Winter 2018 Magazine

All enquiries and applications to our address at:

Spinal Injuries Scotland

Fullarton Court (Unit C)

11 Drumhead Place Glasgow, G32 8EY

Tel: 0800 0132 305

Email: info@sisonline.org

www.sisonline.org

SIS is a company registered in Scotland by guarantee and recognised as a charity.

Scottish Charity No: SC015405. ISSN 2517-2670

Any opinions expressed in the Spinal Life Scotland and Newsline are those of the person writing and not necessarily shared. Articles from Spinal Life Scotland and Newsline are available on disc or in large print on request.

Office Hours:

Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9-5pm. Anyone wishing to speak to any of our staff, please call 0141 427 7686.

Legal and Welfare Advice Services:

If you are concerned about legal or welfare issues, please call the office on 0800 0132 305 and we will put you in touch with our advisors.

Tel. 0800 0132 305

If you need someone to talk to, use the above number for enquiries great and small. If no-one is available then please leave your name and number with your message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Honorary President

HRH The Princess Royal

Patrons

Paul Warwick

Harry Brown

Tracey Brown

Ambassadors

Steven McGhee

Linda Bamford

Claire Byrne

Dr Elizabeth Ferris

Joanna Martin

Emma Douglas

Board of Directors

Sharon Lansdowne

Theresa Fern

Jennifer Allan

Stuart Bowie

Lynn Williams

Kathleen McMonagle

Tricia Ward

Patricia Clay-Mackinnon

In the Office Interim Manager

Kenny McKenna

Peer Support Staff

Laura Torrance

Fundraiser Coordinator (Clober Farm)

Marianne Prentice

Cover Photo: Winter Dinner Dance by Ross Barber

Editorial: Spinal Injuries Scotland and Clear Design (North)

Design: Clear Design (North)

07971 182736

WELCOME TO THE WINTER EDITION OF Life SPINAL SCOTLAND

We hope you have enjoyed the first three editions of Spinal Life Scotland, our new and improved free magazine from Spinal Injuries Scotland.

Our aim is to make this magazine relevant to you and provide you with something more interesting and in touch with the spinal community. The team of writers, editors and designers are ready for the challenge! You are always welcome to let us know what you think about the magazine. Maybe there is something you would like included. Maybe you want more information about an article from Spinal Life. Maybe you just need some advice and don't know where to go. We are here to help and promise to do everything in our power to meet your needs.

This is your magazine, about you and for you. At Spinal Injuries Scotland, we want to provide a quality magazine, free of charge, and offer something for everyone. We will bring you interesting features, real life experiences and all the latest news from the spinal community. We also want your input. Have you been anywhere or done anything that other members might find interesting? If so, get in touch and get involved!

It is important to us to make sure the magazine reflects real spinal life. We will not shy away from subjects that could be challenging. We want to let you know that you are not alone by including real life stories. Spinal Injuries Scotland will always be here if you need to get in touch.

If you are not a member of Spinal Injuries Scotland you waiting for? It’s completely free to join, we will send you this magazine quarterly and you can take advantage of all the other benefits our members enjoy. Just get in touch through the e-mail address or phone number below. You can also join up online at www.sisonline.org.

Please, enjoy your new edition of Spinal Life Scotland

The Editors.

info@sisonline.org

0800 0132 305

16-19

IN THIS ISSUE...

Our Winter Dinner Dance was held in November and was a brilliant night. Check out the photographs and story on pages 16, 17, 18 & 19. If you were unable to join us, maybe you can come along next year, it really is an event not to be missed.

Laura Torrance has made it to The Shaw Trust Power 100 List - read her story opposite on page 3

Carer Lynn Williams talks about her life supporting her husband Derek and the wider challenges facing Scotland’s 750,000 unpaid carers. read her story on page 10.

THE SHAW TRUST POWER 100 LIST: LAURA TORRANCE

NEWS

Laura has been voted onto The Shaw Trust Power 100 List, an annual publication of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK. This list plays a vital role in providing much needed encouragement to the young and talented leaders of tomorrow, allowing them to see that aspiration and ambition can be fulfilled regardless of disability or impairment.

This year over 700 nominations were received for the 100 places, and the finalists were compiled by an independent judging panel who are all active influencers of change within the disability sector. Other finalists on the list include journalist/comedian Alex Brooker and Paralympian Jonnie Peacock.

Laura’s inclusion on this list is unlikely to be a surprise to those who have encountered Laura in the Spinal Unit or while she gives talks on road safety and telling her story.

Laura sustained her spinal injury when she was involved in a car accident when she was 16.

Many readers will know Laura Torrance from Spinal Injuries Scotland Peer Support visits at the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit (QENSIU). She has been a positive presence in the unit since first joining Spinal Injuries Scotland in 2009, initially as a volunteer providing peer support to the recently injured.

In the nearly twenty years since the accident she has used her experience to help others, supporting people adjusting to life-changing spinal injuries and promoting road safety.

Since 2013 Laura has led the Peer Support Team at the QENSIU for Spinal Injuries Scotland. By doubling the number of volunteers she has ensured that Peer Support is available 5 days a week for those who need it, providing knowledge and a friendly ear to the newly injured.

Laura visits the spinal injury clinics across Scotland with the clinical staff from the QENSIU reconnecting with those who have left the spinal unit and letting them know that Spinal injuries Scotland is still available to support them with anything they need. Her empathy and attention to detail have earned huge respect from patients and medical staff.

Through her appearances talking at conferences, schools and in the media, Laura has become the face of Spinal Injuries Scotland. Campaigning for road safety and telling her story to teenagers who are starting driving to encourage road safety.

Laura has insisted on living her life to the full, attending festivals and concerts, travelling and not letting her injury hold her back. It’s no surprise to those who know her that she made it to the Shaw Trust Power 100 List

Returning to paid employment after any level of SCI can be a daunting process. For those who can, this might involve returning to an old job, finding new full time or parttime work and even self-employment.

