamh members who have chosen to take part, the experience is an opportunity to participate in a significant and meaningful research project.

One member of Cúnamh described being asked to take part in the study as “showing me that what I've experienced matters — not just to me, but to the people trying to improve things for others in the same position. I hope what I've shared makes a difference."

Cúnamh was established in 1997 as a community led mental health and well being project.

The organisation emerged from the opportunity created in 1994 as a result of the IRA ceasefire and subsequent political and social developments.

“This created a new environment and space in which, for the first time, individuals could commence a process of reflection, exploration and community growth,” said Ms Nelis.

“Cúnamh aspires to a community and society whose health, mental health and well-being thrives through access to personal and community development opportunities,” she added.

“Participation in the study is fully anonymous. No identifying information is collected, and results will only ever be reported in aggregate. Importantly, people do not need to be experiencing pain to take part - those without pain are equally valuable to the research, as their responses help draw meaningful comparisons.

“The study is open to all victims and survivors as defined under the Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, including those bereaved or injured as a result of a Troubles / conflict-related incident, and those who provide substantial and regular care for someone injured in this way.

“Collaborative working is key to this approach, ensuring that there is communication between all parties and support is led by the needs of the victims and survivors.

“Looking ahead, the Regional Trauma Network is working towards the development of a comprehensive strategy to address the needs of individuals affected by all forms of trauma here, with a focus on building a resilient, informed, and supportive community.”