St Francis Ward's 10Th Anniversary

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OctOber 2014 ISSUE 123

40 year s of reb uild ing liv es a jury fter spinal cord in

St Francis Ward’s 10 th Anniversary see page 26

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Contents OctOber 2014 ISSUE 123 forward message forward thinking Mailbox you write to us 4 At this year’s AGM, my tenure as Q&A your questions answered by our experts 5 SIA Chair will come to an end. It has been an exhilarating three years. In the news During my time as Chair, SIA From SIA obituary l Meet new sia staff l tribute to retiring trustees 6 has progressed a great deal, Vocational Clinics update 9 despite a difficult economic outreach services support 10 climate. SIA now supports more sia healthcare 11 Public Affairs Funding home adaptations 12 people affected by SCI than ever Fundraising teamsia cycling sportive l national raffle 2014 14 before. Our service development sia partners with network rail for Vocational support service 16 has meant we now educate, advise and campaign on behalf of all Anniversary section people affected by SCI. ruby corporate Partners iCCM 18 Since SIA was formed our What’s happening? 19 commitment has been to ensure SIA’s 40th AGM information and registration form 20 SCI people are valued, have an ruby corporate Partners JMw 21 equal role to play and an equal travis single release for sia l 40th anniversary house of Lords lunch 22 right to be heard. I will continue to support SIA as an SIA Trustee Features and I will ensure that we remain ScI research 23 true to that message in the St Francis Ward celebrates 10th Anniversary 26 future. Outstanding team Award winners 28 I am grateful for having had the opportunity to be SIA Chair Special section and would like to thank all the SIA HOMe ADAPtAtIONS staff for their hard work. Thank you Accessible living Checklist of considerations when planning adaptations 30 also to the SIA Trustees who give Planning regulations and legalities 31 their time freely. I have enjoyed tailored kitchen designs adam thomas 32 Accessible bathrooms ed warner 34 working with all of you and I wish Finding the right location Dan Burden 35 Michelle Howard, the incoming My very own grand design Jamie rhind 36 Chair, every success in the role Getting around your home Domestic lift options 37 she will take up after the AGM. From the ground up tony stephenson 38 The AGM, taking place on bungalow adaptations ian hosking 41 16 October 2014, is set to be a clober Farm spinal injuries scotland 42 memorable day with the attendance Garden adaptations Jackie Bailey 43 of SIA’s Patron, HRH The Princess Royal. I am delighted that many forward matters of you have already committed Ageing Looking after your skin 46 to attend and I hope to see you Motor racing season update from aaron Morgan 49 there. best foot forward andy healey’s wild west adventure 50 classified adverts Vehicles, equipment, holidays and bargains 51 Jonathan Fogerty C5/6, SIA Chair christmas card order form Buy early and support sia 54

forward is available to download Find out more about us at www.spinal.co.uk from the member profile area the views expressed in forward are not necessarily those of the spinal injuries association. nor is sia on the sia website. responsible for the use which might be made of the information provided. sia does not endorse any commercial organisations and acceptance of commercial advertising or sponsorship, or editorial c Copyright 2014 spinal injuries association reference, should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the firms or products involved. As an emergency patient, I was it was up to me to say how I needed Mailbox taken to Milton Keynes as it was to be treated. I was admitted as an the nearest hospital to me. emergency, and wasn’t well enough The doctors in the A&E department to think that it probably wasn’t a were brilliant at diagnosing and good idea to be lying on a hard trolley treating my biliary sepsis, but once for hours. I was eventually put on I was stabilised and moved onto a a pressure-relieving mattress, but What’s ward things were not so good. The I couldn’t turn myself on it. The bed staff were not allowed to do manual was extremely hard and uncomfortable happened to evacuations; the reason being that the on my shoulders. I am sure that the procedure is too invasive, however, mattress wasn’t adjusted right. I the provision they were able to put a gastric tube mentioned this to various doctors, up my nostril and into my stomach, nurses and healthcare assistants, of care in our and insert a cannula into both arms! who all fiddled with the adjustments I asked if I could be transferred to but never got it quite right. No one ScI centres? the NSIC and even phoned the centre knew how to operate it. When I asked In 1971 I was involved in a road myself, to be told there were no beds if I could be put on a normal mattress, traffic accident and became spinal available. I was also told that if I was I was refused. cord injured. I was admitted to the to find myself in a general hospital Why are we not able to access National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC) SCI Centres when we need to? When at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, and I was first paralysed I was assured that since then I have always been treated the NSIC would always be there for there. I gave birth to my son at the me. So what happened to Sir Ludwig Royal Bucks in Aylesbury so that the Guttmann’s dream of health and spinal consultants were nearby and longevity for people who become I went to the NSIC for a urostomy paralysed? It is because of Poppa operation and a hysterectomy. Guttmann that our generation of I have always taken pride in the SCI people are living longer and fact that I have been disciplined in my into old age. Please let his good own care. For example, I check my skin work continue, after all, he was in a mirror every day (the NSIC way!) for one of the most forward thinking any unwelcome marks and if I were to people of the 20th century. see any, I’d lay off the area for a short Without the specialist nursing that while to prevent further inconveniences. the SCI Centres can give, it is worrying In 43 years of being a paraplegic I had to think what will happen in the future. never had a pressure sore. Annette Holcroft T6 Unfortunately, I recently came home SIA Member from Milton Keynes General Hospital with a pressure sore. I had to spend two The views and opinions expressed in forward are not necessarily those of weeks in bed and quite a few more being the spinal injuries association. we reserve the right to edit letters sent for publication. extremely careful not to sit for too long. the deadline for receiving contributions for the December issue is 3 november 2014.

editorial & Advertising Breda Duggan l tel 0845 678 6633 ext 217 l email [email protected] Next copy date3 november 2014 l Published byspinal injuries association, sia house, 2 trueman place, oldbrook, Milton KeynesMK6 2hh Fax 0845 070 6911 l email [email protected] l Freephone advice Line 0800 980 0501 Mon-Fri 9.30am to 4.30pm text messaging text sia and your enquiry to 81025 messages will be charged at your standard network rate registered Charity no 1054097 l chief executive Oﬃcer paul smith l Design & print tu ink www.tuink.co.uk

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4 l forward thinking l MAILbOx October 2014 Q&A

Where can I find Q information on accessible properties to rent? there are a few websites A that have been set up to provide you with the details of accessible properties to buy or rent, throughout the uK. here are a few: Accessible Property Register: www.accessible-property.org.uk Habinteg: www.habinteg.org.uk Little House Company: www.thelittlehousecompany.com

I recently attended SIA’s Q Choosing Your Wheelchair training course, which was excellent. Are there any housing training courses penalty of £50, on benefit claimants back to me about increasing my planned for the future? who have been overpaid a benefit. payments to cover this cost. What yes, there are housing training the overpayment of benefit must should I do next? A courses scheduled for october have been caused by a person either: and november 2014, and February and a negligently making incorrect the council has a duty to make March 2015. they will be held in various statements and failing to take A sure that your direct payment sCi Centres. For more information visit reasonable steps to correct the error, covers the cost of all your needs that www.spinal.co.uk/page/housing or they have agreed to meet in your to book a place fill in the online b failing, without reasonable excuse, assessment and your support plan. booking form, or call sandra white to provide information or to disclose if you can budget the money you on 0845 678 6633 ext 245. changes in their circumstances. already receive to cover the statutory For further information visit sick pay and the cost of extra care you The lease on my Motability car is www.cpag.org.uk or call ray Cross need, then what they are already paying Q coming to an end and I would like on the Freephone advice Line: is enough to cover the costs, and they to go for a completely diﬀerent model 0800 980 0501. have carried out their duty. next time. Is there a resource where I can if you’re not able to cover these costs find the dimensions of the car I want? My wife is my carer but the with the existing money, the council has you can search for the car you’re Q day might come when I need a duty to increase the payment in order A looking for on www.motability.co.uk additional support. How do I find to cover the actual costs of continuing using the car search facility. you will be a carer with SCI knowledge? to meet your needs as agreed in the able to view a photo of the vehicle with this is a common question. assessment and care plan. specifications. scroll down and click on A the advice Line has a list of care Contact your Direct payments ‘accessibility details’ to find all the agencies (most have been recommended support service as they will be able dimensions you need, from boot length by members), who have knowledge of to give you more advice on this issue. to seat height. sCi. For more information or a copy of the list please call the Freephone advice Line. Could you tell me about the For more information on any Q civil penalty that can be incurred I receive direct payments and a of the topics in this section, regarding benefit payments? Q personal budget. My main carer please call the SIA Advice Line since october 2012 the is on sick leave and I have to pay her on Freephone 0800 980 0501 A Department for work and pensions statutory sick pay, which I’m unable The Advice Line is sponsored by (Dwp) and local councils have had the to claim back from HMRC as of April Fentons, part of Slater & Gordon power to impose a fixed-rate civil 2014. My social worker is not getting www.spinal.co.uk Q&A l forward thinking l 5 OBITUARY Tribute to Allison Stirling John Borthwick & 1959-2014 John van Dongen

Jonathan with Allie (far right) At the 2014 SIA AGM, two long-standing Trustees will retire.

John Borthwick has lived with an that led to the mobility component SCI for over 45 years. John became a of DLA and the development of the member of SIA during the organisation’s Motability scheme. John has been first week and became a Trustee in an SIA Trustee since 1999. 1981. Apart from a couple of short Both Johns have demonstrated breaks, John has served as a Trustee a huge commitment to SIA in their throughout that time. He has served time as Trustees. Thank you to both as SIA Chair on two occasions and of you. Your knowledge of SIA and as Vice-Chair on four. your experience will be missed and John van Dongen sustained an SCI you retire from the Governing in childhood and went on to work for Council with the very best wishes over 30 years in computing. With SIA, from all of us at SIA. It was with regret for me to learn John’s interest is in mobility issues, Jonathan Fogerty C5/6 recently of the passing away of and he was a leader in the campaign SIA Chair Allison Stirling (Allie). Many SIA members will have come across Allie as she worked at both Sheffield and Southport SCI Pleased to meet you Centres during her career as a Senior Physiotherapist in SCI. I met Allie on my first day at Southport SCI Centre in Charlie Hart 1988. She was an inspirational physiotherapist and I was so very Peer Support Officer (London North) lucky to be treated by her. Allie was tough and uncompromising Having graduated from Oxford Brookes in 2011, I started but that is exactly how she taught my working life as a special needs teacher. I loved it – the true meaning of independence spending time with little people both made me laugh a to those she treated. Allie was hundred times a day and kept my ego in check when they also instrumental in developing constantly passed judgement on my wardrobe choices. Quadball (now known as The moment one of them, at the age of five, told off a stranger for staring at my Wheelchair Rugby) as a recognised wheelchair was the moment I truly felt being spinal cord injured, though at times sport for tetraplegics. difficult and frustrating, needn’t mean my life had to be drastically different to Allie later took up a position anyone else’s. as a Senior Physiotherapist at the I volunteered at the same time, helping to arrange and run activity days for Sheffield SCI Centre, where she children and adolescents with an SCI. A huge part of both of these previous roles developed expertise in pressure was using my initiative to ‘remove barriers’ from the lives of the children and monitoring and wheelchairs, families I worked with – through giving extra learning support where it was which was second-to-none. needed etc and encouraging everyone to try their best and not to be dispirited Allie dedicated her life to if something was hard the first time! supporting those with an SCI I am very much looking forward to using my experience and passion for and I for one will never forget making the most out of life to support others with an SCI. SIA is committed and her. She will be missed by supportive and I can’t wait make a positive contribution to the Peer Support everyone who knew her and had team. the pleasure to call her a friend. Outside of work, I spend the majority of my time buying, begging for or Jonathan Fogerty, SIA Chair with borrowing gig tickets. Failing this, I am also a complete foodie and can probably input from Martin McCLelland, be found in my kitchen, a restaurant or picking up freebies at food festivals. SIA Trustee and retired SCI This post is sponsored by Pannone, part of Slater & Gordon (London region) Consultant, Sheffield SCI Centre and ICCM (Stanmore)

6 l in the news l frOM SIA October 2014

Update from SIA Information Services

Thank you!

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who returned the Training paper edition of our Living Well survey or answered our questions online. We really appreciate people taking the time to do this for us. Don’t forget to check the SIA Your answers and feedback provide us with vital information to help website for details of forthcoming in the planning and development of future services and campaigns. courses and other training events. If you haven’t already contributed you still have time – just go to There’s still time to book onto www.surveymonkey.com/s/livsci the Motoring and Mobility course The survey will be closing on 20 October 2014. at the Queen Elizabeth Foundation on 23 October, and we also have courses on Housing; Funding and Managing Your Care Needs; and Options: Life and Work after Spinal Cord Injury, running Updated and new information during October and November. These courses are free to attend The Fertility and Fatherhood fact sheet by the charity, Leonard Cheshire for most attendees, although has now been updated and a new Disability. It highlights the fact that corporate delegates will be document covering non-trauma SCIs one in ten people in Great Britain charged. has been added to our resources. report some kind of mobility problem. We are also pleased to To access SIA fact sheets visit This equates to five million people who confirm that we are holding www.spinal.co.uk/page/downloads are likely to need accessible housing. a Case Manager Training Day However, there is currently a massive on 4 November at SIA House The SIA Library has acquired the deficit of accessible or adaptable in Milton Keynes. This day will Hidden Housing Crisis report, produced homes in Great Britain, meaning that concentrate on NHS Continuing thousands of disabled people are Healthcare Advocacy and will living in accommodation that simply equip Case Managers with the does not meet their needs. In response knowledge required to better to this, the charity is calling for all assist and advocate for their political parties to commit to build clients with an SCI. Places cost more accessible homes with 10% of £100 + VAT per delegate. new houses in large developments For information about all to be built to wheelchair access of our courses and training days, standards. visit www.spinal.co.uk/page/ For more information training-education and to download the report or contact Sandra White just visit the Leonard Cheshire [email protected] or Disability website at telephone 0845 678 6633 ext 245 www.leonardcheshire.org

What can be done? Part of Joy’s conference with representatives ESCIF Conference role at SIA is to provide specific from 20 European countries. These information and support to people included people living with SCI, Along with Dan Burden, SIA’s Head about growing older with an SCI. SCI professionals, sponsors and of Public Affairs, one of our Advice At the conference she spoke researchers. In the December issue Line Officers, Joy Sinclair, recently about this role, her current work of forward, watch out for Joy’s more attended the European Spinal and some of the services SIA hopes detailed account of the conference Cord Injury Federation (ESCIF) to develop in the future, to support and how we are sharing information Conference. The theme for the SCI people as they age. Around and knowledge with similar Conference was Healthy Ageing – 100 delegates attended the organisations within Europe.