EMPLOYMENT AFTER A SCI: ALEX’S STORY

Alex, one of our Spinal Injuries Scotland volunteers has been good enough to share his journey with us.

My story starts on a Monday morning in October 2015. I was an HGV driver for over 30 years, delivering containers with a lorry mounted crane. One Monday morning I was attaching chains to the top of the container when I fell approximately 14 feet to the ground. The next thing I remember is talking to a fork- lift driver who saw me slumped over the side of the lorry. A short time later I was attended to by a paramedic, followed by a trip to Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert in the

back of an ambulance. After two CT scans it was discovered that I had three fractured vertebrae at L1, L3,T12 and a fractured rib. I was admitted and placed in an orthopaedic ward where I received 10 stitches for a head wound.

Fortunately, I did not require any spinal surgery. I was however restricted to bed rest for several days until the fitting of my back brace. After 10 days I was discharged with instructions to wear a TLSO brace for a period of three months. The only time I was not required to wear the brace was when I was in bed.

I had two home visits from HSE who required statements regarding the accident. After discussions with them it was apparent that I indeed did have cause for an Industrial injuries claim. I then contacted Chris Stewart, Head of Serious Injury Department at Digby Brown, Glasgow. They advised me throughout the period of my claim, which was successful. It was obvious from the start that I would not be able to return to my previous profession. Unfortunately my experience of DWP benefit claims was atrocious. Having worked since the age of 16 and contributed to the system I found it almost impossible to receive the benefit I was entitled to. Once again I turned to Digby Brown Welfare department where I was given a designated welfare officer to assist me in my benefit claim. This helped me secure certain benefits.

I began volunteering with SIS in June 2016 after seeing a copy of the Spinal Life magazine during a visit to Digby Brown. Whilst volunteering at the Spinal Unit in Glasgow I witnessed first- hand the

difficulties and challenges that wheelchair users and indeed anyone with mobility issues have accessing taxis. I realised there was a niche in the market for someone who cares and understands related difficulties.

This is when I started thinking about setting up my own small business specialising in travel for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. I started off in the usual way, having fliers and business cards printed. I then targeted my customer base in a localised area. My current challenges are building up my customer base. Being back in employment has lifted my self-esteem and mood. Working in a self- employed capacity allows me to work as much or as little as I am able. The first few months after the accident I suffered from depression and low mood. I couldn’t see any way forward. However, with positive thoughts and dogged determination, along with support from family, friends and SIS I managed to get to where I am today. To coin a phrase from a song by Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel ‘Don’t give up’

FOCUSING ON WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY FASHION

Why should a wheelchair user settle for functional and dull clothing? Should we have the choice of looking good and being comfortable at the same time?

Paralympic archer Chloe Ball-Hopkins thinks we should, and decided to do something about it. Chloe has been talking to Spinal Life about her fantastic achievement.

Chloe was at a festival last year when heavy rain left her looking like "you've taken your Gran out of the care home for the day". That experience was the inspiration behind creating a waterproof jumpsuit that was fashionable, practical and suitable for everyone. Wheelchair user or not.

Chloe, a BBC Bristol sports reporter, pitched the idea to online fashion giants ASOS and was shocked by the reply. They were keen to work together and turn her idea into a reality and sell the item on their website.

The bright jumpsuit can be worn as an all-in-one, or thanks to a zip around the waistband, can be easily transformed to create a pair of cuffed ankle trousers and a separate hooded top with a waterproof pocket on the breast. Speaking to the BBC, Chloe pointed out that this was fashion suitable for everyone. "You get the same version whether it's you or I buying it, that’s the point. It’s exactly the same for me as it is for you."

When chatting with Spinal Life, we spoke about the lack of choice available to fashion conscious wheelchair users. I asked Chloe if she thought more companies would start to consider our customer base.

"I think it's already starting to happen. What myself and ASOS did was show you how it can be done in collaboration and we have already seen a number of other companies starting to do this too. It won't happen overnight but it's happening."

Chloe spoke about what she finds most frustrating when shopping on the high street. "I think for me the most frustrating thing with shopping is either physically reaching things in store or finding clothes that are comfortable all day but aren't just joggers and hoodie. I want a good pair of jeans!"

SPINALLIFE

The collaboration with ASOS has been a rare example of a fashion company not just considering the needs of disabled individuals but taking time to work with someone who has first-hand experience. I asked Chloe what the reaction to this collaboration has been like.

"I think the proof is in the pudding with the jumpsuit. There are more than 70 articles about it from all corners of the globe and growing. More importantly, when people saw what I had done on Twitter it started the conversation for other people with disabilities to talk about what they needed."

Chloe makes a very good point, as disabled customers we should be speaking to retailers about the lack of choice and what we would like to see in the shops. As an industry, they seem to be missing out on a huge gap in the market that could be very profitable for those willing to address the matter. Speaking to the BBC, James Taylor from disability charity Scope said that "It's great to see big brands like ASOS tapping into the disabled customer market. Disabled people and their families in the UK have enormous spending power. We hope moves like this will lead the way for other businesses, challenging attitudes towards disability to open fashion up for everyone."

It would be unrealistic to expect a full shop dedicated to high street fashion for wheelchair users, but some choice would be appreciated. Chloe summed up the feelings of many wheelchair users by saying "We don't want to have to look like we are just doing practicality, we still want to be able to look fashionable."

Many thanks to Chloe for taking the time to speak with us and for being a great ambassador for wheelchair users. Hopefully we will see more collaborations and more choice in the near future.

PHOTOGRAPHS © ASOS

A few years ago, Steven decided to tell his story by writing a blog. Now Spinal Life Scotland is happy to share that story with you.

The Whole Truth will continue to feature in future editions of Spinal Life Scotland.

THE WHOLE TRUTH STEVEN’S STORY

Steven is a volunteer with SIS who had an accident 11 years ago leaving him with no movement below his neck and needing a ventilator 24 hours a day. Despite these challenges Steven is an example that no disability should mean an end to fun and enjoying life.

