One in four Jersey residents now deal with chronic pain as demand for help quadruples

• ITV Channel presenter Jess Dunsdon meets some of those living with chronic pain in Jersey

The number of people in Jersey seeking help for chronic pain has quadrupled over the past four years.

The charity Pain Support Jersey has seen its membership grow significantly from 64 in 2020 to 260 in 2024.

Doctors estimate that 25% of residents deal with some form of chronic pain condition, with 10% of Jersey's working-age population struggling to maintain a job because of it.

Health services in both Bailiwicks are reporting a steady increase in demand, partly due to an ageing population and more sedentary, high-stress lifestyles.

Movement and exercise are seen as vital for recovery with Pain Support Jersey putting on free classes twice a week, aimed at relieving chronic pain.

Kate Kelly from the charity says: "We're a friendly group, we're like a big family and we come together, we lift each other up, we share stories and there is lots and lots of laughter along the way too."

Physiotherapist Mike Du Feu adds: "With people with pain we tend to see a lot of bracing and muscular tension so part of the work that we do is try to help them reduce that tension and improve their movement and ultimately their quality of life."

Kerry Torpy has ongoing hip pain after she shattered her pelvis in a car accident and says the classes have given her a new support network.

She explains: "I feel more hopeful and supported, being around people that understand pain with you makes a big difference."

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