8 l in the news l frOM SIA October 2014 Vocational Clinics at the London SCI Centre

SIA and the London SCI Centre at Stanmore are delighted to announce the availability of appointments for outpatients at the successful Vocational Support Clinics. Other SCI Centre dates he Clinics oﬀer – thus restricting their opportunities Tindividual, tailored to get support and advice to help October-November 2014 advice and information about them return to, or find, a productive returning to work, re-training, and fulfilling vocation post-injury. • Stanmore - 20 October education and volunteering. The The Clinics run every six weeks, • NSIC - 28 October Clinics were originally set up as a joint during which outpatients can attend Salisbury - 28 October a 45-minute appointment. Follow-up • (TBC) project between the Occupational Southport - 19 November Therapist Department, SIA and the telephone calls will also be conducted • National Careers Service, to provide after three and six months, to ensure • Sheffield - 20 November comprehensive support to inpatients continuing progress is being made Oswestry - 24 November • (TBC) engaged in rehabilitation at the centre. and to provide further support and NSIC - 25 November • (TBC) However, many people who advice as necessary. • Pinderfields - 26 November sustain an SCI are not in a position to Dave Bracher T10 (TBC) contemplate their vocational futures Vocational Support Manager, SIA as an inpatient, or can only do so to a limited degree. Up until now, it referrals or appointments for the Clinics can be made with SIA’s Vocational hasn’t been possible to accommodate Support Manager, Dave Bracher, via email [email protected] or by calling outpatients at the Clinics at Stanmore 07593 538 126. The Vocational Support Clinics are sponsored by Leigh Day

Higher education funding award

It’s important that all disabled people have equal degree and went on to work in the Probation Service. access to higher education. To encourage more “Studying for an Open University degree transformed disabled students to return to study, the David my life and I took on challenges I was previously led to Godson Disability Award was initiated to provide believe were beyond me,” says David. “If the David Godson some ﬁnancial support to disabled students with Disability Award can make a small contribution toward the cost of their ﬁrst undergraduate degree, taken people setting out on a voyage of discovery and believing through the Open University. in themselves, its aims will have been achieved.” The Open University supports the largest disabled At the age of 16, David Godson lost his left arm in an student community of any UK university. More than 20,000 industrial accident. Despite this, he completed his disabled people studied with the OU in 2012/13. apprenticeship before undertaking a degree with the Visit www.open.ac.uk for further information Open University. He subsequently obtained a Masters about the David Godson Disability Award

Reliable respite care…for a few days or a few weeks G Highly trained personal assistants G Specialising in spinal injury care G Regular respite packages or one-off bookings G Personally interviewed, English speaking PAs Quality live-in care - when you need it most! For further information call Peter Henry (C5/6) or Linda Adamsen on 01524 34100 or visit www.origincare.com www.spinal.co.uk frOM SIA l in the news l 9 resilience and empowerment

flt Lt Paul Dixon was supported by SIA’s Peer Support Oﬃcer – Armed forces, Lee Cairns, during his time at Headley Court. As a result of his experience and rehabilitation, Paul has gone on to discover how to overcome life- changing events through resilience and innovation.

was initially injured after falling thirty- Career change helped me achieve success in my feet from an obstacle course during a In January this year I decided it was time recovery. In just four weeks I wrote Itraining exercise in 2007. At the time, I to focus on returning to work. I met two a fourteen-chapter, 55,000-word guide received no medical attention; I thought corporate mentors who were facilitating to overcoming trauma and life-changing I was fine because I walked away from a workshop that I had been invited to. events. My book, Resilience Recapture – the fall. That evening, I began to After our meeting, they said they would Achieving Revitalisation Through Recovery, experience intense neuropathic pain in like to help me achieve my full potential. was published in July this year. There are my legs. The following day, the Medical already a few people who I have worked Officer diagnosed me with a sprained with who are successfully applying back and referred me for physiotherapy, “I decided to write a book my methods to their own recovery. which continued for four years. An MRI outlining my theories The book outlines how the application in February 2011 revealed multiple of common sense can be successful, prolapsed discs and surgery was my and methods that have but I know that it can be very difficult only option. I underwent my first helped me achieve to see the wood for the trees when operation in May 2011, but because of a success in my recovery. your world is collapsing around you. catalogue of unfortunate circumstances, Prior to January, I had little hope including fluid on my spinal cord and In just four weeks I wrote for gainful employment after my metal-work slipping after a fusion, a fourteen-chapter, discharge from the RAF. My confidence I needed three further operations was adequate at best and I lacked over a seven- 55,000-word guide to direction. Thanks to the gift of self- month period. overcoming trauma and affirmation of my real values and After the fourth life-changing events” purpose through the mentoring operation, I woke programme, I have been empowered up and was with focus and inspired to help others. effectively paralysed Through a programme of one- Lee has been there for me every step from the knees to-one sessions, during which of the way and with SIA’s support, I have down. My right leg we analysed what experiences changed my life. Whilst I have not had recovered over a I’d had in both my RAF career the opportunity to utilise the Vocational two-to-three month and my recovery, I began to workshops at Headley Court, I know period, but it is see the value that I could bring that if they can help injured servicemen still weak and my in helping others overcome realise their value, it will have a massive left leg is still partially trauma and life-changing impact on their futures post-rehabilitation. paralysed. events or injuries. I was fortunate to have been supported I have learned I set up my own consultancy by Lee during my time at Headley Court how to live my life as an and started working with a partner at and as a result of the experiences and incomplete T4 with the complications PriceWaterhouseCoopers, who had opportunities I have been given that come with an SCI. During my suffered executive burn-out. Being self- following my rehabilitation, I can see rehabilitation, Lee showed me that there employed enables me to dictate how that success, post life-changing events, are ways of achieving the things that many clients I take on and allows me to is all about one’s perception of their matter to me and my family, and that manage my fatigue levels. I get up every circumstances. If you don’t allow your there can be a fulfilling and independent morning knowing that I have a worthwhile trauma to be the enemy, you can use life after an SCI. Lee and my purpose that drives me to succeed. the opportunity to innovate. physiotherapist at Headley Court, Kirsty I decided to write a book outlining Paul Dixon T4 Luard, have been my main sources of my theories and methods that have Resilience Recapture Ltd information, advice, guidance and counsel during my recovery. I will be Resilience Recapture is now available through Amazon priced £9.99 or via forever in their debt for their assistance www.resiliencerecapture.co.uk Peer Support Service – Armed Forces, in getting me to see the light at the is sponsored by Fentons, part of Slater & Gordon, the Armed Forces end of the rehabilitation tunnel. Covenant, LIBOR Fund and several benevolent funds and trusts.

10 l in the news l frOM SIA October 2014 Meet your SIA Healthcare Customer Care Advisers

When we launched SIA Healthcare we knew it was an exciting time in the history of SIA, and we hoped it rose fenton would benefit many of our Customer Care Adviser, SIA Healthcare members. How right we were! “Through my role as a Customer Care Adviser, I am able ince April, we have spoken to to regularly talk to all SIA Healthcare customers and can Smany of you and over 650 build a strong relationship with them. I manage a diary members have now joined the which means placing a call to each customer that I am service. We are absolutely delighted responsible for, checking in on them and discussing and are well on our way to creating and placing their next order for their appliances and medication. There are an SIA Healthcare community, more people joining every day and I get a great sense of satisfaction knowing where the health and wellbeing that I can help to take a little bit of stress out of their daily routine.” of our members is a priority. As a result of this we are also adding to our valuable support teams, ensuring that we continue to provide a personal service to each Julie Holbrook individual member. We wanted to Customer Care Adviser, SIA Healthcare introduce each of them to you and to let you know a little bit about “Every day is different for me and that keeps my job them, as they are sure to become interesting. Talking to each individual and getting to an integral part of our growing know them is the part of my role that I find most team. enjoyable. Like Rose, I also manage a diary of SIA Rose and Julie are two new Healthcare customers, and it is great to have joined a members of the SIA Healthcare growing team at such an exciting stage. Every individual person is different Customer Care team. Here is what and getting to know each of them personally forms a big part of my role. they have to say about their new We get to hear about their recent holidays, how their families are and we roles. even know their pets’ names and because of this, many people find it a lot easier to discuss their health requirements. We ensure that they feel Find out more at at ease and that their health and wellbeing is a priority for us.” www.spinal.co.uk Telephone 0800 023 8841

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SIA Healthcare 0800 023 8841 SIA HeALTHCAre l in the news l 11 Social care and housing adaptations

There are several sources of financial assistance to help with the costs of home adaptations. Simon Legg provides an overview of the financial support available and where you can find more information.

ocal councils have duties and powers first make the assessment of what Lto help disabled people to make adaptations are needed. If a DFG cannot necessary adaptations to their homes. be made (perhaps because the This service is split between housing adaptations are not ‘reasonable and and social services departments. The practical’, or they cost more than the NHS also has powers to fund (or jointly maximum amount for DFGs), social fund) adaptations to meet health services has a duty to meet the need needs, or to transfer funds to social they have assessed, by providing either as a top-up to the direct payment. services for housing adaptations. equipment or adaptations, or grants Direct payments for aids and or loans towards costs. They can charge adaptations are usually made as a one- Disabled facilities Grants for these services. oﬀ payment. However, if your direct Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) are payments account has unused means-tested grants from your local Direct payment for aids ‘contingency’ money in it, you might housing authority. They can be used and adaptations be able to use these funds on to contribute towards the cost of Direct payments for social care (provided adaptations. If this money is not going adaptations to your home based on by councils) can be used to pay for to be needed for other expenses, and an assessment made by social services. adaptations or fixtures and fittings, the adaptation in question will help There are guidelines about how but only if the council has agreed that to meet one or more of the eligible long various stages of the DFG process they are required to meet a social care needs included in your assessment should take. They can be found in the need. This does not apply to services and care plan, this could be a potential current guidance on DFGs in England, or equipment that the NHS provides, source of funding. Delivering Housing Adaptations for although this may be possible through Disabled People: A good practice guide, personal health budgets and direct No charges for minor adaptations June 2006 Edition (chapter 9). The Local payments for healthcare under some Councils are not allowed to charge Government Ombudsman (LGO) has circumstances. Government guidance for equipment or minor adaptations used these guidelines in investigating also states that direct payments for social costing under £1,000, regardless of ‘maladministration’ (mismanagement) care should not be seen as a substitute whether they are provided through of DFGs, often recommending for a DFG for major adaptations. direct payments or direct provision substantial compensation. A direct payment might enable you by the council. to pay for adaptations or equipment of For further information on this topic Social services duty your choice, from suppliers that your call Simon Legg, Social Care The housing authority process and council does not use. Depending on the Caseworker on 07535 774135 deliver DFGs but social services must cost, you might have to pay the diﬀerence or email [email protected]

Cuts to disabled students’ allowance

Approximately 53,000 disabled students in higher DSA, and the responsibility of bridging the funding gap education currently receive Disabled Students’ Allowance will be placed upon their chosen place of study. (DSA), to help cover the costs of assistive technologies Following the announcement, the Special Education and non-medical assistance. As of September 2015, Consortium (SEC), which promotes the rights of disabled the Government plans to reduce the DSA budget by an children and children with special educational needs, estimated 70%, in an eﬀort to encourage universities to stated: “While SEC agrees that universities must fulfil their cater financially for the needs of their disabled students. obligations to make reasonable adjustments for disabled The cuts will apply to English students applying for DSA people under the Equality Act, it is unclear how restricting for the first time from September 2015. While the cuts do support currently available through DSA will achieve this.” not apply to disabled students from Wales, Scotland or For more information about the DSA visit www.gov.uk. Northern Ireland, all English students choosing to study Breda Duggan in one of the home nations will face a reduction in their Publications Manager, SIA

12 l in the news l PUBLIC AffAIrS October 2014

Get involved TeamSIA cycles to fundraising victory

TeamSIA joined over 20,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities through the closed roads of London and Surrey on 10 August, to complete the 86-mile shortened course of the Prudential rideLondon-Surrey 2014. TeamSIA’s 74 cyclists deﬁed the wind and rain to become part of the biggest cycling sportive ever held in the UK.

veryone who took part in the event Ewanted to support SIA and raise money to support our services. After completing the course, Mike Farthing explained why he decided to participate in the event: “I came oﬀ my mountain bike in 2009 and broke my back in two places. Fortunately, despite a piece of bone protruding into my spinal cord, no major damage was caused. I want Top: Mark Brodermann and son Max to support SIA to ensure services are Right: Mike Farthing available to help SCI people. “All forecasts agreed that Sunday I completed the course in a reasonable Our very own Catherine Stribling, would bring heavy rain and disruption. time of five hours and 20 minutes, a keen cyclist, also took part in the The signposting and directions around enjoying a double celebration with my event to mark her 10th anniversary the park were excellent. The first 15 son Max. Max is making a good recovery at the organisation: “It meant a lot to miles went by in a blur. It was dry by after breaking his neck playing sport. be raising funds for such vital services. the time I reached Richmond Park, and He has run three marathons for SIA and I was slightly disappointed at first that I averaged 21mph but then it started this was his very first sportive. During we weren’t completing the full 100 raining! It was an epic and memorable the race you focus on the money you miles, but everybody is sure we did ride for me, especially in those conditions. are raising and when you overcome the extra 14 miles just through the Not once did I think about giving up. poor weather conditions and complete ‘biblical’ weather!” I feel proud to have helped SIA.” the event, you realise you’ve really At the time of going to press Mark Brodermann and his son achieved something for a great cause,” TeamSIA raised £20,000 and money Max also took part in the event and said Mark following the race. is still coming in. Thank you TeamSIA! successfully completed the course despite the weather. “The roads were Want to apply for a Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 2015 place for TeamSIA? awash with water and mud! I had Visit www.spinal.co.uk or email Elizabeth Wright at [email protected] never seen so many punctured cyclists! or call her on 0845 678 6633 ext 229

How are you helping support SIA? National • Buying five raffle tickets could help pay for a newly injured person’s first session of Peer Support in a District General Hospital. raffle 2014 • Buying a book of raffle tickets could go towards This year’s National Raffle was launched in September ensuring that an SCI person gets the appropriate to help fund the continuation of SIA’s vital services. care package for their needs, which enables them By now you should have received your raffle tickets to live independently. in the post alongside a freepost return envelope. • Selling three books to friends and family members We have four main prizes to be won, ranging from could go towards providing a family member with the top prize of £1,000 to our fourth prize of £100. one hour of professional telephone counselling. If you’d like to buy extra tickets visit our website The closing date for the raffle is 24 October 2014. or call our Individual Giving Co-ordinator, National raffle tickets can be purchased via our Catherine Stribling, on 0845 678 66 33 on ext 206 online shop on the SIA website.

