Focus on Sheffield
Princess Royal Spinal Unit
Key facts
- 64 beds
- 12 Wheelchair Skills sessions per year
Hannah – Outreach and Support Coordinator
How did you first get involved with Back Up?
I first came across Back Up during my rehab at Pinderfields Spinal Unit, following my injury. Volunteer wheelchair skill trainers led a session in the sports hall – it really inspired me seeing what was possible in a wheelchair, and talking to the trainers about their lives and adventures made me realise that leading a fulfilling life with a spinal cord injury was possible.
In the next couple of years I attended several Back Up courses, sit skiing in Colorado and the Multi Activity course in the Lake District. Both of the courses pushed my boundaries in so many ways, and helped me gain confidence to try new things and push my own limits. I have volunteered for Back Up as a wheelchair skills trainer for the last six years, and in 2019 I became one of Back Up’s O&S Coordinators.
What is your current role?
I currently work within the Outreach & Support team. I arrange and run the wheelchair skills sessions at Sheffield and Pinderfields Spinal Units. Following these sessions, I proactively stay in touch with most patients upon their discharge back home. I provide information, support and sign post to make the transition to home as easy as possible. Understandably, going home can often be one of the most challenging points in coming to terms with your spinal injury, and we provide support and give people the tools to make the most from their lives.
What is your proudest achievement at this centre?
It’s great to see the immediate impact following a wheelchair skills session, seeing people looking happier and more confident, and motivated to learn more.
What is the biggest challenge or frustration facing you at this centre?
I think we would like to be able to deliver sessions more regularly, that way we would be more likely to engage with people, and patients would have the opportunity to attend multiple sessions and make progress.
If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing, what would it be?
More time for sessions in the spinal centres, and the opportunity to work individually as well as in a group environment.
Richard – Volunteer Wheelchair Skills Trainer
How did you get involved with Back Up?
I got involved with Back Up around a year post injury when I did the Edinburgh City Challenge course in 2011.
What is your current role?
My current role is that of wheelchair skills trainer teaching practical skills, although I would like to also do some phone mentoring in the future as well.
What is your proudest achievement at this centre?
My proudest achievement in my short time could possibly be giving people confidence to attempt things that they wouldn’t have initially. Steps with spotters is a good example.
What is the biggest challenge or frustration facing you at this centre?
My biggest frustration would be that some people get left behind in the first day’s session and I don’t know how to reach them. Also, I find it physically difficult to project my voice enough.
If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing, what would it be?
If I could wave a wand, I would create an infinite amount of time.
