Organization
Spinal Injuries Association(SIA)
The Spinal Injuries Association is the UK's leading user-led charity for people with spinal cord injuries, providing expert advice, peer support, and community connections since 1974. Run by spinal cord injured people for spinal cord injured people, it offers an advice line, peer support groups, and specialist information throughout the injury journey.
About
Founded in 1974 by spinal cord injured people who recognised the need for a peer-led support organisation, the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) is the UK's foremost charity in this space. Headquartered in Milton Keynes with a nationwide reach, SIA operates on the principle that those who have lived experience of spinal cord injury are best placed to guide and support others through their journey.
What They Do
SIA provides a free advice line staffed by people with personal experience of spinal cord injury, peer support groups in both online and in-person formats, and a home visiting befriending service for isolated individuals. It publishes specialist guides on topics including bladder management, pressure care, housing adaptations, and returning to work. Advocacy work focuses on improving NHS spinal injury unit standards, supported discharge pathways, and long-term care funding for people with high-level injuries.
Who They Serve
People with spinal cord injuries across the UK — from newly injured patients in spinal units to long-term survivors with paraplegia or tetraplegia — along with their families, carers, and the health professionals supporting their rehabilitation.
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