14 l in the news l fUNDrAISING October 2014 Working together towards a shared goal

Jon rees, partner at Brethertons LLP, talks about the law ﬁrm’s association with SIA and the importance of the services it sponsors. Here, Jon talks about the many ways his team supports SIA and the SCI community. Marathonfoto

run a small team absolutely I dedicated to helping clients with SCI compensation claims. It is all that we do and this focus means that we can concentrate on just ten or so clients at any one time. We help The work that Paul, John and their people from all over the country. colleagues do is fantastic. Brethertons has helped a number of It is important to us that our clients secure seven- and eight-figure involvement goes beyond just compensation packages. We recently writing a cheque once a year. As well secured a settlement that was 44 as being a Gold Corporate Partner times more than what the original with SIA, we regularly exchange solicitor had advised the case should be settled for. Needless to say, that “ The SCI community is small solicitor was not listed in SIA’s Choosing a Solicitor directory. and because SIA has worked That’s one of the key reasons that tirelessly for that community, Jon Rees taking part in the I wholly endorse SIA’s advice that it finds itself at its very 2013 London Marathon for SIA individuals meet with three solicitors from the directory before selecting heart. Its work is vital. We the issues faced by the people they one to act for them. It is important are proud to support SIA help in their areas. This helps us to to find a solicitor with the right and particularly Paul and better shape the way we work and experience and expertise, and one the services we oﬀer. that you feel comfortable with. John in their work” We also help in other ways with Our relationship with SIA runs training days, awards, sponsorship much deeper than just being one ideas with Paul, John and others at and with more direct fundraising. of the firms listed in the Choosing a SIA House. We provide an insight Last year, I raised money for SIA by Solicitor directory. We are very proud into, and help keep them up-to-date running the London Marathon and to sponsor two Peer Support Oﬃcers with, legal matters surrounding Brethertons recently supported Flicks – Paul Rhodes (West Midlands and compensation claims and beyond. in the Sticks, a brilliant idea from Oswestry SCI Centre) and John In return, Paul, John and their Paul which ran at the Oswestry SCI Leonard (the East of England). colleagues keep us up-to-speed with Centre. A screening of One Chance, the movie about Britain’s Got Talent winner Paul Potts, was shown. The SCI community is small and Make life bright for SCI because SIA has worked tirelessly for people this Christmas that community, it finds itself at its very heart. Its work is vital. We are proud to support SIA and particularly With Christmas only a few months Paul and John in their work. The away, get your creative thinking shared objective of wanting to help caps on and get ready for our and support the thousand or so Making Christmas Brighter campaign. people injured every year – and their Take a photo of your Christmas families – pervades all that we do. lights, share it with us on Twitter We are pleased and proud to be and Facebook using the tag part of something so positive. #ChristmasLight and donate at Jon rees least £1. All you have to do is text Brethertons LLP CSIA £1 to 70700. It’s that easy! You can follow Jon on twitter @JonreesTweets

SIA Healthcare 0800 023 8841 fUNDrAISING l in the news l 15 SIA working in partnership with Network rail really exciting to see how the service is SIA is delighted to be working in partnership with Network rail, currently developing,” said Dave Bracher, who are helping to support our Vocational Support Service by providing SIA’s Vocational Support Manager. He funding and practical work experience opportunities. Vocational Support continued: “This simply wouldn’t be is a major priority for SIA and the overall aim of the service is to engage possible without the support of with people with an SCI and offer them a variety of peer support organisations like Network Rail and it’s opportunities, including one-to-one support to help them make great to see how committed they are to the journey back into employment. SIA and Vocational Support in particular.” Speaking about the partnership, Suzanne Hardy, Community Investment he service currently includes Specialist for Network Rail added: Vocational Support Clinics within “Network Rail has funded SIA for the T NHS SCI Centres, which are first time this year and we are looking supported by the National Careers forward to working with them to Service. These provide inpatients and support their Vocational Support outpatients with specific one-to-one Service. Since starting to work with the advice and information and are tailored organisation we have discovered lots to help people identify their personal of ways we can support them outside goals for getting back to work. We also just funding the service, and are excited run vocational group training days at the possibilities there are to really covering topics such as managing an work in partnership and enhance the impairment in the workplace, the service they offer.” importance of a phased return to work, Network Rail will also be taking Access to Work funding, the impact of part in a variety of exciting fundraising work on welfare benefits, CV writing and challenges in order to help raise interview skills. These training days are money for SIA. This includes SIA’s Stoke a great way for anyone with an SCI to Mandeville Experience on 29 October meet other people and learn from 2014, where teams can take part in a each other’s experiences. variety of wheelchair sports including Looking ahead, work is well wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, underway to be able to offer so that we can also offer practical work archery, handcycling and slalom. Employability Skills Training, which is experience placements. These schemes Network Rail is also planning on entering again tailored to the individual’s needs are designed to boost people’s skills, a team in the Ride London 100 cycle and will help to ensure that anyone levels of experience and (crucially) event on 9 August 2015. wanting to get back into work has their confidence, so they feel in a good Everyone at SIA would like to say up-to-date and relevant skills to offer position to return to the challenging a huge thank you to Network Rail for a potential employer. This will link with area of work. their fantastic support. the new Work Placement scheme, which “The Vocational Service has been an For more information about the is currently under development but is important part of our support for people Vocational Support Service email actively supported by Network Rail, with an SCI for a number of years and it’s Dave Bracher at [email protected]

Make SIA your Charity of the Year

We need your help to make our 40th Anniversary matter so running a marathon – the options are endless! that we can continue to provide invaluable support to SCI We have a dedicated support team who can help you people and their families. We are asking you to put us forward organise all of your fundraising activities. If your company to be your company’s Charity of the Year, to help us spread elects a charity of the year or you would like to nominate the word about the support and services provided by SIA. SIA, then we would love to hear from you. Charity of the Year can be both a fun and rewarding For more information or to nominate SIA as your Charity experience. From dress-down days and bake sales, to of the Year, email Rebecca at [email protected]

16 l in the news l fUNDrAISING October 2014

Ruby Corporate Partner

In 1995, Independent Community Care Management's (ICCM) founder Zerina Yerrell, met a young woman named Donna who was tetraplegic and ventilator-dependent.

complex long-term conditions. King OBE, was awarded joint winner What drives ICCM is this conviction of SIA’s Inspirational Achievement that they will help clients reach Award for Adults. He then went on to what they aim for – their vision for win the Stephen Bradshaw Award for their lives. Rebuilding Lives after SCI, the evening’s ICCM Ltd has over 17-years’ overall winner. experience as a national specialist On receiving his award, Matthew provider of complex care within the commented: “All of the finalists are onna wished to live at home community. Our expertise is with hugely inspirational and to have been Dwith her family and Zerina was SCI, physical disabilities, acquired considered amongst these individuals determined that Donna would have and traumatic brain injury and our was incredibly humbling. I hope that the best care available to allow her to specialism is within domiciliary the achievements of not only myself, lead the lifestyle she wanted. With ventilation for adults and children. but also many of the others living with Donna’s determination and the clinical We have an excellent reputation, an SCI, show that almost anything is support in place, she passed her gaining a consistent award of 3-star possible when you are properly exams, joined the Women’s Institute excellence from the Care Quality supported within the community.” and flew to America to see killer Commission and third place in the Kate Gelder, ICCM whales. Donna has since passed away, independent sector of the Healthcare [email protected] but she lived life to the full. It led to 100 employers, sponsored by the Zerina establishing ICCM in 1997, Health Service Journal. For more information (including providing specialist homecare to In June 2014, ICCM was exceptionally testimonials and case studies) change the lives of many people with proud when one of our clients, Matthew visit www.iccmcares.co.uk

18 l forward feature l SIA 40TH ANNIVERSARY October 2014 Get involved

#Make40Matter October Download Love will come through 16 Head back to the future by Travis ... at SIA’s AGM and SCI Technology Conference at the Williams Conference Centre. Book your place 100per cent of profits from www.spinal.co.uk today (see overleaf) or via the sales of this single, from 23 September to 23 October, will be donated to SIA! www.app le.com/uk/itun November es Be in with a chance to win £1,000 Light the way for SIA! in our 2014 raffle! Raffle tickets Make SIA your Charity of the cost just £1 each. Email Year and compete to secure the [email protected] title of SIA Torch Bearer, awarded your raffle ticket booksto today! order at SIA’s annual awards event. Closing date is 24 October. Contact Rebecca on Help rebuild lives 0845 678 6633 ext 241 by leaving SIA a or email gift in your Will [email protected] Every legacy, no matter how big December or small, will help make a real difference to the life of someone affected by spinal cord injury. Love #ChristmasLight Find out more on our website. Make life bright for SCI people this Christmas! Add light to your tree or house, share your photos and donate at least £1 to SIA. Text CSIA £1 to 70700 Highlight the stars in the SCI Community Nominate someone you know for a Rebuilding Lives Award! or Get organised Email [email protected] for 2015! visit www.spinal.co.uk Buy an SIA calendar, featuring the Find out more about SIA’s 40th work of Doubletake photographer Anniversary and how you can Alison Jackson. Available from help#Make40Matterat our online shop now! www.spinal.co.uk www.spinal.co.uk SIA Healthcare 0800 023 8841 LIVING WELL l forward survey l 19 PRESENTING...

SIA and its membership are celebrating their 40th Anniversary at the highly prestigious Williams Conference Centre in Oxfordshire, combining this year’s AGM with a conference on the subject of technology to be held on Thursday 16 October 2014

is privileged and honoured to confirm PART 1 AGM Business Meeting the attendance of our Patron, HRH The 10am Registration with tea and coffee 11am Opening Address and Welcome SIA Princess Royal. The Princess Royal became 11.15am SIA AGM Business meeting SIA’s Patron 30 years ago prompted through her 11.45am Members’ Question & Answer session interest in equestrian sports and their link with spinal 12.15pm AGM Business meeting closes cord injury, and has continuously and loyally provided Address by SIA Founder & President Baroness Masham of Ilton her support and commitment to our important work. 12.30 - 2pm Lunch & Exhibition (with demonstrations from exhibitors) Surrounded by an atmosphere of cutting-edge PART 2 Technology Conference Programme technological design and innovation it was a logical 2pm Address from Conference Chair decision that the conference should be on the subject of 2.15pm Speaker 1: Tom Nabarro, Eye gaze & voice recognition advances in technology and the positive impact these technology, SCI user perspective developments have made to the lives of SCI people. 2.40pm Speaker 2: Ruth Peachment, Occupational Therapy Clinical Specialist & Kirsten Hart, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist NSIC Stoke Mandeville Hospital Speakers will talk from their own perspectives Functional Electronic Stimulation (FES) and other aids regarding the use of assistive technology while others and equipment, Healthcare Professional perspective will discuss their involvement with future technologies. 3pm Speaker 3: Debbie Hill, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy, Companies will be exhibiting a wide range of University of Hertfordshire and Kirsty Luard, Physiotherapist, Headley Court technologically inspired devices and equipment with Exoskeletons some providing demonstrations. Healthcare Professional perspective 3.20pm Speaker 4: Jasper Holmes, Co-Director & To end this exciting conference there will be an Chris Lofthouse, Outreach Manager exclusive opportunity to take a tour of Sir Frank Research Institute for Consumer Affairs (Rica) Car adaptations and in-car safety technology Williams’ private Williams Grand Prix Collection, 3.40pm Closing Address from Conference Chair which includes F1 racing cars from 1978 3.45pm Tour of Williams F1 Museum & exhibition onwards and other racing memorabilia. and technology stands ! Fill in and return your details to confirm your attendance at We anticipate high attendance and places are limited. SIA’s 40th AGM. You can also register online or via telephone. To guarantee your attendance we are asking for a nominal £10 per person refundable deposit, which will be reimbursed to you on the day. Member’s full name Tickets can be purchased using one of the following three methods: • ONLINE through the shop on our website Wheelchair user? n Yes n No using your card details at: www.spinal.co.uk Name(s) of any other attendees (wheelchair user?) • TELEPHONE using your card details: Tel 0845 678 6633 Ext 242 (Sue Barratt) n Yes n No CHEquE made payable to: Spinal Injuries Association n Yes n No • Yes No Cheque payment including the reply slip should be returned to: n n Sue Barratt, SIA House, 2 Trueman Place, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes MK6 2HH. Address Please remember to tick below as appropriate: n I would like my deposit refunded on the day OR Postcode n I would like to donate my refundable deposit to SIA Telephone n GIFT AID Tick here if you would like the tax reclaimed on this and future donations. I confirm I am a UK tax payer and the amount of tax I pay exceeds the amount I would like Email SIA to claim. This action will enable SIA to recover a further 25p for every pound you donate.

