Watch our video to find our more about S.M.I.L.E
How we can help
A Support network of friends
S.M.I.L.E is a self-help support group for chronic pain sufferers founded in June 2002. We currently have over .. members, of which a handful are also committee members, helping to run our charity week-by-week.
The charity works closely with the management team at the Royal Preston Hospital (RPH) – which helps with providing self-motivation through weekly physiotherapy which comes with approved gentle exercises, often followed by relaxation – which is both proven methods for helping those who suffer from chronic pain.
Our weekly Meet up
Every Wednesday from 9.30-12.00, S.M.I.L.E members gather at the Ingol Methodist Church, Ingol, where they chat to their fellow members and friends of the charity.
At our meetings, we offer the opportunity to participate in a range of activities, from holistic therapy to nail painting. We also arrange fun social events, from seasonal parties to swimming sessions.
How we are different
S.M.I.L.E stands for ‘Self Motivation In Lasting Endorphins‘ which means we aim to provide guidance and support to those suffering with chronic pain. Whether this help involves participation in physical or mental activities with the intention of relieving pain and stress, or perhaps we are only here to provide a platform where members can chat to people in a similar position to themselves. We have helped people with mental issues such as anxiety, provided them with welcomed respite at a time when it was needed. Above all else we provide a platform for having a laugh with people who you share common ground with.
At S.M.I.L.E, there is no expectation to explain your pain as we are all faced with our own, creating a positive environment for all of our members, which perhaps is not found elsewhere. Through this understanding, we provide one another with compassion and empathy and above all support.
Membership and Support
SMILE Membership
SMILE manages to support itself using membership subscriptions which go towards hosting a range of activities and visitors – along with providing refreshments at each weekly meeting.
Membership Fees:
- £12 Yearly Subscription per adult
- £4 Weekly Subscription (Going towards weekly refreshments of tea, coffee, water and biscuits)
Support from SMILE friends
Smile offers friends of SMILE which are the people that visit the website or Facebook page and take an interest in our activities. These are the people who will support our fundraising and events, and volunteer to help with SMILE activities. Some of these people may be past members, or have left the area, or cannot attend the weekly meetings – but they like to stay in touch, keep up to date with recent events and getting involved where they can. These can also be the friends and family members of those who come to SMILE.
There are organisations such as the pain management team at the Royal Preston Hospital who offer support with advice, talks, information, fundraising – and as mentioned earlier, exercise programmes.
There is also the sponsorship from other organisations such as the CoOp which have supported our collection tins in their shops.
And of course, there are the people who raise funds for SMILE by sponsorship, donations or making bequests on our behalf.
From time to time, SMILE hosts visiting speakers who offer their time to help, give advice and support – like one of our patrons – Dr Max Fryer who had completed a sponsored mountain climb, raising funds for SMILE. He attended one of our weekly meetings to talk about his experiences.
Meet our Committee Members
Ann Skellorn
Chair Person
I first joined S.M.I.L.E over 13 years ago after finishing work due to ill health and the pain I was experiencing. I have been the committee member since 2013 roughly and I found it so rewarding that I worked my way up from Vice Chair to Chair 2 years ago. We have a great team around us and I enjoy it so much.
Gwynneth Bennett
Secretary
I have been the secretary for S.M.I.L.E since 2017 and have been involved with the charity since 2011. I’m a retied primary school teacher and I enjoy attending S.M.I.L.E, it’s such a wonderful charity group that really help me and other people manage their pain.
Barbara Thinelfal
Treasurer
Barbara joined the commitee in July 2019 and has become a great member of the team.
Barbara runs the desk, signing people in and out along side of Judith. Barbara also attends to the weekly banking needs.
John Davis
Committee Member
I am a retired Firefighter, who joined SMILE in the first year it was set up in June 2003. This was after doing an intensive pain management course. I wanted to pass on what I had learned. I have been on the committee for several years and look after exercise sessions.
Pat Livingstone
Committee Member
I’ve been a member here at S.M.I.L.E since 2007 and gave been a committee member since 2013. I am responsible for running our stalls each week to sell our hand made goods and I also run the stall at the Royal Preston Hospital each month. I prepare the craft days we have here such as greeting cards, book folding, jewellery making and much more.
Judith Fawert
Committee Member
Judith joined the committee in July 2019. Alongside Barabra they both work very well together and run the desk on a weekly basis. They both equally complete the paperwork each week.
Ann Leach
Committee Member
I have been coming to S.M.I.L.E for 15 years and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. As committee member I have the responsibility of setting up the kitchen in the morning for it to be ready and doing the domino cards
Norma Baines
Committee Member
I have been a member for at least 7 years now and my responsibility is collecting payments for the trips we have, delivering and collecting donation boxes from shops. I make sure we’re stocked up on tea, coffee and the essentials for the kitchen.