For six weeks after my accident I had been lying flat on my back, staring at the ceiling with no movement other than my eyes. Strangely, I still didn't feel 'disabled'. I was in denial about how much had changed. "Most people lie still in bed anyway, so this isn't THAT different". I wasn't ready to move past that stage. There were some obvious questions like 'how do I get out of bed?', but I didn't want to know. I was scared of the truth. No matter how well I was hiding from the questions, one afternoon in July I was faced with the answers.

My hospital bed was surrounded by the medical team who brought two new pieces of equipment with them. The first was a mobile hoist. It made me think of a claw for grabbing teddies in a fairground machine. The other was an empty wheelchair. It looked cold and cheap, like it should have been tucked away in the corner of a nursing home, not sitting next to my bed. Not waiting for me. It was a horrible moment of realism. There it was, the ‘thing’ that was going to confirm my disability for everyone to see. I hated it already.

You can also follow Steven's story on twitter @choose_living

They explained what was going to happen and asked if I was ready, but like it or not this was happening. I was rolled from side to side, a canvas sling pushed underneath my body and the hoist was wheeled over until it was hanging directly above me.

The sling was hooked on and the claw began to rise, slowly lifting me out of bed. When it stopped rising I was trapped in the air with my legs dangling lifelessly through the bottom of the sling.

For the first time I understood what it was like to feel disabled.

SPINALLIFE

They moved me into position above the wheelchair and started to lower me.

I was surprised when I realised I was sitting in the chair. There had been no sensation of making contact, no awareness of touching down. It was strange experiencing a total lack of connection between my body and my surroundings. I was feeling more disabled by the minute.

This was my first time facing the world from a wheelchair. To be perfectly honest, I can't remember how I felt at the time. I'd like to think I was relieved at the progress I was making but it is more likely I was too scared. I can promise anyone going through something similar that there is no need to be scared. It gets better. Every time gets that little bit easier.

We couldn't move far from ICU but I visited the lounge and saw where my family and friends had spent so much time over the last couple of months. I will never forget the feeling of being pushed down the corridor.

A neck brace held my head rigid and straight, not an inch of give up or down or left and right. My eyes darted from one side to the other trying to take in my surroundings.

I felt like a floating head. I was missing from the neck down.

My body was just a prop for my head to sit on. Almost dreamlike, my head was floating through the corridors.This was my introduction to facing life from a wheelchair and I knew it would take a long time to adapt.

I wish I had been mentally prepared for that first experience as a floating head. There is so much time and money invested in physical rehabilitation, some people need a similar investment to help face their psychological battle. It can be just as important and just as challenging. Over the years I have slowly realised there is always support available but sometimes I need to be strong enough to look for it.

‘‘

For the first time I understood what it was like to feel disabled.

STEVEN (CENTRE) AT THIS YEAR’S WINTER DINNER DANCE

HEROES AND VILLANS CARING FOR A LOVED ONE IN 2018

Lynn Williams supports her husband Derek who has lived with a T2 spinal for over 55 years. Here she talks about their life and the wider challenges facing Scotland’s 750,000 unpaid carers.

Writing about your life caring for a loved one isn’t easy. It’s incredibly difficult to lay bare the struggles you face as a family and to outline how hard the person you love finds life every day. I believe that sharing our experiences of the Social Security system, the NHS and other key services can help politicians and decision makers understand our lives and hopefully help make things easier for our families.

Derek and I have been married for almost 25 years. Whilst I always had a caring role, I would say that the last 10 years or so have meant that he is more dependent on me for everyday support.

Derek has lived with a T2 complete lesion traumatic injury for over 50 years. With this comes a range of complex and sometimes scary conditions: dysreflexia, autonomic neuropathy and unstable blood pressure, poor circulation, severe osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. We only discovered the latter condition after Derek fractured his tibia in a chair to car transfer in 2014. Waiting in A & E for x-ray results, it became clear that my husband was dysreflexic. It took over an hour for someone to bring pain relief despite my frequent requests and explanations about the risks.

When you deal with each challenge, you often don’t truly see how tough things have become. A letter from a Spinal Unit Consultant to support Derek’s DLA to PIP transfer in 2016 brought home the depth of complexity of his daily needs.

When you have a hospital appointment almost very week, surgery and constant GP visits, paid work becomes almost impossible. So, over two years ago I left a well paid job to be at home full time. We lost over half of our income overnight, replaced only by Carers Allowance, then just £62.10 a week. More importantly our income became more dependent on the benefits system. An incredibly stressful DLA to PIP transfer and wider rhetoric about benefits claimants being scroungers affected us both.

Providing unpaid care to someone you love is often portrayed as “heroic”. We are described as wonderful, warm human beings, and politicians are always (apparently) incredibly grateful for what we do. Over 700,000 of us provide some £13bn of care per year – roughly equivalent to the whole NHS budget.

Caring isn’t easy. It can feel like your heart is being ripped in two. It’s about being strong when you barely have the energy to do anything.

Research by Carers UK consistently highlights the negative impact of unpaid care on health and wellbeing. It shows that unpaid carers face poverty, a situation made worse by the lack of financial support at the end of the caring journey and the deeply flawed nature of Carers Allowance.

For the many hundreds of families affected by spinal injury and neurological damage every year, this is the world they face. One which still does not understand the challenges of spinal injury.

In Scotland there is nowhere near enough fully accessible housing and access to adaptations and equipment is becoming more difficult. Social care support is costly; our communities and infrastructure are not wheelchair friendly. Bureaucratic barriers and inflexibility, a benefits system loaded against claimants, inaccessible transport and badly planned services (parking easily at any hospital?) are the villains of the piece.

Yet amongst these battles the lifetime support that families dealing with spinal injury get from the Spinal Unit in Glasgow is an invaluable lifeline. It has supported us in very dark, difficult times. Moreover specialist nurses, our local GP and community nurses in South Glasgow have helped us practically and with respect, dignity and understanding. In the midst of the challenges we face, the heroes are those who have helped us get over the next hurdle or health challenge.