The Conference includes a buﬀet lunch. Please contact Sue Barratt if you have any specific dietary requirements on0845 678 6633 ext 242 Ruby Corporate Partner

One of the highlights of my summer was watching the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. I was delighted to see that the para-athletes’ events were interspersed amongst those of the non-disabled athletes and broadcast to the same audience.

is to ensure they can live the life they ambitions were before the injury and would have lived before their SCI. what they are post-injury. This takes Every SCI person’s needs and time and patience, particularly as an ambitions are different and as lawyers, SCI client may choose to re-assess what it is paramount that we keep this fact they want after their injury. It is our job at the forefront of our thinking so that to assemble a team of experts to enable e also now have the Invictus we can help to make them a reality. the client to live the life they wish. WGames, where the power of sport This could be ensuring the client has For us, getting to know each client, is used to inspire recovery, support appropriate accommodation in place and seeing the difference we can make rehabilitation and generate a wider for them and their family, achieving for them, is what makes everyone in understanding of servicemen and a career goal or becoming an athlete. the team here at JMW realise how lucky women who have been wounded in A high-level of technical expertise we are to be doing the work that we do. the line of duty, and need to adapt for a lawyer working for clients with It’s also why we are proud to to their disability. this level of injury should be taken as support SIA and be the Ruby The increasing profile of Paralympic read. The vital difference is the ability Corporate supporter for October. sport in recent years has raised public and willingness of a lawyer to build Andrew Lilley, Personal Injury Partner awareness of the stellar heights that a relationship with each client, and JMW Solicitors LLP can be reached by those with an SCI. their families. As a solicitor who acts for SCI A good lawyer will try to establish For more information about JMW visit clients, as far as possible, my aim what their client’s needs, hopes and www.jmw.co.uk or call 0800 054 6078

www.spinal.co.uk SIA 40TH ANNIVERSARY l forward feature l 21 Travis tribute to SIA’s 40th Anniversary

To mark SIA’s oﬃcial 40th birthday, which took place on 23 September 2014, Travis has re-released their 2002 single, Love Will Come Through.

he single was originally released were about my daughters. Would T by the band on 15 November I be able to pick them up again? 2002, with the profit being donated Then I starting thinking ‘Will I be to SIA. The fundraising release was able to drum again?’ initiated by the band after drummer “I regained 95% of my strength Neil Primrose fractured vertebrae and once I got back home I started in his neck in a diving accident in playing my drums again. I started a French swimming pool, during oﬀ doing 10 minutes at a time and Travis’ 2002 European tour. then building it up, jamming along After a 10-hour operation, in to music.” which cartilage from his hip was Travis’ single Love Will Come Through grafted into his neck to replace was re-released on 23 September 2014 wasted muscle and an intensive on iTunes, and will be available to course of physiotherapy, Neil almost download for a month. fully recovered from his injury and Help #Make40Matter this October. was able to re-join the band as they Download Love Will Come Through. gathered to record 12 Memories, All profits will be donated to SIA. the album from which Love Will www.apple.com/uk/itunes Come Through originated. Helen Chapman At the time Neil said of his injury: Communications & “After the accident my first thoughts Marketing Oﬃcer, SIA

Baroness Masham of Ilton welcomes SIA members and supporters to the House of Lords

To mark SIA’s 40th Anniversary, SIA Jo Carroll who has been a Founder and President Baroness member of SIA for a number of years Masham welcomed 40 guests to the thoroughly enjoyed the occasion: House of Lords for a celebratory “SIA’s 40th Anniversary lunch will long lunch, on 29 July 2014. be remembered and it was a real pleasure to meet some of the SIA ollowing a welcome reception team and to put faces to names.” Fwhere guests enjoyed a drink on SIA’s CEO, Paul Smith, spoke of the the terrace overlooking Westminster charity’s early days and paid tribute Bridge, Baroness Masham thanked to ‘Mr SIA’, the late Stephen Bradshaw. everyone for supporting the Paul said: “Stephen was instrumental Association over the last 40 years. in the birth of SIA and worked hard Support Service would not be possible Having enjoyed lunch with to build it into the Association that it without the continued support of our Baroness Masham, SIA member Luke is today.” members and corporate partnership Hamill said: “It was a privilege to be SIA Chair, Jonathan Fogerty, further programme.” at the House of Lords for SIA’s 40th acknowledged the diﬀerence the birthday celebration. SIA has been members and supporters have made Catherine Stribling at the forefront of raising awareness to SIA’s services and how valuable their Individual Giving & Data about spinal cord injury.” support really is, by stating: “SIA’s Peer Co-Ordinator, SIA

22 l forward feature l SIA 40TH ANNIVERSARY October 2014 Top 10 SCI research questions conﬁrmed

Christa Dyson and Dave Bracher provide an exciting update on the Spinal Cord Injury Priority Setting Partnership (SCI-PSP), led by the James Lind Alliance.

he ultimate objective of the SCI-PSP Final Prioritisation T was to generate a Top 10 list of Workshop, July 2014 questions for researchers to investigate that will better improve the quality of life, care and treatment for those living were ultimately agreed. with an SCI – and the exciting news is The Steering Group that we have now achieved this goal! would like to thank Many of you took part in the two- again all those who stage survey process that was used gave their time, to firstly gather possible research On 5 July 2014, a Final Prioritisation expertise and enthusiasm to this questions, and then to rank them in Workshop was held at the NSIC. Led inspiring and hugely successful day. order of priority. The first survey took and facilitated by the James Lind By the time you read this, we hope place between September and Alliance, the 20 participants consisted the Top 10 will have been formally December 2013 and a total of 808 of a fantastic mix of individuals with announced and publicised. Please possible research questions were an SCI, representatives of service user have a look at the SCI-PSP website submitted. Once the questions had organisations, carers and healthcare www.sci-psp.org.uk and we will of been reviewed and sorted, checked professionals. This turned out to be course publish the Top 10 in the next against previous research to see if a brilliant day of constructive issue of forward, along with details they had already been answered and discussion and debate as the Top 25 of the next steps for the SCI-PSP. similar questions grouped together, questions from the second survey Christa Dyson C4, SIA Trustee the second survey was launched in were considered and ranked until the and Dave Bracher T10, Vocational April 2014. This asked respondents to 10 most important research questions Support Manager, SIA rank the questions in order of priority. Both surveys were open to anyone The SCI-PSP is independently led by the James Lind Alliance and managed by the following organisations: with an interest in SCI, be they SCI people, their partners, carers, clinicians or simply people with a strong interest in the field of SCI. This broad perspective generated some brilliant responses and clearly showed how much there is still to do in the field of SCI research.

Stoke Mandeville-Masson Research Awards

Launched on 1 August 2014, the one-oﬀ Stoke Hospital in order to support research into SCI. Mandeville-Masson Research Awards were instated to Applicants for the Stoke Mandeville-Masson Research provide funding for research projects which are guided Awards can apply for up to £120,000 of funding. Up to by the national agenda for research into SCI. The aim of £240,000 has been made available to support two to the awards is to enhance the health and wellbeing of four spin-oﬀ research projects, which are expected to be individuals living with an SCI and their caregivers. completed within one to three calendar years. Now the Ann Masson sustained an SCI at the age of 14 and research priorities for SCI have been identified, this fund received treatment and rehabilitation for two years at the allows researchers to investigate the topics which have NSIC. With the encouragement of Sir Ludwig Guttmann, been identified in the new research agenda. Masson represented Great Britain at the 1960 Rome For more information and deadlines Paralympics, the Perth 1964 Paralympics and finally the visit www.smsf.org.uk/smmra 1962 Commonwealth Games. Ann Masson died in January Dr Joost van Middendorp 2011, leaving a legacy fund to the Stoke Mandeville Research Director NSIC

SIA Healthcare 0800 023 8841 SCI RESEARCH l forward feature l 23 Thank you to those of you who took the time to respond to our survey, Bhania, Assistant Coach Alan Mansell as referenced in the last issue. From those responses we’ve learned a and GB wheelchair basketballers great deal in terms of the kind of information we can share that would George Bates, Matt Byrne, Martin be of most use to you. Personal Stories and Lifestyle came out on top Edwards, Jon Hall, Richard Sargent, so we will endeavour to include them as much as possible in our and Tyler Saunders. The following day saw a great contributions, beginning with this very issue: Andrew Pitchford’s workshop from SportsCoach UK’s wonderfully honest account of coming to terms with catheterisation Development Lead Officer (Coach following a spinal cord injury is something I am sure many can relate to. Developer) Kurt Lindley, and all participants were able to gain a ellspect HealthCare has had a to a fantastic talk from Wellspect Key greater insight into the performance busy summer supporting the Account Manager, Alan Cook who, pathways from BWB Talent future of British wheelchair as a British Hand Cycling Champion, Development Officer Simon Fisher. basketball in August. The sixth British knows exactly what it takes to become BWB CEO Charlie Bethel said: “The Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) Junior the best you can be. BWB Junior Summer Camp is always Summer Camp saw 40 junior athletes Providing the athletes with a an incredibly popular event and this and 20 coaches from all across the greater insight into the care and off- year’s event was once again very UK descend upon the University of court preparation required to ensure quickly over-subscribed. To have the Worcester for an unmissable four days. maximum results in their games, Alan’s support and knowledge that Wellspect Featuring a combination of presentation was invaluable for all. HealthCare bring is invaluable to both practical sessions and workshops The camp also offered the athletes and coaches. We look forward designed to enable players and opportunity for the attendees to learn to an exciting future together.” coaches alike to reach their full from Paralympian and RGK Wheelchair potential, this year the BWB Junior Sports Advisor Colin Price, not to Below: Alan Cook with the athletes and Summer Camp also treated everyone mention GB Men’s Head Coach Haj coaches at this year’s Junior Summer Camp

24 l advertising feature l LOFRIC October 2014 LoFric & Me

I am a 49 year-old man living in South feel increasingly that I was not emptying my bladder Derbyshire. I suffered an incomplete properly and was unable to wee. I discussed this with a spinal cord compression injury (C5-C7) Urology nurse in Derby who felt that I should start to use following a fall at home in August 2012. catheters again (especially at night). I found this helpful and I fainted following an attack of cramp over the next few weeks my usage increased. I still found and banged my head on the bedroom it somewhat difficult to grip and insert the catheters door. This ‘simple’ fall was sufficient because of their slippery coating (I have limited Andrew Pitchford to cause a spinal cord injury. dexterity and mobility in both hands).

I was catheterised soon after arrival at hospital and this ‘permanent’ catheter remained in place for several weeks. “It is a huge confidence boost to know that For the first few weeks following my injury I was unable to move any of my limbs significantly and required I can use a catheter at home / when out 24/7 care in my local hospital (in Derby). After about six (shopping, restaurant, friends, etc) with no fuss weeks in hospital I was transferred to the SCI Centre at and a maintenance of great dignity, no pain the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield, where I was switched to an intermittent catheter. Although I was and the ability to control how I use the system unable to pass urine by myself I was very keen to on each occasion of needing to pass urine” learn how to self-catheterise. A helpful healthcare assistant taught me and despite the initial discomfort of introducing the About this time I obtained some information about catheter into the urethra, I felt liberated that I could LoFric® Origo™ from Wellspect HealthCare. I got in contact take control of my own bladder management. I and was sent a sample to try. My wife and I were immediately remained frustrated that I could not pass urine, impressed by the simpler process (squeeze the saline bag) but I was able to use the single-use catheters that of readying the catheter. The big advantage (once the dimwit were provided. patient had read the instructions!) was the separate slider On discharge from Sheffield I returned with the catheter. This simple device is a major improvement. home. Unbeknown to me I was in the early I can now install and withdraw the catheter without having stages of a UTI. After about a week at home LoFric to touch the tube. No sticky fingers, no ‘finger germs’ on the I was readmitted to hospital in Derby with Origo tube, much more control on installation and withdrawal. a severe UTI and a high fever. At a stroke my risk of UTI (the bane of all catheterising After a few days on strong medication to bring the patients) greatly reduced. fever down, the permanent catheter was removed and I have been using the LoFric Origo for about 12 months. I went back to intermittent single-use catheterisation. The system allows great finesse. The other great advantage It was a few days later that I started to be able to pass urine is the discreet packaging which enables the catheter to be by myself. Following discharge from hospital I followed folded before use and returned to the sheath for disposal a regimen of using catheters at times and passing urine following use. It is a huge confidence boost to know that freely at other times. I can use a catheter at home / when out (shopping, restaurant, I was using LoFric® catheters (the ones with the coating friends, etc) with no fuss and a maintenance of great dignity, that required 30 seconds before use). I found them difficult no pain and the ability to control how I use the system on to use as the coating was very slippery and I often needed each occasion of needing to pass urine. to use some pressure to get through the sphincter into For me, this is the single most important part of my care the bladder. Over the next few weeks (early 2013) I package. There is nothing more debilitating than feeling that ‘decided’ that I was passing urine properly and stopped you cannot pass urine and feeling ‘desperate’ sitting in a using catheters regularly. wheelchair. During the spring and early summer of 2013 I began to Andrew Pitchford www.spinal.co.uk LOFRIC l advertising feature l 25 St Francisward celebrates10 th Anniversary

St Francis ward for children and young people at Stoke Mandeville Holistic rehabilitation Hospital’s National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC), will be celebrating Activity-based rehabilitation is adopted its 10th Anniversary in November 2014. The specialist ward is the on the ward by all staff across all uK’s first and only dedicated rehabilitation facility for spinal cord healthcare disciplines. This method injured people aged 18-years-and-under. helps to prevent the potential long-term medical complications that can occur o mark the anniversary, patients following an SCI. Addressing the need for both past and present have been active rehabilitation, Dr Allison Graham, invited to join the celebrations at Consultant Physician in Spinal Cord Injury the NSIC on 30 October. The staff are at the NSIC states: “We’re concerned that looking forward to welcoming back the if we don’t keep the children as active many adults who were treated when as possible and as well as possible, we children at the centre, including the will see huge complications arise in the NSIC’s oldest surviving child patient, future. Scoliosis can occur in addition to who was treated in the 1940s. diabetes, heart disease and premature The fête–themed event will include death. We have to plan to prevent music and a variety of activities for these complications arising.” guests and staff to enjoy. Paying homage Dr Graham and her team prepare to St Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint tailored rehabilitation programmes for of animals, the Wildlife Hospital Trust, each child. The success of this holistic Tiggywinkles, will also be attending the approach is partly due to the unique event along with a few furry friends to neurology of children and young people. meet all the other guests. “The neurology of children is not as fixed as it is in adults; therefore it is Long-standing service much more adaptable. With supported Since the 1940s the NSIC has supported intervention, for some children, parts just under 1,000 children and young of the body that didn’t move can be people with an SCI; 21 of these now encouraged to move and over time areas aged 60 years and over still receive care provided on the ward include nursing that they once couldn’t feel, they can from the NSIC today. Since 2004, 250 and medical care, psychological support, now feel,” says Kirsten Hart, the ward’s people have been supported by the physiotherapy, occupational therapy, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist. services of St Francis ward. The main art therapy, nutritional advice and play In addition to rehabilitation, the ward objective of the ward is to get all children therapy. The ward also ensures that has to also habilitate children who have out of hospital as quickly as possible, children continue with their education yet to develop learned skills. Clinical enabling them to return to their families, during their stay. The NSIC’s Hospital Specialist Occupational Therapist Ruth communities, peer groups and schools. Teaching Service is provided by Peachment, explains: “Many children St Francis ward achieves this Blueprint, which received an outstanding will not have been through the normal objective by caring for the children’s Ofsted report for the education service developmental milestones when they’ve medical and social care needs. Services it provides. had their injury, so we’re not just helping

