OUCH (UK) Summer Conference Birmingham 2026

Birmingham Conference

Sunday 14th June 2026

The Organisation for the Understanding of Cluster Headache (OUCH UK) is heading to the heart of the West Midlands for our 2026 Summer Conference. Whether you are a sufferer, a supporter or a medical professional, this is a vital opportunity to connect, learn and share experiences in a supportive environment. 

Why Attend?
Cluster Headache is often called "suicide headache" due to their intensity. Our conferences are designed to ensure no one has to face this condition alone.

Expert Speakers: Hear from leading neurologists and headache specialists about the latest trials, research and treatments.

Community Support: Meet others who truly understand the impact of CH on work, life and family.

Practical Advice: Gain insights into managing attacks and navigating the healthcare system.

The Venue
Located in the historic former Municipal Bank, The Exchange is a stunning, accessible venue on Birmingham’s Centenary Square opposite the iconic Library of Birmingham, just a 10-minute walk from Birmingham New Street station.

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS FOR THE EVENT:

• Professor Peter Goadsby, Professor of Neurology, King's College Hospital, London, patron and chair of OUCH (UK) 

• Dr Nick Silver, Consultant Neurologist, The Walton Centre

• Dr Anish Bahra, Consultant Neurologist, Whipps Cross/NHNN

• Dr Katy Munro, National Migraine Centre, Cluster Headache Services

• Dr Mark Thaller, Consultant Neurologist, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham

• Chris Addison, CH sufferer and National Migraine Centre podcast guest with Katy Munro

• Dale Nolan, Trustee - OUCH Objectives & Initiatives

• Darshan Ramanagoudra – MyClusters App

• OUCH (UK) Trustees and Officers

Breakout sessions

• OUCH Advice Line Breakout Session - including resources for sufferers and supporters, diagnosis, preventative and abortive treatments 
• Medics Session
• Oxygen Workshop – practical guidance on using O₂ therapy  
• Supporters and Supporters of Children - dedicated session for carers and loved ones
• HR/Employment advice and guidance

There will be a quiet room with 02 available.

Throughout the day there will be plenty of opportunities to chat to our speakers, trustees and officers, as well as other sufferers and supporters. Back again by popular demand will be a targeted set of group discussions on various topics that affect sufferers; this is a chance to question the OUCH (UK) team and each other about treatments and employment support, as well as more general questions.

A light sandwich lunch and morning and afternoon refreshments will be provided. If you have any food allergies or special requirements please let us know during the booking process.

Some kind comments from attendees at previous events:

"Was a member, going to renew subscription""Great day, very positive and great to hear from sufferers" 
"Thank you for such a wonderful event! It was lovely getting to know OUCH UK trustees and officers" 
"Fantastic, clinical information not withheld from patients"  
"Thank you! Good level of humour and sympathy; more for supporters too"
"Brilliant!"
"Great info received from very knowledgeable staff and patients. Very good day and look forward to visiting again"
"I’d be interested in helping to set up localised meetings; a lot of other people I spoke to would be interested too"
"Willing to travel any distance to attend again"
"Would travel as far as needed to attend again, THANK YOU"
"Travel anywhere! INCREDIBLE!"
"Found it really nice to be there, very welcome and supportive. Thanks for organising and having us!"

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE SECURELY ON OUR WEBSITE 

When you book your ticket online you MUST be logged into the OUCH (UK) website as a current member to be able to book your discounted ticket. Member pricing will show on the booking page when you are logged in.

IF YOU ARE ABLE TO DONATE

If you feel you are able to make a donation to help fund the cost of the conference and other OUCH(UK) activities, it would be much appreciated. Donate here - thank you.

IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY

If you have difficulty logging into the website or are not seeing your discounted ticket, please check you have a current membership first and then contact info@ouchuk.org BEFORE completing your purchase.

SUFFERERS IN RECEIPT OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

At OUCH (UK) we completely understand how devastating CH can be for a family. 

Thanks to generous sponsors and fundraisers, we always make a number of seats available to sufferers who cannot afford the ticket price but who would benefit greatly from attending the conference. 

If you and a loved one would like to attend the meeting, but are unable to afford the tickets please email dale@ouchuk.org in complete confidence. 

We hope to see you there.

Registration: from 9.30am with 10.30am start and welcome address. 

Venue:  The Exchange, 3 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2DR

Getting here and nearby parking info: https://conferences.bham.ac.uk/venues/the-exchange/ 

Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pN8XH7pP9b34HKjo9