Organization
Spinal Injuries Association(SIA)
The Spinal Injuries Association is the UK's leading user-led charity for people with spinal cord injuries, providing peer support, specialist nursing advice, and advocacy. Founded in 1974 and directed by people with lived SCI experience, it operates a freephone advice line and connects newly injured people with trained peer mentors.
About
Founded in 1974, the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) is built on the principle that people with spinal cord injuries are best placed to support each other. Led at every level by people with lived experience of SCI, it is one of the UK's oldest user-led disability organisations and works across all four UK nations.
What They Do
SIA runs a freephone advice line (0800 980 0501) staffed by SCI nurse specialists, delivers peer support matching newly injured people with trained volunteers, provides funding guidance for equipment and adaptations, and offers telephone counselling. It campaigns for fair access to rehabilitation, suitable housing, and adequate benefits for SCI survivors.
Who They Serve
People with spinal cord injuries at any stage — from acute injury through lifelong management — across the UK, as well as their families, carers, and clinical professionals. SIA's peer support model is particularly valued in the critical weeks after injury when specialist lived-experience support makes the greatest difference.
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