26 l forward feature l 10TH ANNIVERSARY October 2014 St Francisward celebrates10 th Anniversary

them to relearn skills, we’re actually adolescents into a children’s unit you starting from scratch. It’s a different run the risk of them never gaining way of rehabilitating people and some their independence, but if you put of the equipment that is required is them too far forward into adult different as well.” services, they struggle and they Technological developments in recent might not meet their full potential.” years have influenced rehabilitation but The safe haven of St Francis ward there is still progress to be made, as Ruth not only supports those receiving suggests: “I think we’ll see more use of care but also their visiting families robotics and exoskeletons. There has “The safe haven of St Francis and friends. “We run a Siblings been quite a drive on lower limb robotics Workshop for relatives aged 16 and but I’m hoping to see more development ward not only supports those under because they have their own on upper limb movement.” receiving care but also their questions that they want to ask. This summer, St Francis ward has visiting families and friends” We provide young people with the welcomed the arrival of a multitude of opportunity to ask the questions new therapeutic equipment, which has that they might not be able to ask had a huge positive impact on those identify his potential. We’ve been able their parents,” adds St Francis Ward trying the different technologies for the to use a new piece of equipment with Manager, Sister Sara O’Shea. first time. him and he now has functional The devotion of the staff on St “One particular patient had incurred movement with the support of this Francis ward is a reflection of the a high-level injury when he was a equipment that we can use to improve service provided by the NSIC as a toddler. There hasn’t been the his abilities further. He’s using his hands whole. Since 2008, the NSIC has been equipment available in the past to and arms functionally for the first time awarded the highest level of CARF in 15 years,” says Kirsten. (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accreditation. Specialist care It is the only NHS SCI Centre in St Francis ward first opened with four England and Wales to achieve beds but quickly expanded to a nine- accreditation. This achievement is bed ward. The last three beds were an acknowledgement of the NSIC’s brought in specifically for adolescents. dedication and commitment to Dr Graham emphasises that the care of improving the quality of the lives adolescents is a specialism, and there of its patients. was a clear need to address the way in For further information about which 16- to 18-year-olds with an SCI the NSIC and St Francis ward were being cared for: “We felt that this visit www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk was a group that wasn’t being looked Tel 01296 315808 Email after well. At the age of 16 you are by [email protected] law an adult, but emotionally and Breda Duggan developmentally you’re not. If you bring Publications Manager, SIA

SIA Healthcare 0800 023 8841 10TH ANNIVERSARY l forward feature l 27 reb uild ing y live njur s after l cord i Outstanding spina team award winners

he St Francis ward team, of the National Spinal Injuries TCentre (NSIC), was commended on 5 June at our Rebuilding Lives after Spinal Cord Injury Awards. The staﬀ received the Outstanding Team Award from Frankie actor, and former SIA Peer Support Oﬃcer, Ben Owen-Jones, at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. The St Francis ward is the only dedicated ward in the UK for children and young people who have sustained an SCI. Louise Clement, an Occupational Therapist at NSIC,

“To win the Outstanding Team Award was a truly humbling experience” nominated St Francis ward for the award because: “The team demonstrates working together in a multi-disciplinary way, Ben Owen-Jones, Kirsten Hart, Sara O’Shea and everyone is involved in all aspects of the care of the and Neil Russell of award sponsor, PJ Care children and young people. They really do offer a true client-centred care package.” and ex-patients that we have both known through St Francis Ward Manager, Sister Sara O’Shea, attended many years of working in SCI care at the NSIC. the Award Ceremony and collected the award with colleague “We would both like to thank SIA for a wonderful Kirsten Hart, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist. Sara said of evening and Stephen Mangan for an entertaining the award win: “We were thrilled just to be nominated for introduction to the event. We would also like to thank the award. To have won and received the award amongst SIA Trustee Christa Dyson for her hospitality and our an audience of respected NSIC colleagues, professionals award sponsor PJ care. ” from other SCI Centres and services, and some of the A full list of the 2014 Award Winners patients and their families that we’ve cared for, was a truly is available at www.spinal.co.uk/page/RLSCI humbling experience. “We are so proud to have recognition for our team of The nomination period for the 2015 Rebuilding highly specialised staff who are dedicated and determined Lives Awards will open on 15 December. in service provision for children and young people with an Helen Chapman SCI. The evening was attended by many friends, colleagues Communications & Marketing Officer, SIA

28 l forward feature l AWARD WINNERS October 2014 This article is brought to you by Ejaz M Nabi, Chief Executive, Active Assistance Adapting for a new life

is rightly lauded for the way it • Your home is an asset. Think • If you want to cook for yourself, SIA has passionately championed, carefully about the type of kitchen adaptations are important. promoted and encouraged members modifications you are making as • The home should be easy to exit of the SCI community to live their lives it can aﬀect its resale value. This in the event of a fire. This may to the full following an SCI. However, may be an issue for many people. need to incorporate an exit from in order to achieve this goal, SCI • The location of your home is your bedroom. people have to make significant important. Remember, the more • An intercom may be helpful if modifications tohow they do things; remote you are the more you are fortunate enough to live this includes adaptations to their challenging it will be to access in a large house. home and places of work. Whilst many PAs or carers to support you. • Ensure you have plenty of storage adaptations are desirable, within the Thankfully, Active Assistance is space for ancillary items such as constraints of most people’s lives they there to provide live-in and live-out gloves, masks etc. not to mention are not always possible. support to clients across the wheelchairs and commodes. I am not an Occupational Therapist country, including the most remote • Avoid carpets – go for laminate (OT) and there are many others more locations! or wooden flooring. Doors should qualified than me to advise on home • Open plan homes with few doors be flush with the floor. adaptation features. That said, I think and corners are easier to navigate there are a few generic things people in a wheelchair. The most important thing is to should be aware of: • Remember, if you have a live-in PA ensure that all home adaptations • Before undertaking modifications you will need a separate bedroom meet your personal needs and it helps to talk to an OT. for the PA. requirements.

www.spinal.co.uk INDEPENDENT LIVING l advertising feature l 29 Accessible living

Whether you’re getting ready to return home, buying a new property or require additional adaptations to your current property, it is important to first take a step back to consider all of the different factors that will influence the design of your home. This special section provides practical tips and information, in addition to the personal experiences of other SCI people, who have created accessible living spaces tailored to their needs and wants.

ome of the information provided passenger or driver’s door when the personal assistant? here can be found in SIA’s Moving car is on the drive? In the garage? • How will I transfer between bed SForward Book 7, Housing and • Is there a shared drive: am I likely and wheelchair? Adaptations. This publication is well to get blocked in? worth a read before you carry out any • Will the council allow a disabled Bathroom and toilet home adaptations. It provides a range person’s parking bay? • Is there room to transfer onto of information covering topics including the toilet? housing options, buying a house, Access • Can I get beside the bath to structural designs and alterations and • Is the front/back door easy to transfer myself? Do I need a hoist? financial help with housing. For further get through? • Would a shower be better? information about the publication • Is there level access or are there • Is there enough knee clearance visit www.spinal.co.uk steps? Is there room for a under the hand basin? The following check-lists cover just permanent ramp? some of the key considerations when • Is the door lock and handle easy planning home adaptations. Moving to reach? Below is a list of a few potential Forward Book 7, Housing and Adaptations • Are the floor surfaces suitable? sources of help and advice for features exhaustive check-lists. Do I need to replace carpets with your home adaptations. hard flooring? The Entrance Access Garden Products • Is the footpath/gate wide enough Kitchen www.garden-products.co.uk for a wheelchair or mobility aid? • Are the sink, cooker, fridge, larder, Tel 01788 822 301 • Is the rubbish bin easily accessible? cupboards, and dustbin easy to Centre for Accessible • Is the entrance accessible and reach? Environments well lit? • Are the doors easy to open and www.cae.org.uk • Is there a tarmac path or gravel/ internal shelves easy to reach? Tel 020 7822 8232 stones leading to the front door? • Are the work surfaces at the right Chartered Institute for Environmental Health height? Registered charity and the Vehicle access • Can I safely transfer hot dishes professional voice for • Where will I park the car? from cooker to work surface, etc? environmental health • Will my wheelchair fit alongside the www.cieh.org Utility Tel 020 7928 6006 • Can I easily get to and operate Disabled Facilities Grant the washing machine? www.gov.uk • Can I get to smoke alarms/fire Disabled Living Foundation alarms to test/reset them? www.dlf.org.uk • Can I easily switch oﬀ the gas, Tel 0300 999 0004 water and electrics? Royal Institute of British • Can I easily reach fuses etc? Architects www.architecture.com Bedroom Tel 020 7580 5533 • Is there room for my wheelchair? Royal Institution of Chartered • What type of bed will I need? What Surveyors type of mattress will I need? www.rics.org.uk • What height and width should it be Tel 024 7686 8555 for me? For the convenience of my

30 l forward feature l HOME ADAPTATIONS October 2014 The ins and outs of planning regulations

Having a place to live which meets your needs is one of the biggest Once you have gained planning factors in enabling you to lead as comfortable and independent a life approval you will need to work together as possible. Here, Ian Younghusband provides an overview of the with your OT and architect to produce planning and preparation required before any major adaptation the final design and specification. It is work can be carried out. advisable to establish an estimated cost for the build and to create a budget you ustaining an SCI is an extremely can afford. Your architect will produce difficult situation and one of the detailed working drawings, interpreting Sbiggest issues faced by SCI people your design brief and ensuring that the is that their home is now unsuitable work complies with building regulations. due to their impaired mobility. Most Following completion of the detailed people will need some form of design and working drawings, your adaptation carried out on their property, architect will submit this information regardless of their level of injury. to the Local Authority Building Control The length of time required for Department. All structural work, either alterations, particularly if applying for a new build or adaptations to an existing Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), is generally property, must have approval from underestimated. If you require an building control to ensure that the work extension to your home, this is still in light of neighbouring properties. complies with current building regulations subject to statutory planning and This could save you a lot of time and and is structurally sound. Following building regulations. expense in the long run. submission, approval is usually given Work with your Occupational If your adaptations require planning within four weeks, providing the Building Therapist (OT) who will understand what permission, your architect will prepare Control Officer is happy with all aspects you require now and if you are newly plans and information showing the of the build. It is advisable during this injured, what will also be suitable in the planners the layout, size and overall time to appoint the contractor who future if you are able to develop your appearance of your proposal. Extensions will carry out the work. Try to get three independence. You will need to employ and adaptations to properties to aid quotes from builders who have a the services of an architect, who will disabled people are exempt from good reputation. If possible, try to visit work with you to best meet your needs planning fees. The planning process previous work they have done or ask within current building regulations, generally takes a minimum of eight them to show you photographs. and to produce detailed plans to gain weeks from submission of your Establish a programme of work statutory approvals, which will ultimately application. with your contractor, so that both parties be used by your builder during agree on a completion date. It’s best to construction. If you are looking at Party Wall Act employ a project manager to oversee building an extension, it would be wise This legislation is applicable where the work. This could be done by your to speak to someone in your Local the construction work is going to be architect or someone else with building Authority Planning Department to on or within a certain distance of your experience. arrange a meeting at home, if possible, neighbour’s boundary wall or property. A typical domestic building project with yourself and your ‘design team’ You are obliged to give your neighbour will take around three months before prior to starting. They will advise you a minimum of two months’ notice in work even starts on site. It wouldn’t be if your proposal will require planning writing prior to starting construction unreasonable for the whole process to permission as this can vary depending work. It’s advised that you seek take a minimum of nine months to on the type of extension, its size and professional advice when negotiating complete. However, each project is location, or if you are in a conservation this as you will need to gain written different and much can depend on area. They will also advise on what consent from your neighbour prior to the workload of those involved. materials, design etc you are allowed starting construction, and all works must Ian Younghusband C5 and will explain how far you can extend be done in compliance with the Act. Peer Support Officer – North East, SIA www.spinal.co.uk HOME ADAPTATIONS l forward feature l 31 Tailored accessible kitchens

SIA member and kitchen designer, Adam Thomas, explains how you can adapt your kitchen to suit your needs, ensuring that you continue to get full use and enjoyment out of this key living space.

love being in the kitchen and Doorways cooking for the family every night, You will need larger than standard Iand for a houseful of friends on a doorways in your adapted space if you Sunday lunchtime. Whether you want are a wheelchair user. Wheelchairs vary to reheat a ready meal or cook from in dimensions and you are likely to scratch, full access in the kitchen change chairs over time. Ask your means greater independence and a Occupational Therapist (OT) to help daily routine that increases confidence. you make a generous estimate of the Accessible bathrooms are already doorway width you are likely to need. Design tip: if you are a wheelchair regulated by legislation, but there are Design tip: do your research today to user, select a tough material for your still no guidelines for kitchens. So make sure you only have this work kitchen doors. which aspects of a kitchen design done once. really make the diﬀerence? Worktops Furniture Worktops can be set at one fixed Layout The most durable material for kitchen height for a single user, or two If you’re newly-injured you may be cabinet doors is high pressure laminate fixed heights for a family home. adapting several rooms at once, and – the same material that is used to Alternatively, for total flexibility, they you will find that you need more floor make worktops. If you use a wheelchair can be mounted on a hydraulic rise space than before, especially if you’re or walking frame, this is the best and fall mechanism so that the hob a wheelchair user. Knee spaces in choice, as it will shrug oﬀ the knocks and sink can be used at a comfortable accessible kitchens reduce overall and bumps and keep its good looks height by any member of the storage space, so you might need to for years to come. It is also very easy to household. We like to add a raised move a door, window or even a wall keep clean. Solid wood is the next best lip on all four sides of the worktop to create enough space for turning option as it has a natural warmth, and to contain spills. and storage that you can reach takes on character over time. Rigid- Design tip: visit a disabled living comfortably. Speak to an experienced built units are the most solid, and centre or showroom where you can try kitchen designer as early as possible modern manufacturing methods out an accessible kitchen for yourself, to make sure that these important enable furniture to be built in any to establish what you really need. decisions are considered from the dimension to suit your needs and outset, and that they have an make the very best use of the Sinks understanding of your individual needs. available space. We strongly recommend using solid Design tip: plan your kitchen with the surface materials in the sink area, so oven, hob and sink on the same run, that there are no joints vulnerable to keep transferring of heavy pots and to water damage. These modern pans to a minimum. materials are hygienic and easy to clean, and can be moulded into a Flooring range of interesting designs that are If you are a wheelchair user, you custom-made to suit the individual. will find that the slightest incline Design tip: check the depth of your causes your wheelchair to roll. This is sink. The deeper the sink, the higher annoying, and quite tiring if it means the worktop will be. you have to use your brakes or keep repositioning. Have your floors Cooking – ovens levelled before any room is adapted. This is the area where safety is Design tip: use good quality, non-slip paramount. If you are not a keen cook, flooring like Amtico or Altro on a and just want to reheat meals, a good properly levelled floor. quality combination microwave oven

32 l forward feature l HOME ADAPTATIONS October 2014 Kitchen designed with knee space below sink and hob

storage space comes down to you at the push of a button. This might seem an expensive option at first, but if it means you don’t need to move that wall to make extra space, it can pay for itself. Design tip: if you do choose rise and fall wall units, make sure the mechanism moves forward as it lowers, so you can still use the back edge of the work surface for storage.