These services are never fully recognised for the outcomes they achieve with families. We need to get better at highlighting the heroes in the harsh world of caring and spinal injury.

BY LYNN WILLIAMS

72% of carers in the UK said they had suffered mental ill health as a result of caring.

ESCIF CONGRESS 2018 PRAGUE

This years ESCIF Congress took place between the 8th and 11th of August in the beautiful city of Prague. There were over 50 participants from 20 European countries. I was privileged to be asked to represent Spinal Injuries Scotland at this event.

The thirteenth annual ESCIF Congress was organised in cooperation with Czech Paraplegic Association - CZEPA The theme was: 'Peer support – A unique resource’.

My dad and I flew out to Prague the day before the Congress from Edinburgh with Ryanair. I pre-booked the car park which was nicely located right outside Arrivals. I made my way to the Disabled Assistance Desk who took my details and told me they would see me at the gate. The Ryanair stewards insisted that I sit at window seat but couldn’t lift me over. Once we arrived in Prague I had to wait for an hour before I was assisted from the plane. ESCIF had arranged for a driver to meet us and take us to the Clarion Congress Hotel where we were staying, also the venue for the congress, in an accessible minibus with plenty of room inside.

As we had arrived a day early we had lots of time to relax after the journey. We checked in to the hotel and went to see if the room was truly accessible. It was. No wheel-in shower, but a tracking hoist to get you into the bath. In my experience not all accessible rooms are like this. However, there was no manual hoist to get me into bed! I contacted reception to see if it had arrived. One wasn’t ordered. I spoke to SIS who confirmed that they had ordered one, but there had been a misunderstanding. There was a hoist but in bathroom, but the bath didn’t look comfy enough to sleep in!

I spoke to Tomas at ESCIF who managed to organise one for me the next day. In the meantime hotel security had to help me get in and out of bed. I would recommend this hotel to anyone travelling to Prague as the rooms are nice and spacious, food was excellent and the staff are very helpful and friendly.

The next day the congress didn’t begin until 2pm, so we decided to go into Prague. I found the wheelchair access excellent from our hotel to the centre of Prague. Not all metro stations are wheelchair accessible but they are well signposted. The city centre is very flat but the cobbled streets make pushing in a wheelchair quite difficult. There’s plenty to see and do and it is a beautiful city.

The Congress began on Wednesday afternoon at 2pm. The ESCIF committee welcomed everyone and there were several speeches from the board. As there wasn’t much time left, there was only one presentation from one organisation.

This was by Lucy Robinson representing Stoke Mandeville Spinal Injuries Unit. Lucy spoke about how their Peer Support workers do Patient Education Service: Their Patient Education Service has three staff members, all peers with Living experience. This was very interesting as patient education in Scotland is run by nurses at the SIU with Peer Support Volunteer giving talks at some of these sessions.

The day finished around 6.30pm, in time for everyone to get ready to meet up for dinner at 8pm. The food was buffet style with lots of choices. I got the opportunity to try foods I had never heard of, such as pike curry, I think I will give it a miss in future!

On Thursday morning there were speeches from three different countries; Holland, Croatia, and Germany. There were lots of similarities between these countries and how they do their Peer Support. All SIU had two paid Peer Support workers and all had at least 2 years living with a SCI before becoming a PS Volunteer.

Continued on page 14

There were speeches from three different countries; Holland, Croatia, and Germany. There were lots of similarities between these countries and how they do their Peer Support...

Continued from page 13

In the afternoon there were another three presentations from Switzerland, Ukraine and another from the Netherlands. This was from Christel van Leeuwen, a researcher in Peer Supporter Role in Adaption.

The presentation from Ukraine showed us how far they have to go. An OT and Physio presented and explained that the Spinal Injuries Unit is only 2 years old and they don’t have a lot of medical supplies or wheelchairs at the moment. After speaking to them I’m looking at having a container sent out with old wheelchairs, cushions, medical supplies in the New Year. Watch this space!

On Thursday night we had a formal dinner which was lovely. Plenty of local wine if you wanted it, and local musicians. I tasted a couple of the wines, but they were not to my liking!

The Congress finished on Friday at lunchtime. It started off on a sad note as we were told that the former President of ESCIF, Mrs Jane Horsewell, had passed away. It was with heavy hearts that the news of Jane´s death reached us. All delegates joined in a silent moment to pay their respect to Jane, ESCIF´s highly respected leader for many years. The day before, during the Annual Assembly the delegates had bestowed Jane the first Honorary Membership within ESCIF.

There were three further speeches by Greece, Finland and England. As with all other countries there were similarities.

Gunilla then invited everyone to her home city Gothenburg, Sweden for next years Congress: Empowerment… Knowledge is Power ESCIF Congress, Gothenburg 27-29 MAY 2019.

The England presentation was from Charlotte Fraser Back-Up Trusts Head of Peer Mentoring They now have 80 trained SCI mentors who complete a two day training course. They have three training days per year with roughly 10-12 mentors trained each time. They also run separate courses for Incomplete SCI and Walkers. The day was finished by a speech from Vice President Gunilla Ahren from Sweden. Gunilla was talking about the Ambassador Program where she would like everyone to form closer contacts amongst member countries. More info and presentations are available on www.escifcongress.org.

Gunilla then invited everyone to her home city Gothenburg, Sweden for next years Congress: Empowerment... Knowledge is Power ESCIF Congress. Gothenburg, 27-29 MAY 2019.

After lunch some left for home and about 30 of us went on a sightseeing boat trip. This was a great way to see some of the city and an excellent way to spend the afternoon.

I had an amazing 5 days representing SIS and meeting other SCI people from different countries. It was certainly an eye opener to find out that we still have a long way to catch up with some countries when it comes to Peer Support, but with the right support we can strive to make sure those in the Spinal Unit in Glasgow received the best Peer Support we can offer.

