News
Staff Disability Network Hosts Online Event for ME/CFS Awareness Month: Screening and Discussion of This Might Hurt
Posted on behalf of: Staff Disability Network
Last updated: Wednesday, 16 April 2025
This event builds upon topics discussed in our previous event ‘Chronic Fatigue at Work: An Open Discussion’, a joint network event which was highly successful in supporting staff. Following this, a network member (Sophie Valeix) and the network co-chairs decided to build on this mometum and mark the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) awareness month (May) to further raise the profile and support those with chronic fatigue and chronic pain across campus.
Online Screening of This Might Hurt
We are thrilled to welcome all staff and students to a special online screening of the award-winning documentary This Might Hurt. The film offers an in-depth exploration of chronic pain and introduces innovative mind-body treatments that provide new hope for managing and understanding pain.
About the Documentary
The film follows the journeys of three chronic pain patients who have spent years seeking relief without success. They participate in a medical program led by Dr. Howard Schubiner, which focuses on uncovering the hidden causes of their pain and retraining the brain to alleviate it. The film highlights Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), a treatment grounded in cutting-edge neuroscience that explores the mind-body connection and its role in chronic pain (and can also be applied to other chronic conditions too, please see the films website for more info and resources).
The documentary offers a powerful narrative that not only sheds light on the experiences of individuals living with chronic pain but also offers a hopeful perspective on pain management through alternative and transformative approaches.
Why Watch It?
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Insightful: Gain a deeper understanding of chronic pain and explore alternative treatments that could make a significant difference in managing pain.
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Hopeful: Discover promising new methods and techniques for pain relief that might be beneficial to those struggling with similar conditions.
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Empathetic: The documentary shares raw, real-life stories from individuals living with chronic pain, making it relatable for many viewers and offering a sense of solidarity.
Trigger Warning
Please note that This Might Hurt contains raw and honest portrayals of chronic pain, which may be triggering for some viewers. If you choose to watch the film, we recommend doing so with a supportive friend or family member. Take breaks if needed, and remember that it’s okay to step away from the film at any point.
Disclaimer
Staff networks do not necessarily align with the views presented in the film This Might Hurt. Our goal is to raise awareness and foster a safe space for debate and discussion. We encourage participants to engage respectfully and thoughtfully with the content and each other during this online screening and discussion.
The information in this film documentary not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. By accessing the documentary, you acknowledge and agree that any health or wellbeing information shared is not intended to replace the advice of licensed healthcare professionals. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before beginning any new health programme.
Event Details
Online Screening of This Might Hurt
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Dates: Watch anytime between: 12th – 26thMay 2025
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Where:Enter Online Screening
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Password: sussex2025
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Shareyour thoughts as you watch with online Q&A via Slido
Online Discussion of This Might Hurt
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Date: May 21 2025
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Time: 1:00 - 2:00 PM
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Location:Join the Online Discussion Now
The online discussion will begin with a brief introduction to the network chairs of the staff disability network who will share how the event will be conducted, including some basic housekeeping. This is to encourage a welcoming and inclusive event for everyone who attends.
This will be followed a piece from a network member who has lived experienced of similar practices demonstrated in the film – their words will be honest and thought provoking and may resonate with others with similar experiences.
During the final section of the discussion, the staff disability network chair will share a summary of questions collected by Slido throughout the week and invite responses from attendees.
Join Us
We encourage all staff and students to participate in this impactful event, whether by watching the documentary, engaging in the discussion, or both. The Staff Disability Network and Chronic Fatigue and Long Covid Support Network are committed to fostering a space where individuals can come together to learn, share, and support one another in their journeys with chronic conditions.
If you have any questions on how to join the event and participate in the discussion, please email staffdisabilitynetwork@sussex.ac.uk
We look forward to seeing you there!
Key Contacts and Co-organisers
Chloe Ilsley, Staff Disability Network Co-Chair
Sophie Valeix, Chronic Fatigue and Long Covid Support Network
Important Message
This event is open to all staff, you do not need to be a staff network member to attend. We welcome the attendance of all staff, including managers.
All managers are encouraged to enable staff to attend University EDI and Inclusive Sussex events in work time, where business needs allow, as learning and development to further all staff contributions in supporting to achieve our goals outlined in Inclusive Sussex.
Please support by sharing this event with your teams and networks.