Don’t be afraid to explore every option, and think about the small details. If you have impaired grip, or hand pain, try out several door handles and select Cooking – hobs the one that is comfortable and easy to We always recommend induction use. Soft-close mechanisms on drawers hobs. They are easy to keep clean, and cupboards now come as standard energy efficient, and safer than a on most quality kitchens, but for some conventional gas or electric hob. For people with limited hand strength they safety reasons alone, induction is the can make it harder to open a drawer. best choice, but they are also very They may not be for you. responsive in use and great for keen Try out the design ideas mentioned cooks. Touch controls on ovens and in this article by visiting showrooms hobs are often more helpful for some and experience for yourself how much than small dials, which can be difficult you can access in an adapted kitchen. to grasp and turn in small increments. Cooking and entertaining is a great Design tip: induction hobs come in activity, and with the accessible all shapes and sizes. Choose the model kitchens of the 21st century, cooking that is right for you and your cooking is now a pleasure too. style. Adam Thomas T4/5 Design Matters Height-adjustable storage If you have the budget, overcome Tel 01628 521584 storage problems by mounting large [email protected] might be sufficient. If you want to wall units, or even small appliances on www.dmkbb.co.uk cook meals from scratch, look out rise and fall hydraulics, so that the for standard ovens that come with Height-adjustable wall cabinets optional telescopic runners, making the oven shelves much more stable when extended. Investigate the Neff Slide and Hide oven, which offers great access as the oven door slides smoothly away for safety, and is much safer than a side-hinged door. Couple your oven with a heat-resistant pull- out shelf below, and make sure your worktop is situated well for transferring. Design tip: work with your designer to have the oven mounted at the right height for you, and test out various worktop positions to make sure you can transfer pots and pans safely. www.spinal.co.uk HOME ADAPTATIONS l forward feature l 33 How to adapt your bathroom

Ed Warner, founder of accessible bathroom company Motionspot, oﬀers a range of top tips to consider when designing your accessible bathroom.

he average person spends one and a half years of their lifetime Thermostatic shower controls T in the bathroom. It is therefore and mono bloc basin mixers frustrating when many accessible – contemporary in design with levers bathrooms lack the right function that can be operated easily for users for disabled users and can be rather with limited dexterity. depressing in their design. Level access shower floors It is important to focus on the – level access floors can be installed Chrome support rails aesthetics and beauty of bathroom on most floor types and with the right – popular in the shower and at the design without cutting corners in waterproofing, will last up to ten years. WC as they can hinge to the wall but terms of functionality. It is paramount can also be fully removed if required that the environment can adapt with Choose the right enclosure and replaced with chrome cover the user’s unique changing healthcare – there are alternatives to the shower plates. This concept can transform any needs. We constantly review our curtain that always seems to cling to bathroom into a fully accessible space services to ensure that we provide you when wet. Bi-folding glass shower in under five minutes. our customers with a full range of doors that can fold accessible adaptations, back to the wall Low surface to assist them with their when not in use, “Having a bathroom that temperature everyday personal care. can maximise towel rails We recently invited room space for offers the right access – these warm blogger Emily Yates to wheelchair users. without compromising the towels but do not review a number of our design, delivers greater get hotter than 47 bathroom projects across A shower seat degrees to ensure the UK. Speaking about her – if a commode independence” no skin is burnt experience of accessible is not being used, whilst in use. bathrooms, she said: “Having a well-designed been a wheelchair user for seat can be fixed at the desired height Slip resistant porcelain floor tiles Emily Yates the last thirteen years, I have for the user and can hinge to the wall – getting away from the need for used my fair share of accessible – and when not in use. that hospital vinyl! not so accessible – bathrooms. There was always one thing that these A shower riser rail Having a bathroom that offers the bathrooms had in common though; – this unit can hold the shower head right access and is designed to fit into function always came above form, in place but can double as a support the look of the home, delivers greater often to the point where design almost bar offering up to 100kg of vertical independence and makes such a ceased to exist. I have regularly left and horizontal support. difference to how our clients feel about accessible bathrooms feeling like I’ve their home. These rooms can be built just been discharged from hospital; Wall hung toilets to suit a range of budgets and can they can be so sterile, clinical and – these allow for easier wheelchair often add value to the home when white, always white! Who really transfer as the seat can be set at the the property is sold. wants that in their own home?” desired height when installed. This Ed Warner, Motionspot Here are some top tips to consider removes the need for clumsy and www.motionspot.co.uk when designing an accessible wet room: often unattractive toilet seat raisers. Tel 020 37355139

34 l forward feature l HOME ADAPTATIONS October 2014 Finding the right location

Last night I came home to a note in my block of ﬂats which said: “Whoever put the dead duck in the food recycling bin, could you kindly remove it and put it in the general waste. Thank you.”

nderneath it was written, with no alternative but to buy a house Now most of my time is spent in an equally spidery hand: and spend half of my life stuck upstairs watching home improvement shows, U“Please note I have spoken to like some kind of wheelchair-using daydreaming about completely the council and it is fine to place dead Rapunzel, waiting for a knight in gutting a house and creating a animals in the food recycling bins.” shining armour to come and fix bespoke, wheelchair accessible Now, I don’t know whether it’s the my stairlift. paradise. After all, anywhere I buy notes, the people going through my Well, I say stairlift, but I’m not sure a will probably need a new bathroom, rubbish, or simply whether this is the Thora Hird special is really for me. Firstly, level access and the carpets ripped sort of place that ducks come to die, transferring into one at the top of a flight up. Why not just go the whole hog and but I have of late decided that it may of stairs is a sure fire way to increase my engage in full-on wall Armageddon? be time to move. I don’t want to live SCI by a couple of vertebrae. Secondly, The beauty of this approach is that any in a flat any more. I want to live I’m just too cool to be seen in one. such building work will be VAT free as somewhere where I can listen to my A through-floor lift may be the long as it’s required for my disability own television, not my neighbour’s. answer, but if so I can kiss goodbye (I’m sure Mick Jagger, Gary Barlow I want a garden – my own, private to a bedroom for my non-existent kids. and Vodafone are working out how I suppose I could fit the lift in the guest to get themselves a juicy, tax-exempt bedroom, but I’m struggling to think SCI as we speak…). “I don’t want to live in a of anyone who would be happy for In fact, why stop at just refurbishing flat any more. I want to live a wheelchair accessible TARDIS to a place? Why not start from scratch materialise at the foot of their bed and build myself a cliﬀtop, James somewhere where I can in the middle of the night. Bond, villain-style bunker, filled with listen to my own television, The numerous options are shag pile carpets and 70’s furniture? not my neighbour’s” beginning to take over my tiny mind. It would certainly suit my plans for Back in the olden days I used to while world domination, although I’m not away my hours in the pub with my sure whether the VAT exemption will one, not one where every time I put chums, talking about girls, football stretch to a shark tank. a castor out of the back door I hear a and the lack of accessible toilets. Dan Burden T5 disembodied voice say: “Oooh, going out in the garden are we?” And I want to live somewhere, where if I see someone going through my rubbish I can legitimately chase them oﬀ the premises with a cricket bat. No, flats are out. So if not a flat, where am I going to live? A bungalow? Well if I had a desire to live in half a house and pay an extra £50,000 for the privilege then I may consider it. The only problem is that I am not completely deranged. I also refuse to cow to ‘the man’ and his ‘system’ which says that a disabled person must live on one floor whilst everyone else enjoys two-floor living. Our brothers and sisters died to bring us equality, and I’ll be damned if I’ll dishonour them by buying somewhere accessible to my needs. So that basically leaves me www.spinal.co.uk HOME ADAPTATIONS l forward feature l 35 My very own grand design

Jamie Rhind looks back on the trials and triumphs of his home adaptation project, with a realistic appreciation of the unplanned Jamie takes in the extent of obstacles that can (and usually his home adaptation project do) occur.

love Grand Designs. I love everything who has recently embarked on my very out of the way in one go. Carpets about it, especially the delusional own grand design, renovating a tired can be ripped up, flowery wallpaper Ihouse builders that turn up at the and dated 1930’s chalet bungalow into a painted over, it’s a bit more difficult to inaugural meeting with King Kevin, home fit for modern, wheelchair-friendly re-arrange room layouts or decide that clad in Hunter wellies and hard hats, living. Thankfully, I haven’t embarked on actually ‘you should have converted grasping their homemade build this gargantuan project alone, I have my the garage into a study’. We were schedule and cost calculations, both wonderful girlfriend Anne to argue with fortunate to have an architect friend of which are written on the back of a about the colour of the grout on the cast his expert eye over our rabbit- fag packet. Every brick, window and bathroom floor and the type of screw- warren style house of corridors and screw accounted for, Miles and Susie head for the door handles. wasted space, to come up with a both convinced that somehow their design that maximised the floor space build will be different. Their build will “It’s important to be realistic and retained the need to be functional run on schedule and they won’t be for a tetraplegic wheelchair user. forced to live in the crappy caravan in about the cost and timescale” The aim of ensuring our house the garden for more than the 23 weeks was renovated to our taste, and it’s definitely going to take to build I’m stating the obvious by saying functional for my needs, has their dream home. Their build will cost that any major building project is (hopefully) been achieved. Modern exactly what they have calculated it stressful, but I don’t think most people trends fall right into the hands of will cost, because they’ve done all realise just how all-consuming it can wheelchair users; open-plan living, their sums before embarking on become until they do it for themselves. walk/roll-in showers, these things are this adventure, they’re not idiots! Your mind is constantly filled with desired as much by the non-disabled Of course they’re idiots. They’re agonising decisions, from the location of as they are by wheelchair users. idiots because the thought of building walls, windows and doors, to the colour Instruct a reputable builder, or renovating a house being simple and type of tiles, carpets and paints. someone who has done work for and formulaic is delusional, and the The ‘to do’ list never seems to grow as someone you know, but in my belief everything can all be worked quickly as the bank balance shrinks. experience try to avoid using someone out before you start? Well it can’t. My biggest tip would be making you or your family know well; it can And I should know, as someone sure you get all the big stuff right and make difficult conversations even harder when the doo-doo hits the fan, which it inevitably will. And finally, be realistic about the cost and timescale. As Grand Designs always proves, there will always be unforeseen complications (our primary one being a sloping kitchen floor!), so try to factor this in to both your budget and schedule. And always remember that all of this is merely bricks and mortar, it’s the people inside it that make it a home! Jeez, I sound like Jerry Springer when he does his final thought…. Folding window doors Jamie Rhind C5/6 Outreach Services Manager, SIA

36 l forward feature l HOME ADAPTATIONS October 2014 Getting around your home

There are several options available when it comes to transportation methods within your home. Whether you are thinking of investing in a stairlift or through-ﬂoor lift, there are many factors to consider. Below you will ﬁnd some of the key pros and cons to help you decide which option is best for you.

Stairlifts Pros Cons • Stairlifts require no structural work • Stairlifts are less suitable for to a house. The rail bolts to the floor wheelchair users as they need to and stair treads, not the wall, and be able to manoeuvre from the can be removed with little evidence wheelchair onto the stairlift seat and of ever having been installed back again, with a wheelchair at both • A house fitted with a stairlift can the top and bottom of the stairs easily be resold, as the lift and rail • Stairlifts may not allow the user are easy to remove to travel with large objects, as they • Stairlifts are more cost effective may unbalance the lift or exceed than through-floor lifts the weight limit • The only visual impact a stairlift • A stairlift may only be a short-term will have on a house is on the stairs solution for users with a progressive and not in any room illness – if their condition worsens • When not in use, stairlifts can be over time, they may find themselves folded up and parked. A curved rail unable to transfer onto or operate lift can take the carriage around a a stairlift corner to hide it from view • If you have narrow stairs, installing • Chairs can be customised to fit all a stairlift chair can make it difficult shapes and sizes of user and can for people in the property who use be upholstered to blend in with the stairs. Pollock home decor. through-floor lift Through-floor lifts Pros Platinum Curve • The lift cars come in a range of Cons stairlift sizes, suitable for a broad range • Through-floor lifts are more of wheelchairs expensive to install than stairlifts • Traction drive systems facilitate • Through-floor lifts have a greater soft start/stop as standard impact on the structure of a • Through-floor lifts can carry up to property in comparison to a stairlift 36-stone, enabling several people • The re-routing of electricity, gas and to travel at once water supplies might be necessary • The space provided within the car depending on the planned enables wheelchair users to travel installation location of the lift from one floor to another without • Due to the more comprehensive leaving their wheelchair installation process, through-floor • Gates can be re-handed lifts can take longer to install than (opening direction changed) stairlifts. to suit individual needs • Safety features include an For further information emergency alarm with full safety about through-floor lifts visit edging on all areas, on-board www.pollocklifts.co.uk manual lowering system, emergency For more information about stairlifts release on upper and lower visit www.platinumstairlifts.com level gates and in-car lighting • Most feature a self-levelling Breda Duggan mechanism for uneven floors. Publications Manager, SIA www.spinal.co.uk HOME ADAPTATIONS l forward feature l 37 From the ground up

When building an accessible home Tony's home was from scratch, or even updating a designed to property you’re already living in, meet his needs there are a number of accessible gadgets and gizmos that can be incorporated into your new design.Tony Stephenson explains how he focused on his key needs and wants, to build a home that ticked all the boxes without compromising on the budget.

ast year I was in the very to be able to get a Disabled Facilities I can use the kitchen table. fortunate position to be able Grant, but with the contribution I Thirdly, I wanted to be able to L to sell my house after 24 years would have had to make, it was open and close windows. I made sure of a 25-year mortgage. Financially, I hardly worth it. handles were at the bottom of all the was in a position where I could afford So, I thought about my main windows rather than on the sides. to build a bungalow. This enabled me needs. Firstly, I needed access to the Next on my list was an easy access to finally get rid of my through-floor bungalow. That was straight forward; bathroom. I thought this would be lift, which had broken down many make sure the UPVC front door and very straight forward and it should times over the last 20 years with patio doors provided level access with have been. I only wanted a shower, me stuck in it several times. no surround to get over. My architect toilet and wash basin. The toilet that Being in this position left me with obviously designed the bungalow was fitted was very nice but it was not decisions to make. I naturally wanted without any steps. practical. I use a shower-chair over the a home that was perfect for my needs, Secondly, I needed a usable kitchen, toilet. The first toilet that was fitted but catering for all wants would have with units at a reasonable height. The didn’t come out far enough from the been costly. There’s a lot out there that kitchen I had in my previous house wall, so the shower-chair did not sit can make living with a disability easier, had been adapted for me. It had wall over the toilet properly. I spotted but this can be excessively expensive. mounted cupboards, a level-access that very quickly and had it changed Automatic windows and blinds, oven and a hob with space for me to before I moved in! bespoke adjustable kitchens and all get my legs under. I got a standard I was fortunate to be able singing and dancing toilets are all very kitchen, it suits me fine and if I need to build from scratch and have nice, and also very expensive. I hoped a lower surface for a lot of preparation somewhere very easy for me to live in. If money was no object there are things I might have done differently. I could have had a bespoke kitchen, with wall-hung units that can be lowered and raised, remote-control windows and blinds and that all- singing, all-dancing toilet. But in reality I don’t think I would have got any of that. It would have cost a lot of money and if I was really in a position where money was no object, then the whole project would have been very different. I’m definitely getting old; I think I would have escaped to the country. I thought about escaping to the sun, but I’d miss the rain. Tony Stephenson T3 Peer Support Officer – Wales, SIA

