We welcomed additional Scottish Government funding which will see us deliver additional support to local people living in chronic pain.

An extra £240,000 will help 13 Scottish Government-funded projects across Health Boards, third-sector and other partners enhance the support available for people with chronic pain. Charitable trust, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, has been selected as one of the participating projects, building on our legacy of helping people living with long-term health conditions through our award-winning health programme.

We will use the additional three-month funding to give 100 people with chronic pain referred by clinicians a three-month Leisure Active membership – our own low-cost membership scheme which gives unlimited access to its facilities across Fife – so that they can benefit from the health and wellbeing benefits associated with physical activity.

Fiona Prendergast, wellbeing and programming manager for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “We are really pleased to have been selected to benefit from this additional funding it is a great boost to the support we already deliver to those living with long-term health conditions.

“We know from the results of our health programme that people who participate in regular physical activity report benefits such as feeling stronger, fitter and increased energy levels as well as enhanced mental wellbeing and confidence – all of which contribute to reducing symptoms and managing pain levels associated with a range of health conditions.”

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Living with chronic pain can be incredibly difficult and we are determined to improve services for all those affected.

“Health Boards have continued to make progress in restarting chronic pain services during extremely challenging circumstances over the last 18 months but the unprecedented impact of the COVID pandemic means that many people are waiting for treatment.

“The additional resourcing provided through the Chronic Pain Winter Support Fund will enhance the capacity of pain management care will help maintain the health and wellbeing of those affected by chronic pain in the months ahead.”