BY KEVIN MACKIN

Clober Farm

Accessible self-catering accommodation

Fully accessible living accommodation and accessible garden with patio area and raised beds, designed with the wheelchair user in mind. Close to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Open all year.

Please get in touch with Spinal Injuries Scotland on 0800 0132 305 Twitter@cloberfarmSIS. Email: info@sisonline.org www.sisonline.org

•Level access throughout

•Sleeps 6

•Master bedroom with Liko 200 ceiling tracking hoist, height adjustable profiling bed and Invacare pressure relief air mattress, plus single bed

•Ensuite wetroom with shower chairs provided and righthand transfer accessible toilet

•One double room and one twin room

•Family bathroom with over bath shower, height adjustable sink and accessible left-hand transfer toilet

•Combined kitchen/living area with patio doors leading onto a patio area and landscaped wheelchair accessible garden

•Wi-Fi internet access

•Private accessible parking, 2 spaces

•Fully accessible kitchen with low level fridge, freezer, microwave & oven. Adjustable height worktop with induction hob and sink

•Utility room with washing machine, dishwasher and clothes airer

•Assistance dogs welcome

•Pets welcome

•Non smoking

WINTER DINNER DANCE 2018

The

16th Digby Brown Winter Dinner Dance for Spinal Injuries

Scotland took place on Friday 2nd November at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels Glasgow Central. This prestigious event was attended by over 540 guests and raised an outstanding £80,000 the highest amount since the event began. Spinal Injuries

Scotland’s relationship with Digby Brown has been ongoing for a long time, and this event is an important one in both of our diaries.

NATHAN MACQUEEN, ANDY RICHARDSON, ANDY NISBETT AND GUESTS

Radio DJ Des Clarke was back compering this year in his usual inimitable style after taking a break last year. He got the night off to an excellent start introducing the forensic mind reader Colin Cloud Colin amazed the audience with his mind reading ability and accurate predictions.

Former Peer Support volunteer and Paralympic archer Nathan MacQueen, who sustained a spinal injury in a motorbike crash, gave an emotional speech highlighting the great work done by Spinal Injuries Scotland.

The entertainment didn’t stop there, with Des Clarke hosting a series of games that included family classics ‘Play Your Cards Right’,‘Family Fortunes’ and ‘The Generation Game’ which had audience members up on the stage remembering several objects that were walked over by volunteers.

A live rendition of U2’s ‘Beautiful Day’ was performed by members of Spinal Injuries Scotland, organisers and guests from the evening, with a video that featured the performers and those who couldn’t make it on the night.

FEATURE

‘‘ Paralympic archer Nathan MacQueen gave an emotional speech highlighting the great work done by Spinal Injuries Scotland.

Our auction and tombola are a regular feature of the Winter Dinner Dance, and we once again had donations of some fantastic prizes. These included a diamond drop pendant from our patrons Harry and Tracey Brown of Chisholm Hunter, who gratefully support us every year. The hospitality at Ayr Raceday for 6 also went down a storm. This year the silent auction raised over £11,000 and we are thankful to everyone who donated and bid on prizes. Special thanks must go to Lyndsey Gardiner and Sam Whyte who kept these events running smoothly.

The most talked about prize of the night was the car which could be won in the raffle, courtesy of Digby Brown The lucky winner was delighted to receive such a significant prize!

Our Ambassador for Spinal Injuries

Scotland Joanna Martin once more gave words of thanks to all our guests for coming and supporting our event every year. Joanna also mentioned that we are looking for Board Trustees. So if you are interested please get in touch with the Spinal Injuries Scotland office.

Chris Stewart, Partner and Head of Serious Injury at Digby Brown, gave thanks and said: “It’s nothing short of humbling to witness the generosity of those who attend every year, but to then realise they’ve helped raise the highest amount ever at £80,400 is just astonishing.

“Every day we see first-hand the devastating impact a spinal cord injury can have and we know from speaking to our clients how grateful they are for the support offered by SIS.

“Spinal Injuries Scotland matters to hundreds across the nation and that’s why we’ve continued to work passionately alongside them for more than 20 years.

“Thank you to everyone who attended on the night, to Des Clarke for his energetic hosting and to everyone behind the scenes who made the night possible.”

On behalf of everyone at Spinal injuries Scotland we would like to give special thanks to Chris Stewart, Susan Lawrie and Craig Semple for their support and outstanding effort they put into making the Winter Dinner Dance a resounding success every year. We also want to thank our committed volunteers, sponsors, fundraisers, office staff and the clinical team in the QUENSIU. We could not do what we do without your generous support.

THE RAFFLE PRIZE CAR WINNER ABOVE RIGHT. AND THE CAR (BELOW)

‘‘

Joanna Martin, Ambassador for Spinal Injuries

Scotland, thanked our guests for coming and supporting our event every year.

JOANNA MARTIN

STEVEN McGHEE AND GUESTS (BELOW RIGHT)

(ABOVE) ALEX FINDLAY AND FAMILY

AUCTION AND TOMBOLA ((LEFT)

MAUREEN MORRISON AND GUESTS

WELFARE RIGHTS

CARERS ALLOWANCE

WHAT IS CARER’S ALLOWANCE?

Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for carers. It is paid at £64.60 a week (2018/19 rate). You do not have to have paid National Insurance contributions to qualify for Carer’s Allowance. It is not a means tested benefit but there is a limit on how much you can earn and still be entitled to claim Carers Allowance.

Contributions-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment Support Allowance, remain unaffected by UC although are now called ‘New style JSA or ESA’.

Carer’s Allowance is taxable. However, carers will only have to pay tax if they have other sources of taxable income such as an occupational pension or earnings.

Carer’s Allowance on its own is below the threshold for paying tax.

WHO CAN CLAIM CARER’S ALLOWANCE?

You may be eligible to claim if you meet all the following conditions:

•You look after someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit such as Disability Living Allowance (middle or high rate), Personal Independence Payment (Daily Living component), Attendance Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance

•You look after that person for at least 35 hours a week.

