A problem shared is a problem halved
When you find yourself unsure of how to move forward or what to expect next in life, getting support from someone you can relate to can help you rediscover a sense of direction. Talking to someone with experience of life after spinal cord injury can help you overcome obstacles or achieve your goals.
Through our accredited mentoring service, we will link you up with a trained volunteer mentor who is a similar age and injury level to you or a family mentor whose relative has a similar injury. Our mentors come from all walks of life and we can often link you with a spinal cord injured peer or relative whose life experiences are relevant for you. Once we have matched you up with a mentor they will call you on the telephone to arrange how often you make contact and whether you speak regularly over the telephone, or if possible meet up. Most mentoring relationships take place over 10 contacts and can cover issues including the following:
- Adjusting to life with SCI
- Going back to education or work
- Finding out about activities and sports
- Being a parent with SCI
- Starting a family
For more details
email Kyra today or call
020 8875 1805 “This was the best support I have had since my accident in 1998. My mentor, Clare, really understood how I felt, the pain, the daily challenges, and how empowering it is to be able to focus on the future. I have a lot to work on, but I’m tackling every challenge positively now.” (Rudo, age 46)
“My mentor, Dominic, was a genuinely good bloke. We spoke weekly over the phone and by email. I got to know what life has been like for him since his injury and he was able to help me break problems down into smaller parts to tackle. Dominic inspired me with his honesty. He helped change my attitude. Mentoring was the kick up the backside I needed. I don’t tend to let things stand in my way anymore.” (Darren, age 42)
Click here to find out about volunteering as a mentor.
The Back Up mentoring service is accredited by the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation.
