AN INTRODUCTION TO SIA NEWS

This is my first Forward welcome of 2023, and what an extraordinary and (let’s be frank) tough new year this is turning out to be for so many of you, our members.

Let me begin positively – it is the year SIA will be launching a new and extremely ambitious strategy. At its heart will be goals that aim not just to expand our critical support and advocacy for spinal cord injured people and their families, but to more directly take on the systemic challenges that are hindering a health and care system that works for you. We hope the strategy will lead to a UK government and public that truly understand and champion our cause. The launch is in the planning for later in the year. More soon!

But what about right now?

In our winter issue we spoke of the cost-of-living crisis; I hope many of you have taken advantage of the financial help that we outlined in the factsheet in that issue. But we know the impact runs much deeper than just costs – even as the days get warmer there remains a perfect storm of a healthcare system failing you, costs still rising, and jobs and travel more precarious. We want to better understand how it is impacting you, across the SCI thank you to Claire Martin , who stepped in as interim chair for the past 12 months. Her commitment and support to me personally was amazing. Claire remains a board member but handed over the reins to a long-time SIA supporter and board member, Faisal Hussain , who was elected chair for the next three years from February. community, so please turn to page 50 to see how you can share your cost-of-living story

SIA is the expert, guiding voice for life after spinal cord injury. This is never better represented than by our board members – the majority themselves spinal cord injured – who commit so much of their time and expertise to SIA’s success. In that vein a huge

I am excited to be working with Faisal in this seminal time for the charity. Also, a warm welcome to our three newly elected board members, Samantha Cole, James Wood and Lauren Doherty. You can find out more about them and their lived experiences with spinal cord injury on page 56. Please continue to share your stories, reach out to our support and advocacy teams, and look out for our new strategy being launched soon.

NIK HARTLEY OBE CHIEF EXECUTIVE