•You are aged 16 or over.

•You are not in full-time education.

•You earn £120 a week (after deductions) or less.

•You satisfy UK residence and presence conditions. If you meet the above conditions but already receive certain earnings replacement benefits (including State Retirement Pension), then the amount of Carer’s Allowance you are entitled to will be affected.

HOW DO I MAKE A CLAIM?

You claim Carer’s Allowance by applying to the Carer’s Allowance Unit of the Department of Work and Pensions

•Visit www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-toclaim if you want to apply online or download a claim form.

•Call the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 to request a claim pack

EFFECT OF CARER’S ALLOWANCE ON OTHER BENEFITS

Entitlement to Carer’s Allowance allows you to get an extra amount, called 'Carer's Premium, Addition or Element', if you qualify for certain means tested benefits. When you claim Carer’s Allowance, the person you care for will stop getting a ‘severe disability premium’ paid with their means tested benefits.

If the carer is receiving a ‘severe disability premium’ within their own means tested benefits then it would be best to seek advice from a welfare rights adviser before claiming Carer’s Allowance as this could trigger a claim to Universal Credit where the rates of benefit are less favourable.

CARERS IN SCOTLAND - CARER'S ALLOWANCE SUPPLEMENT (CAS)

Carer's Allowance Supplement is an extra payment to help carers in Scotland who get Carer's Allowance

Carer's Allowance Supplement will be paid as two payments of £221 (£442 in total per year) and the payment dates will be set by the Scottish Government. The first payment date was mid-September 2018. There is no need to apply for Carer's Allowance Supplement. You will get this automatically if you get Carer's Allowance and live in Scotland. You don't need to contact the DWP or Social Security Scotland to get this payment.

Please note: If you only have an 'underlying entitlement' to Carer's Allowance you won't qualify for Carer's Allowance Supplement.

EFFECT OF CARER'S ALLOWANCE SUPPLEMENT (CAS) ON OTHER BENEFITS

You will continue to get the same rate of Carer's Allowance from the DWP at the same time as you do now - CAS is a top up to your Carer’s Allowance CAS will not be taken into account when you are assessed for other benefits. You don't need to tell the DWP about this payment. There will be no extra Christmas Bonus paid for Carer's Allowance Supplement.

Further information on Carer’s Allowance can be found at www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

Further information on CAS can be found at www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/news/extrafinancial-support-for-carers

Jacqueline Lange Welfare Rights Adviser Digby Brown Solicitors.

CO-OP LOCAL COMMUNITY FUND

The Co-op Local Community Fund helps to support local projects that their members care about. Since its launch in 2017, Co-op members have raised £39 million pounds for over 12,000 local causes. We’re delighted that Spinal Injuries Scotland will now be able to access this funding opportunity.

HOW THE FUND WORKS

Every time you shop at the Co-op using your Co-op membership card, 1% of what you spend on Co-op branded products and services helps fund community projects such as Spinal injuries Scotland. Members can shop at any Co-op Group stores across the UK to raise money for patient social nights.

Members can choose which cause to support by signing into their membership account or by calling the membership helpline on 0800 023 4708. Spinal Injuries Scotland cause will be available for members to select until November 2019.

CHRISTMAS TREE

PENGUINS

TRUSTEES

Spinal Injuries Scotland are looking for individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide our organisation as it moves forward into what we see as a new and exciting phase. We are looking to recruit enthusiastic and dynamic individuals with experience of operations, fundraising, volunteer support, HR, marketing, communications and/or finance to our Board of Trustees. Applicants will have the experience and skills to ensure that the charity continues to develop and provide high quality long term services. As a Trustee, you will be requiredto contribute to the governance of the organisation including attendance at regular board meetings and the AGM.

The Board will meet approximately every 6 weeks.

Spinal Injuries Scotland are particularly keen to receive applications from individuals with personal experience of, or connection to spinal cord injury, but it’s not an essential requirement. A full induction will be given.

If you are interested in joining or would like more information please contact the office on info@sisonline.org or 0141 427 7686.

‘‘ If you are interested in joining or would like more information please contact the office on info@sisonline.org or 0141 427 7686

Thanks to all of you who have been hard at work fundraising for our charity. We are always so delighted to hear your stories, so please keep up the good work. Your efforts are hugely appreciated.

THANK YOU

POLLOCK

Donated £500.

ARDNAMURCHAN HIGH SCHOOL

Donated £642.50.

Donated £150.

DRUMMOND MILLER LLP

Lynda Eastcroft held a Halloween Fundraiser, raising £650 for SIS.

A big thank you to Beverely Harrison,who donated £600.

DRUMMOND MILLER LLP

Donated £37.

Donated £200.

THE SOCIETY OF DEACONS AND FREE PRESESES OF GLASGOW

Donated £2000.

KATE

Asked their friends to donate to SIS social nights instead of presents for their Golden Wedding anniversary have raised £785.

LYNDA EASTCROFT

BEVERLEY HARRISON

AND ROBERT WILSON

GALBRAITHAND

SUSAN O-BRIAN QC

The 16th Digby Brown Winter Dinner Dance for Spinal Injuries

Scotland was a huge success, raising over £80,400 for SIS. We’d like to thank all those who attended and donated.