38 l forward feature l HOME ADAPTATIONS October 2014 Life with LoFric - Right from the Start For more information and FREE LoFric samples please contact 0800 652 3350

Wellspect HealthCare, Brunel Way, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 3GB Phone: +44 800 652 3350. www.wellspect.co.uk

Ian’s build in life the early stages

SIA member Ian Hosking shares his home adaptation experience, revealing how he managed the funding of his build with the inclusion of zero-rated VAT adaptations.

n 2007 I bought a 1970’s bungalow a search and made a shortlist and in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, with after speaking to all of them I went to Ithe idea to adapt and create a long- see jobs they had done and got quotes term home following my SCI in 2004. for my build. A final decision was made I searched long and hard to find and a start date was agreed. the right location more than the right No building work took place for the property. The local area needed to first few weeks but there was plenty suit more than the physical building. of demolition. Each time I visited the I was always going to adapt it anyway. property I had less of a house than the What I bought became a much previous day! Eventually things started larger job than I had initially to take shape. I couldn’t get on site planned for! too much at first so project managed though! For example, I had a gravel I was lucky to have a dad who had from digital photos and a laptop from drive and changing the surface is not worked in the building trade all his the roadside. zero-rated. I also needed to change life, designing, building and running the level of the drive and changing the his own construction business. height is zero rated. It just so happened Unfortunately, he wasn’t based near “HMRC guidelines outline that the new level is block paved (you where I wanted to live. He came up which accessible home just concentrate on the change of with a wonderful plan of how the place levels and not from gravel to paving). could look. I have watched Grand adaptations are and are not Had I known better at the time, Designs on TV so knew what I wanted. entitled to zero-rated VAT” I would have totally demolished and The plans were drawn, so now we started again as a new build, featuring needed planning permission. The local all zero-rated work. I set out to not council was fine in principle, mostly I did a lot of work oﬀ-site choosing have anything that looked like a because the front elevation was not doors, windows, colours, bathroom hospital. I just wanted to include clever going to change too much. They did, suites and looking into the disability adaptions that were not obvious in a however, have concerns regarding the adaptation VAT exemption. I found home to enjoy and stay in for a long overall size, as the rear of the property guidelines on the HMRC website time. I’m happy with the end result. was going to extend quite a lot. After outlining what is and what isn’t Ian Hosking T3 ‘playing the card’, one of the rare times allowed at zero-rated VAT. As long as SIA Member I called myself disabled, they agreed you describe the work item correctly and permission was granted. to agree with their guidelines, it can For more information about zero- Now, to find a contractor. I did be zero-rated. Obviously you can’t lie rated VAT, visit www.hmrc.gov.uk www.spinal.co.uk HOME ADAPTATIONS l forward feature l 41 Clober Farm

Spinal Injuries Scotland (SIS) was generously bequeathed the ground floor of a 280-year-old farmhouse in Milngavie, near Glasgow, by an Occupational Therapist (OT), Viv Donaldson. She had worked with SCI people and had recognised the difficulties in finding accessible accommodation Clober Farm for wheelchair users.

his was a massive project for design, while maintaining the 18th requirements. The ensuite is a wet the charity, our largest ever century charm of the old building. room with shower and height T undertaken. The farmhouse was After a lot of hard work stripping adjustable sink. in need of a lot of work, having lain out the interior, we were lucky enough State of the art technology has empty for some years. Wheelchair to be starting with a blank canvas in been included in the design. Blinds, access seemed a challenge to say the terms of the layout. This meant that windows, doors and lights can all least. Undaunted, the architects got to we could make as much as possible be controlled centrally. work. SIS put together a working group accessible to wheelchair users from Outside, the garden has been to share ideas and requirements for the the outset, rather than having to adapt designed for wheelchair access too. refurbishment, in terms of access and something that was already in place. The BBC Scotland show, Beechgrove equipment. This comprised members, With the help of some fundraising Garden, featured Clober Farm in their staff and volunteers, some of whom and some generous donations to the show, with two busy but fun-packed had experience of building, designing charity, the refit could commence. days of filming the changes. The or refurbishing a home. An OT from the A modern extension was added garden is now a peaceful retreat Glasgow SCI Centre joined the group to the house. This contains the where guests are encouraged to to share her expertise. The architects spacious living area and kitchen make use of the fruit, vegetables were keen to incorporate as many with level access from outside. There and herbs that they may encounter. of their ideas as possible into the is underfloor heating throughout. While the charity recognises that Access features in the it is impossible to equip Clober Farm kitchen include a height perfectly for all levels of SCI, the Kitchen adjustable unit housing feedback from guests has been very designed the hob and sink. There encouraging. And we are very open with eye- is a low-level fridge in to new ideas when our visitors make level oven the form of a drawer. The suggestions. oven door slides away to Clober Farm is available to rent, allow a wheelchair user with priority given to those with an to safely access the SCI and their friends/families. It is interior shelves. also available to those with other There are three disabilities affecting mobility. bedrooms. The master Clare Byrne bedroom features a Volunteer, Spinal Injuries Scotland tracking hoist and an adjustable bed. A For more details please see number of different www.sisonline.org or email mattresses are available [email protected] depending on or [email protected]

42 l forward feature l HOME ADAPTATIONS October 2014 Best room of the house

I haven’t lived in many properties since my injury in 1980 (six in all) but keep the gravel in place and ensure other than the first one, which belonged to my mum and dad, I’ve never that my wheels didn’t disappear into had a garden designed specifically for my needs. However, in March 2013 the depths … and I’m pleased to say my family and I moved into our ideal home with a blank canvas of a garden. it works a treat! Dwarf, self-pollinating fruit trees were planted along one fence and ’ve always enjoyed looking at and on. Working as she does with a regular strawberries, carrots, peas and lettuces sitting in beautiful gardens, and have team of garden landscapers, Jacqueline were dotted amongst the plants in the Ienjoyed pottering about pulling the discussed the matter with them and raised beds, along with a variety of herbs. odd weed out here and there and they agreed that a good solid The work took three weeks and planting where I could. But in all foundation and the use of a special resin- I now have a low maintenance garden honesty, I’ve usually left the hard graft bound compound was the way to go. with plenty of room for me to to others (especially my poor Dad!). Raised beds were created with manoeuvre around. I knew I wanted something low sleepers and lighting was set within It wasn’t cheap but it was created maintenance, I didn’t want concrete them at floor level. As I didn’t want with me in mind and I’m now able to slabs as the pointing always seemed any grass the area of paving was quite do 90% of the gardening. I’ve spent to break up causing the slabs to move, extensive, so Jacqueline suggested more time outside than I have in all which then proved a hazard when that I have an area laid with gravel to of my previous gardens put together. wheeling across them. I wanted to be help break it up. As I have fallen victim Hardly a day goes by when I don’t able to access the plants so that I could to the odd gravel car park/path over venture out there at some point, prune etc comfortably, and I wanted the years, I wasn’t too sure about this no matter what to be able to grow our own produce. until she told me about the honeycomb the weather! So how was I going to find someone plastic matting that would help to Jackie Bailey T3 to come up with something that would Peer Support fulfil all of that and look good all year Officer – South round too? In the end I decided to put To find recommended tradesmenin Central, SIA your area visit www.ratedpeople.com “I wanted to be able to grow our Jackie’s accessible own produce in our garden” garden with honeycomb a request on www.ratedpeople.com plastic matting, for a gardener to design a courtyard- shown above style garden for a wheelchair user within a specified budget. I was contacted by three different gardeners, all of whom came to see the area I wanted developing. As with all of these things I went with the one I gelled with straightaway. We met several times to talk over ideas, plants etc and Jacqueline listened to my concerns over moving paving slabs and the hazard that they can become later

www.spinal.co.uk HOME ADAPTATIONS l forward feature l 43 Technological advances in rehabilitation sCi rehabilitation evolves over time, but one feature that has remained constant for those looking to get back on their feet is assistance to stand and walk. The most commonly used method is manual assistance – usually from physiotherapists – where a person is helped to stand and walk.

he therapists use their hands and bodies to support and guide, T which can be pretty hard work for both patient and therapist and not without worries and risks for both parties. into everyday life, so often do not In an effort to make this easier, get used. various products have been released However, an exciting new system to aid weight bearing. From tilt is set to change all this. The Bioness tables and frames for standing, Vector Elite Gait & Safety System, to wheeled gantries that support is a computerised robotic trolley and lighten patients for walking. mounted on a ceiling track that can In reality, these are often quite support people on their feet and cumbersome or lack the ability to move with them in all directions progress and have limited transfer below the track. The user wears a National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC) comfortable harness, which attaches children’s fund, St Francis ward at the to the Vector via a rope. From a chair, NSIC is set to be the first hospital in the person can be de-weighted to the UK to use the ground-breaking enable them to stand with less or no Vector Elite technology. The entire assistance. The machine moves with multi-disciplinary team is very excited them; as they stand, the rope that at the prospect of this advanced provides the offloading automatically and unique technology arriving on retracts as they rise. In standing or St Francis ward this month. The walking, the person is free to move opportunities that the device holds within their own limits of balance. for children and young people with If they do fall, then the system can an SCI connected to St Francis ward either quickly catch them, or safely are limitless and fit well with the and slowly lower the person to the existing philosophies; ongoing floor. In this way, the individual can maximal therapy provision and learn by making mistakes, discovering activity-based therapy. The Vector their limits but also experiencing will complement the exciting and how far they can safely push things. varied ward-based therapy that is Throughout this process, staff already employed and enjoyed monitor the user, only there is less by the children and families on need for manual assistance and so a St Francis ward. greater sense of independence. Any Together, with the recent hands-on treatment can focus on Outstanding Team Award presented encouraging better movement, as at SIA’s Rebuilding Lives after opposed to being purely supportive. Spinal Cord Injury Awards, there The award winning system was is a lot to be pleased with as the launched in the USA last year. But St Francis ward moves onwards thanks to the hard work, vision and and upwards. dedication of Clinical Specialist Matthew Dale Physiotherapist, Kirsten Hart, and Bioness Ward Manager Sister Sara O’Shea, [email protected] not to mention the generosity of the www.bioness.com

44 l advertising feature l Bioness

Caring for ageing skin after SCI The skin is a living organ and with age becomes thinner and it to shearing forces loses its elasticity. Circulation becomes sluggish and this reduces • Evaluate pressure-relieving aids such the amount of nutrients feeding it. all of these factors make the as mattresses and wheelchair cushions skin more susceptible to breaking down. • Keep abreast of new technologies and try new equipment • Take extra care of your skin during aking care of your skin as you age skin hygiene and protection episodes of illness with an SCI is very important. Not • Try to prevent skin coming into • You may become allergic to certain taking care of your skin can make contact with urine and faeces, as this T foods, which could cause general you more susceptible to developing can cause the skin to break down illness and affect your skin too. pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers continue • Check skin regularly for redness, tears, Knowing what is normal for you to be one of the leading complications burns and signs of infection, especially will help you to recognise any of SCI and can result in long periods of around supra-pubic catheters changes bed rest with disruption to work and • You may find that your usual soap • Avoid swelling, (oedema) particularly social life. in the legs and don’t leave it untreated. This can weaken the What can you do to help keep “The condition of your skin skin further. your skin healthy and intact? reflects your overall health” Healthy lifestyle Creams, ointments and medications • Try to keep your weight at the Steroid creams are sometimes prescribed recommended level, as extra weight becomes an irritant and that you for various skin conditions such as hyper- causes added pressure develop rashes. These should be granulation (tissue which forms on the • Eat good quality food, including investigated and treated quickly. surface of a wound during the healing adequate protein for tissue repair Changing soaps, washing detergent process). This can occur around the site • Drinking six to eight cups of water and using barrier creams may help of a supra-pubic catheter. Use steroid per day is a typical recommendation • Use a sunscreen and protect your creams sparingly as they can cause the • Try to keep alcohol intake to within skin against extreme heat. In colder skin to become thin, making it more the recommended levels environments wear suitable clothing susceptible to tearing and infection. • Smoking is bad for the skin as it to protect against extreme cold. Creams such as Canesten can be causes reduction of oxygen and other used to treat fungal infections, especially essential nutrients getting to the skin. Daily living on the feet. Always use until the infection Smoking also affects the arteries • Equipment may need modification, has disappeared and always wash hands causing blood pressure to rise if lifting and transferring become thoroughly before and after application. • Being underweight can cause health more difficult; consider using a Zinc is an important trace element problems and put you at risk of hoist. Ageing skin is less resistant helping to maintain healthy skin and pressure ulcers nails. It is also good for wound healing. • Check posture regularly, avoid an Zinc can be applied locally in the form uneven sitting position of a cream and can be taken orally in a • Keep your immune system healthy tablet, powder or capsule. – check with your GP or a dietician if Vitamin C is also good for the skin. there are supplements you could take Vitamin C is water soluble and the body • Mental health issues such as will destroy what it does not need, so depression can alter your immune don’t waste money taking unnecessary response to infections for example. large doses. If you are depressed you may neglect The advice provided here lists just your personal daily routines, such some of the ways that you can protect as checking your skin your skin. If you have any concerns about • Muscle mass decreases as we age but the health of your skin, consult your SCI exercise helps to maintain strength. Centre at the earliest opportunity. Drinking water helps Joy Sinclair to keep skin hydrated Ageing Well Officer

46 l forward matters l ageing October 2014

My life was transformed wwith a Baclofen pump

After an accident (C5/6 incomplete) in experiences so agreed to a trial which is with my consultant to do this, as I also A 2010 I was hospitalised for 15 months. where they inject liquid Baclofen into your need to manage my ﬁnger spasticity.

