To ask the Minister of Health what resources he intends to put in place to assist those living with chronic pain, that have not received services or support during the pandemic.

Versus Arthritis received funding of £78,285 last year, in order to deliver accredited self-management programmes, which support adults living with all forms of persistent pain and long-term health conditions, including those on waiting lists.

The Healthy Living Centre Alliance received funding of £112,000 last year to deliver the highly innovative and flexible Better Days Pain Support Programme in local communities throughout the region. Better Days encourages and facilitates people to become more involved in understanding and managing their pain.

Health and Social Care Trusts also offer pain and condition management programmes for those individuals with a range of physical and mental health conditions, including chronic pain.

Furthermore, the Public Health Agency is leading on the development of a designated Northern Ireland digital platform for pain management aimed at people living with chronic pain. The second phase of the small business research initiative concluded with promising results. A third phase is required to progress to market readiness and procurement. The application for this is in preparation and if successful, work will formally recommence in spring 2022.