Focus on Stoke Mandeville
National Spinal Injuries Centre
Key facts
- 106 beds
- 11 Wheelchair Skills sessions per year
Luke – Outreach and Support Coordinator
How did you first get involved with Back Up?
I first got involved with Back Up in 2001. I’d seen a video about the ski courses that Back Up offered when I was an inpatient at Stoke Mandeville NSIC in 1995.
In the summer of 2001 I was a participant on a Multi Activity Course in the Lakes after which I volunteered in the office. In that role I helped with general administration/registrations and supported some of the fundraising events.
If I could wave a magic wand, I’d ensure Back Up services were fully integrated with the rehab programme.
In 2004 I went Ski-carting in Sweden. Both courses had a big impact on my overall outlook and perception of what life post SCI could be like. After the Sweden course I worked harder at finding solutions to gain more independence. It was difficult to think of ways I might be able to manage my personal care (showering, dressing, bowels and bladder care) but meeting and talking about how other people with a similar level of injury manage really helped.
In 2006 I went back to University and finished my English degree. I did a CELTA course in 2011 but after working as an English language teacher for 5 years I fancied a change. I had continued to volunteer for Back Up as a youth mentor and saw there was a vacancy in the Outreach & Support team. Luckily, I was successful and have been enjoying the challenge ever since.
What is your current role?
O&S Coordinator for Stoke Mandeville NSIC and St Francis
What is your proudest achievement at this centre?
Probably supporting the number of people we have through our wheelchair skills service and the work we’ve done in supporting Wacky Wednesdays for the children at St Francis.
What is the biggest challenge or frustration facing you at this centre?
Sometimes it’s hard to enact changes in how we deliver services or introduce new ideas as the NSIC is so large. There are always a lot of loops to go through and people that need to sign things off.
If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing, what would it be?
I’ve thought of a few (in no particular order)….
- Upgrade the equipment and facilities for staff and patients.
- Extend the rehabilitation period to allow people to adjust both emotionally and physically.
- Integrate Back Up services (Courses, Education, Work, Mentoring) with the rehab programme – patients would auto enrol and see services as part of their rehab.
- Funding to help patients get the mobility aids (wheelchair/powerchairs) they need while still at the Centre.
Shawn Sewell – Volunteer Wheelchair Skills Trainer
I wish that I’d got involved sooner.
How did you get involved with Back Up?
In many ways I wish that I’d got involved sooner. At the time of my injury, I didn’t want my disability to define me and I was worried that if I immersed myself in a disability organisation or charity, I wouldn’t be pushing myself to do my own thing. I think, in retrospect, I needed to find my own way in order to accept the new me before I felt comfortable offering something back.
What is your current role?
I’m currently a wheelchair skills trainer and I’m also training to be a mentor.
What is your proudest achievement at this centre?
I remember one guy who made me feel really good about my input. He had made lots of progress and could now backwheel balance. When I bumped into him in the centre later he was so appreciative of the work we’d done together.
What is the biggest challenge or frustration facing you at this centre?
It’s important to be received well and communicate the skills right.
If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing, what would it be?
More funding for support from Back Up to do more.
