Back Up

”The more I travel, the more I learn about myself...the more I understand my needs. For me, it's the way to find peace and happiness.” To close this series of the Back Up and Thriving podcast, we have none other than the incredibly insightful Sophie Morgan 🙌 https://ow.ly/xuEB50Ui587 In this episode, Sophie shares her thrilling travel tales, how travelling can boost independence and confidence, and tips on how people with a spinal cord injury can prepare for plane travel. 🎧 Listen to the latest episode of the Back Up and Thriving: Accessible Travel podcast with Sophie Morgan, available on all major podcast platforms, today. Or watch the full episode on our YouTube channel. https://ow.ly/xuEB50Ui587 Remember to like, share and subscribe! This podcast is gratefully supported and funded by Motability Foundation. Motability Foundation #spinalcordinjury #accessibletravel #accessibletourism Spinal Injuries Association Aspire 3 Sophie Morgan

Join our free 'What Next?' course on 4th–5th December 📅 Adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our online ‘What Next?’ course is here to support you every step of the way. Here’s what you can expect: • Supportive environment: Connect with people who understand your journey and can share helpful advice. • Practical sessions: Learn about topics like bladder and bowel care, health and wellbeing, travel, relationships, and more. • Expert guidance: Sessions are led by professionals and volunteers with lived experience of spinal cord injury. • Flexible learning: Join the sessions you’re most interested in, and access resources anytime with our Online Guide. • Goal planning: Create a personal plan to help you work towards the things that matter to you. This course is free, online, and you can take part from the comfort of your own home. Spaces are still available, but don’t wait sign up today! Find out more and register here: https://ow.ly/KrUY50UhVm7.

From next Tuesday your donations to Back Up will go twice as far thanks to the Big Give's matched funding. Donations received during the week will be matched by our amazing partners and supporters, Eversholt Rail, Aesseal PLC and Tetra Consulting. So, for one week only your donation will be DOUBLED at no extra cost to you! Here’s how it works: 1️⃣ Donate to Back Up during Dec 3 -10.  2️⃣ Every £1 you give will be doubled through matched funding.  3️⃣ Help us reach our £50,000 goal Set a reminder to donate or make a pledge and we can contact you during the week! https://bit.ly/3kSYNYZ #BackUpBigGive #MatchedFunding #DoubleYourImpact 

Adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Back Up Connect is a free service that connects you quickly to someone who truly understands life with a spinal cord injury. Here’s how it helps: • Fast support – no waiting lists, no lengthy sign-ups. • Personal advice – talk about what matters to you. • Shared experience – connect with someone who’s been there. Whether it’s managing pain, bladder and bowel care, travel tips, or just having someone to talk to, Back Up Connect is here for you. Sign up today for a one-off chat by phone or online message: https://ow.ly/Tv5650Uhz7q.

Two years ago, Jemima’s life changed in an instant after a serious fall left her with a spinal cord injury. At just 13, she faced a future filled with uncertainty. After taking part in a Back Up multi-activity course Jemima is regaining the confidence, skills, and independence to take on life’s challenges. 💪 "I felt like a different person, like I’d been given a new lease of life. I was on a mission for independence!” This Christmas, you can help others like Jemima face the future with confidence. Your donation helps fund life-changing courses, peer support, and vital support services for people with spinal cord injuries. https://ow.ly/t04750UfS5k #BackUp #ChristmasAppeal #Donate #Independence

High Level Injury ‘Lounge and Learn’ – Join us at 6-7pm on 27/11/24 on Zoom to connect, share experiences, and gain invaluable insights from two amazing panellists, who bring years of lived experience and practical advice on living well with a high-level injury.  Tracy Watson: Tracy has been a dedicated Back Up volunteer since 2016. She’s a mentor, fundraiser, office volunteer, wheelchair skills trainer, and part of our new peer support service, Back Up Connect.    Andy Walker: Following his injury at 28, Andy has founded Living Your Dreams consultancy, has conquered mountains, appeared on TV's Emmerdale, and cycled 1,000 miles across the UK in his chin-controlled bike to raise funds for matters close to his heart. Andy was also awarded an MBE for his work in Disability Awareness. Visit the link below to register. 👉 https://ow.ly/SYgr50UfRSZ

Our next episode of Back Up and Thriving: Accessible Travel with Hannah and Darren Bucys is live 🙌 Hear Hannah’s personal journey and how her father, Darren, supported her in learning to drive. They delve into the challenges and triumphs of driving, transferring, and travelling; offering valuable tips and advice for new drivers and travellers with a spinal cord injury - and so much more... 🎧 Catch the latest episode of the Back Up and Thriving: Accessible Travel podcast with Hannah and Darren Bucys, available on all major podcast platforms, today. 👇 https://ow.ly/WKHQ50UcRLs Or watch the full episode on our YouTube channel. Remember to like, share and subscribe! This podcast is gratefully supported and funded by Motability Foundation Motability Operations Ltd Motability Scheme #spinalcordinjury #accessibletravel #accessibletourisme

Every two hours, someone’s life will change as a result of a spinal cord injury. For 15-year-old Jemima, life changed instantly after a fall two years ago. Back Up was there for Jemima and her family, providing the guidance, community and advice to help her adjust. From wheelchair skills to wild swimming, our support has helped Jemima regain her independence. “After the course, I felt like a different person, like I’d been given a new lease of life. The wheelchair skills were incredible. I was on a mission for independence!” Your support will help our vital work, enabling young people like Jemima regain their confidence after injury. https://lnkd.in/d54T5Dp2 #BackUp #ChristmasAppeal #Donate #Independence

'Buses and train and boats...it was the ultimate test of wheelchair skills!" In episode 3 of our Back Up and Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast, guest Pete Donnelly shares his travel experiences since sustaining a T6 spinal cord injury nearly 20 years ago, including: 👩🦽learning wheelchair skills 🚌travelling around London on public transport and 🚅an incredible trip to Bangladesh and Japan - including 71 hours on an accessible train! So if you've got travel plans this weekend or are dreaming of a summer holiday, check out our Back Up and Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast for incredible tips and inspiration! 🎧Listen now on all major podcast platforms. Or watch the full episode on our YouTube channel. Remember to like, share and subscribe - and let us know what you think in the comments ⬇️ This podcast is gratefully supported and funded by Motability Foundation Motability Operations Ltd Motability Scheme #spinalcordinjury #accessibletravel #accessibletourism

Back Up is seeking to recruit four new trustees to add strength and depth to our board and support the work of this passionate charity as we look ahead to the future. It is an exciting time to join us. As a Back Up trustee, you’ll play a vital role in keeping the charity on track and accountable to the people we support. You’ll attend quarterly meetings where you’ll review the charity’s performance and make recommendations to ensure we meet our business objectives. There are also opportunities to utilise your professional experience by joining one of our committees and shaping our strategy on fundraising, finance, services, governance, and other areas of work.    Please send your CV along with an accompanying letter explaining your reasons for applying to our CEO, Abigail Lock, at abigail@backuptrust.org.uk. An introductory letter and detailed trustee recruitment pack can be downloaded from our website.    https://bit.ly/3CCUtvb