This year, we have received support from the Festival of Social Science 2025 to run 2 free ‘movement snacks’ with people living with chronic pain and healthcare professionals at UCLH and 1 free online ‘movement snack’ open to all. Please read below for more information!
Download full event flyer here
About the Festival of Social Science
The Festival of Social Science is an annual celebration of research and knowledge about humans and
society. It’s an opportunity for anyone to explore topics relating to social science – from health and
wellbeing to crime, equality, education and identity – through events run by researchers from UK
universities.
What’s a Movement Snack?
A movement snack is a short session of movement, designed to be easily accessible and encourage even
small amounts of gentle movement during the day. These snacks are based on ‘somatic practices’ or
activities that bring awareness to your body and mind. They are designed especially for those living with
chronic pain, or working with them. It may also be suitable for those with reduced mobility, lack of
access to in person activities, or working online. All are welcome, with camera on or off. *The idea of
snacking on movement is inspired by https://drchatterjee.com
https://festivalofsocialscience.com/events/lunchtime-
movement-snacks-for-chronic-pain-3/
Who’s involved?
The Movement Snacks are brought to you by the Somatic Practice and Chronic Pain Network, supported
by the Centre for Dance Research at Coventry University and in collaboration with the Physiotherapy
Team at the Pain Management Centre, UCLH NHS Foundation Trust. Funded by the ESRC Festival of
Social Science.
Sessions are led by Dr. Ian Tennant (Angela Ruskin University/ Thrive&Enjoy UK), Dr. Eline Kieft (Wild
Soul Centre) and Dr. Maria Kapsali (University of Leeds), supported by Dr. Emma Meehan and Dr. Rosa
Cisneros (Coventry University), board members of the Somatic Practice and Chronic Pain Network. With
British Sign Language interpreter Rachel Tipping. With thanks to the Physiotherapy team at UCLH NHS
Trust Foundation including Dr. Jackie Walumbe, Andrea Wright and Alice Morgan.
https://somaticandpain.coventry.domains
To join our mailing list, please contact: Emma Meehan ab4488@coventry.ac.uk
Recordings
23 October, 1.30-2.30pm, Eline Kieft: Qi Gong for Chronic Pain
Qi Gong movement meditation followed by sharing and community time. The routine will focus on clearing your mind from worries and overthinking, help you be present in the moment, and reconnect with effortless flow. No previous experience needed. Suitable for challenged bodies. Recording here
30th October, 1.30-2.30pm, Maria Kapsali: Multi-sensory Movement
In this session will explore the kinesphere and the way our senses can extend our sensory perception across different directions and orientations. We will spend some time exploring each sense independently and then play with aligning and mis aligning different sensory registers with motor motion. All bodies are welcome. Recording available soon
6th November, 1.30.2.30pm, Ian Tennant: Move & Mingle
This session offers a short, accessible movement snack, designed to lift your spirits, proving that even on sluggish days, a little movement can go a long way! For all abilities, you can leave your device camera ‘switched off’ if you want to move in private. Includes an optional mini ‘sharing circle’ at the end of the session, to vocalise what you’ve felt in your body. Recording available soon.
Sessions hosted by Emma Meehan and Rosa Cisneros
Summary of Event
