Pain Pals GY Staff
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All Pain Pals GY staff are given a DBS check, ensuring that they are safe to work with vulnerable adults.
Pain Pals GY is run and managed entirely by unpaid volunteers. Every person who works with us does so because they believe deeply in the services we provide and are passionate about supporting people living with physical and mental health difficulties. Most of our team have lived experience of chronic pain, disability, and mental health challenges themselves, which means they understand our clients’ struggles in a real and meaningful way.
Our staff receive both in‑house and external training to ensure they can support every client with confidence, dignity, and genuine understanding. This includes First Aid, Safeguarding, Health and Safety, disability awareness, general counselling skills, and practical tools that help them provide the best possible care.
At Pain Pals GY, we go further. Because our clients often have complex needs, our team also receives specialist development in areas such as chronic pain management, mental health first aid, communication skills for vulnerable adults, inclusive practice, mobility and independence support, and understanding long‑term conditions.
We train our staff to recognise hidden struggles, respond with empathy, and adapt their approach for people with disabilities, neurodiversity, mobility challenges, and long‑term health issues. Our team also learns how to support carers, navigate benefits‑related barriers, and help clients access affordable resources and equipment.
Every member of Pain Pals GY is committed to ongoing learning, reflective practice, and maintaining the highest standards of safety, compassion, and professionalism. This ensures our clients receive not just care — but the right care, delivered by people who truly understand their needs.
Helen Hartley
Pain Pals GYs Director and Service Manager
Who has a BA degree in care and a Registered Managers Award, along with over two decades of health and social care knowledge.
Helen has worked in many health and social care departments which has provided her with a comprehensive knowledge.
Some of Helen's previous jobs include.
Ambulance service as a emergency medical technician.
Nursing with Cardiac care, Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy and other departments.
Care manager for people with sever learning disabilities and mental health needs, including challenging behaviour requiring safe holding.
Care manager for the elderly in care home and personal home settings.
Helen became disabled in 2012 after several years of continually suffering with chronic pain.
If you would like to know more please see Helen's personal pain story.
Direct Quote
*“I founded Pain Pals GY because too many people in our community fall through the gaps — those who don’t fit neatly into NHS therapy boxes, those who are told they’re ‘not eligible’, ‘not severe enough’, or simply left without the support they desperately need. Pain Pals GY exists for the people who are struggling to reach resources for chronic pain, disability, mobility challenges, mental health, and day‑to‑day wellbeing.
My work has always centred on dignity, inclusion, and practical help. Pain Pals GY offers a safe, understanding space for individuals who feel overlooked or unheard, providing guidance, advocacy, and personalised support that meets them exactly where they are.
I also believe support should never be out of reach financially. That’s why Pain Pals GY provides affordable resources, low‑cost equipment, and long‑term ongoing care designed specifically for people on benefits or facing financial hardship. No one should have to choose between managing their pain and paying their bills. We make sure that help is accessible, sustainable, and free from judgement.
Pain Pals GY is here for the ones who need that extra bit of care, reassurance, and human connection. No boxes. No barriers. Just real support for real people.”
Wayne Beresford
Wayne Beresford
Wayne is a Support Worker
Wayne is a father of 4 and a grandfather of 2 who has experience supporting children and adults with learning disabilities and special needs.
He personally struggles with mental health and physical health difficulties, like arthritis which is causing chronic pain in several parts of his body. In particular he has mobility problems due to the severe pain in his knees.
These difficulties are hard to manage but they don’t stop him from using his good days to help others.
Wayne has experience in health and safety, retail, company organisation and management. Which has helped some of our service users with concerns about their disability in their work environment.
He is also skilled with property maintenance, complaints and tenancy disputes which he negotiates with the local council.
Wayne also has qualifications in IT and provides support and training for those who are new to computers, tablets and phones.
Direct quote “I have received help from others during my times of need. I really want to give back some of that to others” “everyone needs a shoulder now and then and we should look after each other”
Linda Moore
Linda Moore
Lynda is a mother of 3 and a grandmother of 5 and has experience supporting and caring for family with special needs she has struggled to survive cancer and the loss of 2 husbands and is most keen to help and support others as health issues have now been resolved.
her main experience has been working in hospitals in a surgical capacity and has taken a course in bereavement aftercare and support.
direct quote
"I have been so lucky to survive cancer due to the care and support from church friends and family."
"I also felt at a loss after losing my second husband as i knew no-one to call on in this community."
"I feel i would dearly like to give love care and support to all in need as no-one should feel alone with there problems."
Our volunteers
Anyone can become a volunteer, they need to have first or second hand experience of physical and or mental health difficulties, the dedication to learn the necessary knowledge and skills and the passion to help others.
Pain Pals GY volunteer staff can have training in:
First aid, safeguarding, moving and handling, fire safety, Health and safety, risk assessing, infection control, food hygiene, suicide awareness and supporting those with dementia, Staff receive 6 weeks Pain Pals GY induction training and 6 months close supervision and probation. Pain Pals GY will also provide any training required to support service users individual needs, if current training is inadequate.
Our Board Members
The trustee's are a group of people who have experience of disabilities and different skills and knowledge that benefit the company. Such as: ex registered nurses and citizens advice advocates.
The board oversee all the services Pain Pals GY offer and ensure that the company provides a companionate, quality service for people in need.
They meet twice a year to discuss current issues that people with disabilities and mental health problems are facing, a review of all services that Pain Pals GY have provide over that period and plan new strategies for the company's continued future.
Friends of Pain Pals
Pain Pals is luck to have many people who wish to support us in creative ways.
There are the people in the background who are doing research on the latest news and content for our Facebook page.
Someone who cleans and fixes the mobility equipment that people donate to us.
We know local work men and women who have met our high standards of dedication and care, who Pain Pals would be happy to recommend to our services uses. Gardeners, Decorators, Handy people, Dog groomers/Walkers and others.
Do you run a business or have a skill that would be helpful to people with disabilities?, please contact us to discuss your services and how you can help.
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