WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?

Our yearly ‘What Matters?’ survey asks how we can best help you to live a fulfilled life

Additionally, through the online survey, which was completed by 586 people in 2022, we really hope to learn what you want from SIA and what we can do to help you and others.

In the last issue of Forward, we shared with you some of the key findings of our annual ‘What Matters?’ survey.

As you know, SIA conducts this survey to further understand and inform our thinking around what really matters to the spinal injury community. It provides an invaluable insight into living with SCI and what barriers exist to living a fulfilled life.

Most people who provided us with detailed responses asked for opportunities to meet up and gain support, access facilities and to see our volunteers and support network coordinators. Many also asked for SIA to lobby and campaign for change around areas including benefits and disability rights.

The next most popular theme was for SIA to support the NHS, healthcare professionals and GPs to gain a greater awareness of spinal cord injury.

Our campaigns manager Dave Bracher says the direct and honest experiences of everyday life shared through ‘What Matters?’, play a pivotal part in SIA’s efforts to make change at the highest level. Please read just how your feedback assists Dave and the campaigns team on the next page.

Meanwhile, the SIA Academy continues to provide education for health and social care professionals through our clinical team of specialist nurses and our support network team, who are all SCI themselves, as well as engaging with NHS centres and of course our members across the UK.

These are just some of the ways that we have listened to and acted on what you have told us you need.

As you’ll see from the word map to the left, which was put together using keywords from your responses, you’re asking us to “help support more SCI people.” And that’s exactly what we plan to do this year and moving forward.

GET INVOLVED!

Tell us ‘What Matters’ to you!

Our 2023 survey closes at midnight on 14 March. Please visit: bit.ly/WhatMatters2023 or scan the QR code to get started