THANK YOU

TABLE HOSTS

Alba Psychology

Alex Quinn and Partners Ltd

Ampersand

Anne Cossar and Associates Ltd

ARAG plc

Arnot Manderson

Brian Castle - Digby Brown

Brian Fitzpatrick

Bullen Healthcare

Capital FM

Case Management Services Ltd

Cochran Dickie

TITLE SPONSOR

Digby Brown Solicitors

WINE SPONSOR

Digby Brown

Cochrane Dickie

DRINKS RECEPTION SPONSOR

DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central

GOLDEN TICKET SPONSOR

Ampersand Advocates

GRAND AUCTION ITEM

Chisholm Hunter

Community Integrated Care

Compass Chambers

David Wilson - Digby Brown

Dawn McCafferty - Digby Brown

DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central

Elite Care (Scotland) Ltd

Fraser Simpson - Digby Brown

Gordon Dalyell - Digby Brown

Iona Innes

Jacqueline Webb and Co

Joanna Martin

Kathleen McMonagle

Lane Media

Laroque Software Ltd

Liam Dorris

Lisa Henderson

Maureen Morrison

Peter Davies Employment Consultants

Proud Motion

Provista

Resolve Medicolegal

Ricoh

Robert Kernaghan

Steven Mcghee

Strange, Strange and Gardner

STV

Sue Grant - Digby Brown

Tilney

Wheelchair Travel Solutions

DONATIONS

A G Barr

Ampersand Chambers

Anderson Maguire Funeral Directors

Andy Bell

Ardlui Hotel

Ayr Racecourse

Bauer Media

Bullen Healthcare

Bullet Express

Chisholm Hunter

Craig Semple - Digby Brown

Creative Florist

Crieff Hyrdo

Denise Fleming

DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport

DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central Document Exchange (DX)

ecoinstallsscotland

Edrington

Glasgow Science Centre

Glengoyne Distillery

Grand Central Hotel

Hamilton Football Club

JD Candy Cart & Events

Kenny Milne, Barr Printers

Lane Agency

Langstanes

Manchester United

Mharsanta

Max McFarlane

McEwan Fraser Legal

Peter Vardy

S & S Argento Glasgow

Scottish Chamber Orchestra

SDadventures.co.uk

Sleepover Squad Glasgow

Sliced Bread

Speirs Gumley

Spotless

St. Mirren Football Club

Tammie Kirkpatrick-Brown

Tennent's Tilney

Tunnock's

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh

- The Caledonian

West Brewery

William Torrance

HOLIDAY CLASSIFIEDS

FROM SIA’S FORWARD MAGAZINE

HOLIDAY TRANSPORT NEW ZEALAND

VEHICLE HIRE, NEW ZEALAND

Explore New Zealand using our hire vehicles: wheelchair vans and cars, hand control and left foot accelerator cars. We are known for our friendliness and service. Happy to advise on accessible accommodation and activities. Seewww.freedommobility.co.nz

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION FRANCE

LANGUEDOC, SOUTH OF FRANCE

A spacious, open-plan villa with an accessible swimming pool that’s designed and owned by a T3 para. Lift to first-floor master bedroom with balcony and ensuite; hydrospa bath and a ‘loo with a view’. Downstairs; two bedrooms and a sofa bed, so can sleep 8 max; wheel-in wet room; fully accessible kitchen and BBQ area. Large garage and covered terrace with great views of the High Languedoc National Park. Easy 5-minute push across the river Orb to the boulangeries, bars and restaurants in a lively, family-friendly village. www.frenchliberty.co.uk.

Contact Chris Dabbs on:01604-495435or07785-338497.

Email: frenchlibertyuk@gmail.com

COLLIOURE, SOUTH OF FRANCE

Ground-floor, two bedroom apartment, sleeps four/six. Level access throughout. Designed specifically for people with spinal cord injury. Ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, full heating. Height-adjustable beds, pressure-relieving mattresses. Separate upstairs apartment available for family or friends. www.origincare.co.uk click on L’Origine or call Nathalie on 00 33 632 56 61 75.

BRITTANY, FRANCE

Spacious wheelchair accessible holiday accommodation close to the North Brittany coast. Sleeps up to 8 people with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Accessible ground floor double bedroom with large ensuite wheel-in shower room. Profiling bed, hoist and shower chair can be provided on demand. Another bathroom, and two further bedrooms upstairs. Situated in tranquil countryside, 20 mins drive to beautiful beaches. Within easy reach of ferry ports. Pets welcome. For details contact Clara and Martin Cronin on +33 296 47 17 86.

Email: info@gites-en-tregor.com. www.gites-en-tregor.com

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION SPAIN

ALCOSSEBRE, SPAIN

Superior, front line two bedroom apartment with ensuite level access shower. Modern low rise complex, beautifully kept gardens, swimming pools. Large terrace overlooking beach. Wheelchair accessible throughout. Level access to bars and restaurants. Secure parking. Email: tedbid@aol.com. Tel 07770 567 132.

COSTA BLANCA, JAVEA, SPAIN

Spacious, fully-equipped, luxury, five-bedroom villa, sleeps 10. Three bathrooms (two ensuite, one with roll-in shower). Flat plot, fully accessible gardens. 12m x 6m pool with hoist. Sky TV. 2.5km to beach. Vehicle required. Contact John Kenny 07721 336 747. Email: enquiries@casadefloresspain.co.uk. www.casadefloresspain.co.uk

COSTA BLANCA, TORREVIEJA, SPAIN

Established, detached family villa with lovely gardens in sunny Torrevieja on the Spanish Costa Blanca. Huge wheel-in swimming pool. Custom built for C5 owner. Close to beach and all amenities. Airport 20-mins. Converted vehicle also available to hire. For details call 01262 676 015.

www.disabledvilla.com

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

PORTUGAL

ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

Your home from home in the sun including accessible transport and airport transfers. Owned by C4 tetraplegic, 20-minutes from Faro airport with stunning views and privacy. Three twin bedrooms, two with wheel-in showers. Pool with hoist heated to 25ºC. Inclusive accessible vans & airport transfers, electric up and down bed, electric indoor hoist, shower/commode chairs etc. Not to be missed. See full details on our comprehensive website. Tel: 00351 289 414 687.

Email: sia@ouricodomar.com. www.ouricodomar.com

ALAMANCIL, ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

Outstanding, fully-accessible luxury private villa set in beautiful countryside. Three bedrooms, all ensuite with wheel-in showers. Private pool with hoist. Comfortable lounge/dining rooms and well-equipped kitchen. All you could wish for in a holiday home and so much more! To contact us call 01530 833 690 or www.villas-algarve.co.uk

ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

Luz do Sol 4 bedroom villa with pool enjoys panoramic sea views, peaceful location Sleeps 7 spacious and light. Complimentary accessible car, pool lift, hoist, shower trolley, shower/commode chair, massage table, airport transfers. Fantastic family holiday villa. www.algarve-vacations.com. Email: info@algarve-vacations.com or call 00 351 919 032 377.

