CMP programme can help you get back into work

Julie Harvey, 30, suffers from the condition endrometriosis and had to give up her teaching job several years ago because of the chronic pain. She joined the CMP earlier this year and says it has been a very positive experience and would encourage others to join it. CMP is available within the Pathways to Work scheme provided by the local Job Centres run in partnership with the South Eastern Trust.

The programme is a regional service, available within in each trust area. It is funded by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) and the performance management of the programmes are overseen by the Disablement Advisory Service (DAS).

Julie explained: "The CMP came at just the right time for me – I had been told I had to learn to live with my pain but I was unsure where to start and the task seemed overwhelming and destined to failure.

"The first few CMP sessions gave me renewed hope as I realised the CMP team could work with me to provide strategies to help me cope more successfully and have a better quality of life."

She continued: "The Occupational Therapist worked with me on how to establish good routines, relaxation techniques and how to pace my activity levels as appropriate on good and bad days. The Physiotherapist encouraged me to become more physically active.

"With the Psychologist I talked over my feelings around being ill and not being able to work."

Julie added: "While I certainly feel better now than when I started on the Condition Management Programme, pain management is not something you can just do and move on from.

"The techniques that the CMP team teach you require work and perseverance and I will have to continue to work on keeping my pain at bay.

"The CMP team are friendly and approachable and provide advice based on your individual circumstances without judging or lecturing you. I would recommend the CMP to anyone who is coping with illness."

CMP is available to clients who are in receipt of a qualifying benefit such as, Incapacity benefit (IB) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA). Referrals are generated following discussion with the clients Employment Advisor within the Job Centre. It is an entirely voluntary scheme and the client can opt out at any time during the 12 week programme without any penalty.