HOLIDAY TRANSPORT CYPRUS

POLIS, CYPRUS

Three-bed accessible villa Private pool with electric pool hoist, wide steps and handrails. Ramp access throughout the villa and grounds. Walking/pushing distance from shops, village and beach (with sea trac chair available in the summer season - see website). Wheel-in wet room with wall mounted shower seat and self-propelling shower chair available. Accessible hob and sink in kitchen. Child friendly. Owned and designed by an SCI person. Email: timilyvilla@outlook.com. www.timilyvilla.co.uk

VILLA CARPE DIEM, MARONI, CYPRUS

Consistently rated five stars, spacious, accessible private villa, pool and hoist. Wheelchair accessible vehicle. Shaded verandah, breathtaking sea and countryside views. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Accessible suite–wheel-in wetroom, hoist, shower chair. Theraposture profiling or Baltic beds, ceilinghoist. Raise recline chair. Assistance available. Access statement. Child friendly. Designed with SCI person. www.villacarpediem.co.uk. Phone Andy 00357 99968418 Email: office@villacarpediem.co.uk

HOLIDAY CLASSIFIEDS

FROM SIA’S FORWARD MAGAZINE

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION AMERICA

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Paraplegic owned 5 bed/4 bath villa with fantastic lake views. Our villa has open plan living areas and level access throughout. We have a wheel-in-shower & shower chair, a x-large pool & Jacuzzi, both accessible using our pool hoist. Free Wi-Fi and a short drive to attractions and local amenities. www.ayersfloridavillas.com.

Email: lucy@ayersfloridavillas.com

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION SCOTLAND

CLOBER FARM, MILNGAVIE, GLASGOW

Fully accessible self-catering apartment & landscaped garden. Clober Farm is situated 45 mins from Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park and only 7 miles from Glasgow. Master bedroom with Liko 200 ceiling tracking hoist, height adjustable profiling bed and Invacare pressure relief mattress. En suite wetroom. Sleeps 6. Pets welcome. Open all year. For more information and to book: Tel: 0141 427 7686.

Email: info@sisonline.org. www.cloberfarm.co.uk.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION ENGLAND

HEREFORD HOLIDAY COTTAGES

Fully accessible self-catering accommodation in rural location. Sleeps 2/6 or 8. Spacious wet room. Ideal for family get togethers or exploring Hereford and the Welsh borders. Open all year. www.durstonefarm.co.uk or ring Sarah 07890 921 686.

TODSWORTHY FARM HOLIDAYS, CORNWALL

Luxury and spacious barn conversions on a family run working farm. Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the picturesque Tamar Valley. Owned by a C6/7 tetra both self-catering cottages are superbly adapted for wheelchair users and their families. Both cottages sleep 6 and have a level access bedroom with a spacious ensuite wetroom. Shower chair, hoist and profiling bed can be provided. Both cottages are pet and family friendly. Perfect location for touring Devon and Cornwall. Open all year. Tel: 01822 834 744 www.todsworthyfarmholidays.co.uk

RATCLIFFE DISABLED HOLIDAYS

C5 quadriplegic owner. Overhead electric hoists. Electric hi-lo beds. Wheel-in showers. House flats sleep six-10. Open all year. Heysham on Morecambe Bay. Superb sea and mountain view. Access to five-mile promenade. Caravans on Haven Parks in Southern Lake District and at Filey near Scarborough. www.theukweb.com/disabled holidays or phone for more information Allan or Jan 01274 588 142.

TREWORGANS FARM HOLIDAYS, MID CORNWALL

Specially converted cottages (sleep 4 & 6) that are fully wheelchair accessible. FREE use of 4-section electric profiling beds, air mattresses, electric hoists, shower chairs and rise/recline chairs as well as numerous other mobility aids. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities – each property has one level-access wet room. Adapted kitchens. Accessible decked patio areas. Detached. Ample parking areas. Care available from local agency. Exposed beams, wood burner. Ideal location for exploring the whole county. Tel: 01726 883240 or 07762 173860. www.treworgansfarm.co.uk

POOLE, DORSET

Hill Lodge. Owned by C5/6 Tetra. Holiday let in beautiful rural location just 10mins from Poole Harbour. Three double ensuite bedrooms. Sleeps up to 6 people. The accessible room is on the ground floor with ensuite wet room. Shower chair provided. Electric height-adjusted and profiling bed. Accessible kitchen with wheel-under hob and sink. Free WI-FI. Level access and exclusive use of gardens. Further equipment provided on request. View at www.endeavour-uk.co.uk. Contact Becky becky@endeavour-uk.co.uk. Tel: 01202 630 075.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION WALES

TOWYN, NORTH WALES

Brand New 2018 Willerby, Richmond fully disabled caravan, sleeps maximum of 5 with full wet room including fold down shower seat, hand rails and fold down rail next to the toilet. Wide sliding doors with ramp access and low kitchen worktops and cooker, equipped with banana transfer board, reach grabber and portable helper frame. For prices and availability, pictures and Golden Gate’s facilities. Contact: Email: sbgoldengate@outlook.com

Tel: 07858044721

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sbgoldengatetowyn

GLAN Y GORS COTTAGE SNOWDONIA.

Fully accessible, self-catering cottage in beautiful rural location, with open views of Snowdon and surrounding mountains. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large kitchen/diner, lounge with log fire. Ground floor bedroom and shower room. Hospital bed and mobile hoist available. Sleeps 10 (12 with sofa bed), reduced rates for smaller groups. See website for details: www.wilsons-holidays.co.uk. Email: info@wilsons-holidays.co.uk. Tel: 01286 870 261.