When I was discharged in May 2011, I spinal column. The results were a Whilst the pump has been great for me, had moderate spasticity that caused revelation. My body became so much my finger spasticity has not responded so the muscles down the left side of my more relaxed and almost straight, and well, but this is a minor disappointment. body to tighten, leaving me bent to the whilst my mental state did not respond So far, I have been back to have my side. With rehab I began to slowly automatically(I was not surprised as I was pump refilled three times. It is done with progress but in June 2012 the spasticity still taking the oral Baclofen) The trial filled an injection, is painless and takes only 20 worsened. I was given oral Baclofen to me with confidence and I agreed to the minutes. The pump is located on my left reduce the spasms but I was soon procedure. lower abdomen and is hardly noticeable. I taking the maximum dose and whilst I had the pump inserted in January can’t feel it and don’t normally even think this high dosage prevented further 2013 and the procedure went well. I was about it. deterioration it negatively affected my delighted with the results! My posture and The pump has been hugely beneficial mental state, which is a known side spasticity hugely improved and I was able to me. I am now able to make a positive effect. I found daily tasks challenging to gradually reduce my oral Baclofen. I may contribution to my family in a way that and became tired, forgetful, indecisive be able to reduce it further in the future by was not possible before. I would not and detached, meaning I was potentially having the pump dosage hesitate to recommend it to anyone in a increasingly dependent. increased, but I will need to work closely similar situation.

In the autumn, my consultant suggested I should consider having a

Baclofen pump inserted. She explained that the pump is an implantable, battery- powered device that stores and directs

Baclofen directly into the spinal column. Medtronic Limited

This meant the pump would reduce my Building 9

Croxley Green Business Park daily dosage, which should both help the Hatters Lane spasms and signiﬁcantly improve my Watford mental condition. I did my research and Herts WD18 8WW found the majority of user’s experiences UK were positive; most patients said that it www.medtronic.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1923 212213 helped them to improve daily function Fax: +44 (0)1923 241004 and activities. I was encouraged by these

48 l advertising feature l MeDTroniC October 2014 racing against the elements

Following an eventful second round, aaron Morgan looks ahead to his ﬁnal two races of the motoring season.

ound two of our 2014 season took place at the Rockingham Rcircuit in Corby, which was my first visit to the track. I managed to qualify in 11th position and thought the circuit was fantastic. Race one began and I made a very good start. However, in the first few laps I was forced to slow down due to a spinning car which lost me six positions. I finished the race in 18th position but quickly went to the clerk of the course about being overtaken under a yellow flag situation. This was to no avail as I was told that the yellow flags were not out due to the incident still taking place and I was just unlucky. I was very frustrated and started the second race in 18th position. I made a bad start and eventually finished the race in Oulton Park and was 9th on the grid damp conditions. However, a number 19th position. I left annoyed with my for race one. I had used faster cars of drivers were caught out at the last bad luck but was happy that I was to pace myself against during the corner and the race was red flagged. able to qualify as strong as I did. session. Conditions in both races were During the restart the track was Round three took place at very tricky due to the weather but I completely dry and I pushed my Cadwell Park, also known as the ‘Mini- finished both races in 12th position, hardest, finishing in 18th position. Nürburgring’ due to its fast flowing the best I had ever achieved. Unfortunately, there was an issue nature. I felt really good in qualifying I was delighted, with my car making but was not able to find any gaps on especially to have me slow on the the narrow track to set a good time, achieved this in the “Looking at my engine straights. Despite this, leaving me in 15th position for race wet conditions. issues is a priority and I managed to finish one. In a sloppy first few laps I lost a will be fixed before in 16th position at position only briefly before the same Car troubles the end of race two. driver spun out. This left a big gap I was really excited my next race” Looking at my engine between me and the driver ahead. for round five at issues is a priority and I got my head down and caught the Brands Hatch on the will be fixed before my group I was chasing, gaining a position Grand Prix circuit, which is my next race. Brands Hatch was another on the last lap. I had mixed feelings favourite. However, during qualifying part of the up-and-down season that after the race as my fastest lap would I again paced myself against a fast I am having in 2014. But there are two have put me in 7th position in qualifying. competitor but due to car trouble he races left to go and I hope to end the I finished both races in 16th position was slow and I was held up. This left season on a high. due to the diﬃculty overtaking. I knew me in 20th position for race one, in Aaron Morgan T6 at Oulton Park I needed to qualify better. To follow Aaron’s progress follow him on Twitter or facebook I was able to do this at a very wet by searching for AM racing, or visit www.aaronmorganracing.com www.spinal.co.uk MoTor raCing l forward matters l 49 footBest forward Use it or lose it

Johnny sombrero and his gang went horse riding the other day, western strength. I’m 61 now (someone called style. They are in training for a ‘dude’ ranch holiday in arizona during the me ‘sir’ the other day) and we all lose next half-term weekend, so we wanted to check if (a) i could get onto one muscle mass much more easily at that of the things and (b) all of us could direct one more or less successfully age. At the second time of asking, I was from way up there in the saddle. We’ve paid for the trip upfront so young and fit and walked all day long, god knows what we would have done if there was a problem. feeling that every day I was getting stronger. Today, if I don’t walk, I feel he boss at the New Forest stables cowboy saddle is far more comfortable this hard-won strength ebbing away. was defensive over the phone, than the ones we Brits usually perch on. I still weight bear on crutches and am T and clearly hadn’t done his inclusion So we’re looking good. not sure I’ll ever be able to use sticks training, but we turned up anyway, with My legs are about as strong as they with confidence again. In fact, when our heeled boots and long trousers, are ever going to get, I have decided, it comes to hip and knee joints by and of course it was OK in the end. and so I’ll stop the private physio after persisting with the canes I may be They had a mounting block so I bum- my next session. It occurred to me that doing more harm than good. shuffled up its steps and swung a leg I have now learned to walk for the over the nag’s neck rather than its bum. third time – once as a toddler, then as Don’t fight it! I have the thigh muscles required to a 33-year-old and again most recently I’m still fit though, more so than help point the horse in the right direction – and so my introductory motivational in years probably, and I have decided so, although it insisted on stopping to lecture (if anyone’s interested in booking there’s no point in fighting the ageing eat greenery whenever it felt like it, I felt me for a huge fee) will be entitled Third process. I will still walk, every day if I sort of in control. The hour-long ride time lucky. All rights reserved. can, but more with the intention of made my rear sore (no worse than the The only trouble is, I’m now having maintaining bone density and the others’) and I can confirm that the the devil of a job to maintain this old metabolism rather than building strength. I’ve set up my hand-bike so I can climb hills with bended knees and use a rowing motion on the cranks, which at least puts some blood through the muscles. Tell me if you think I’m wrong, but it makes sense to me. That’s no excuse not to stay active. No siree. At the time of writing this article, I’m training for a 1,500-metre open-water swim on 27 September and, of course in a month or so, my happy band of buckaroos will be riding the range to shoot up the sheriff of Yucca. I’ll write about the trip in a future issue of forward as the ranch claims to be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant throughout – so presumably offering a more dignified route into the saddle than the less than dignified bum-shuffle. Johnny Sombrero rides! Andy Healey L1

50 l forward matters l Walkers October 2014 It’s easy to advertise here! Simply email your request to: [email protected]. Contributions for the December issue should reach the editor by 3 November 2014

First registered 2010 with one TiliTe TrC ManUal rigiD Includes all fixtures and fittings, Vehicles and previous owner. Two sets of keys and TiTaniUM WHeelCHair including furniture, bed linen and accessories fobs. Privacy glass. Reversing sensor Frame in excellent condition with no beds etc. 42 years left to run on lease. and camera. Bluetooth handsfree scratches. Usual wear to push rims. Hire income usually pays the ground PlYMoUTH granD VoYager phone. Three zone aircon. Cruise New tyres, inner tubes & arm rest rent. Sleeps four in comfort, fully LH drive, hand controls, MOT until control. Radio/CD player, Sat Nav, pads. Folding backrest. Seat 17.5” x wheelchair accessible, wet room May 2015, side ramp entry, drive DVD roof screens. Leather interior. 16”. £600 ono. Tel: 01495 305331 and family bathroom. from wheelchair or seat. Dual fuel. Folding mirrors. Quality SDL Blaenau Gwent South Wales. View at www.timber-lodge.co.uk Reg 1991. Mileage 92,643. Quick sale Centervan conversion with near Collection only or arrange own Email: [email protected] £1,500. Bolton. Tel: 01204 431 455 side ramp and kneel system. courier. Tel: 01423 323 123 Call Steve 07827 881411 asTra 1.8 aUTo 2007 Manual BeaTle PUMa PoWereD accessible Worldwide controls, one owner. 10,800 miles WHeelCHair with DXG90 from new. Braun wheelchair roof- Wheelchairs controller. Powered rise, recline and Travel agent box, auto controls. Excellent and accessories tilt. New batteries. Owned from new condition. Sell as one or split. since 2009. VGC. £1,200 ono. Call for Let me arrange all of your £5,500 ono. Pictures available. alBer e-FiX sYsTeM Converts details 07810 622350 Cheshire. accessible UK, European and Tel: 01903 244188 or 07711 187 184 manual wheelchair to electric. worldwide holiday and travel Purchased December 2013. Price needs. 30 years of experience in travel and 24 years as SCI. aUToMaTiC ToYoTa Yaris includes Quickie 2 wheelchair equipment and wheels. E-fix system can Fully bonded and complete with Braun wheelchair carrier financial security. Call me on and hand/foot controls. Blue, 3dr be re-fitted to another chair by Gerald Simmonds. £1,500 ono. Can supply granDsTanD aDUlT sTanDer 01452 742 101 or visit hatchback, 53 reg, towbar, sunroof, series 11 WanTs a HoMe It is in www.travelcounsellors.co.uk A/C, PAS, FSH, petrol, 92,000 miles, picture. Southampton area. May be able to deliver. excellent condition and looks new. /richard.thompson £1,995. Only selling due to now Enquiries invited. Call Jean on having to use Motability WAV. CUsHions 2 x Roho single valve, high profile. One 9x9 cell 01243 558 846 (Arundel area). Pics available. 01424 813 503 Buyer collects. or 07910 152 422 (East Sussex). (42x42x10.5cm), very good condition. Holiday accommodation £100 including pump and cover. One 8x8 cell (38x38x10cm), reasonable MeDiCoTeCH THera ViTal sTaTiC CaraVan ConWY FranCe condition, good as a spare. THeraTrainer Like new. Exercise Manufactured ABI ‘Prestige’ 2010. £30. Brand new unused Roho from your wheelchair! Cost £3,200. MaYenne 18th century stone 6 berth, 2 bed. Fully wheelchair commode cushion (40x46x6cm), Would accept £1,500. Can arrange property with four bedrooms accessible, entrance ramp £300. Varilite Evolution PSV cushion delivery anywhere in Northern and a three-acre private lake professionally built. Roll in shower. (40x40cm), good condition. £50 Ireland. Tel: 028 8165 8992 Visit for fishing. Wheelchair accessible, Sited on a very nice site, views over including 2 covers. www.medicotech.co.uk for full with ground-floor bedroom river and valley. Mains gas, excellent DeCon sPiDer WHeels Black, product details. and en-suite wet room. condition. Owners health forces lightweight wheels (24”x1”, 25-540 www.francefishingholiday.co.uk reluctant sale. Please contact for tyres). Quickie compatible axles. or telephone Darren C6/7 photos/details. £18,500 ono. £50 ono. Tel: 023 8025 3998 on 01405 816 750 Tel 07974424703 email Wanted [email protected] oTToBoCk Xeno sTanD-UP Personal assisTanT, leeDs CollioUre, soUTH oF FranCe eleCTriC WHeelCHair Includes I am looking for a team of PAs to Ground-floor, two bedroom VeHiCle Hire, neW ZealanD electric tilt in space, standing support me on a daily basis in the apartment, sleeps four/six. Level WaVs, hand control cars and left foot facility, reclining back, headrest, Leeds area to accompany me on access throughout. Designed accelerator cars for hire. Explore New L/H swing-away controls, large appointments, support me with my specifically for people with Zealand – we make it easy! We are soft headrest, fork joystick knob, physio and with elements of personal spinal cord injury. En-suite happy to pass on our former clients’ special backrest for comfort and care. Ref PHB/SG/SL. Contact bathrooms, air-conditioning, full recommendations with regards to positioning, adaptions to provide [email protected] heating. Height-adjustable beds, activities and accommodation. See narrower seat width, solid tyres pressure-relieving mattresses. www.freedommobility.co.nz and four point harness. Hull. Separate upstairs apartment £5,000. Please call Suzie/Rachel available for family or friends. Holiday Property MeTalliC BlaCk CenTerVan on 01636 813 873 or email www.origincare.co.uk click on Grand Voyager Ltd. New shape (RT) [email protected] for sale L’Origine or call Nathalie with space drive 4 way joystick. on 00 33 632 56 61 75 Drive from wheelchair. £42,000 ono. CoVers-PlUs Wheelchair lake DisTriCT, WinDerMere Automatic, diesel 2.8 litre turbo, Cushion Covers & Replacement Timber lodge in a 4-star park ProVenCe 5 seats + 1 wheelchair + 2 removable Upholstery www.covers-plus.co.uk on the shores of Lake Windermere. Detached single-storey villa centre seats, current mileage 23,949. Tel: 01295 810 011 40ft x 20ft timber clad throughout. adapted for wheelchair user. Owner

SIA Healthcare 0800 023 8841 ClassiFieDs l forward matters l 51 It’s easy to advertise here! Simply email your request to: [email protected]. Contributions for the December issue should reach the editor by 3 November 2014

T3 paraplegic. Private gardens, pool algarVe, PorTUgal Wheel-in shower, pool, hoist etc. All and secure parking. Sleeps four in Your home from home in the sun facilities and 24-hour management two bedrooms. One with wheel-in including accessible transport and company. Disney only 10 minutes, wet room, shower and shower airport transfers. Owned by C4 brochure from Roger Whittle. chair, the other with bath and tetraplegic, 20 minutes from Faro Tel: 01242 573 233 or visit shower. 10 minute walk from the airport with stunning views and www.accessiblefloridavillas.com shops at Lorgues and a 45-minute privacy. Three twin bedrooms, two drive from the coast. with wheel-in showers. Pool with orange Tree, orlanDo, www.accessvilladelorgues.co.uk hoist heated to 25ºC. Inclusive FloriDa Five bed/four bath, Contact Geoﬀrey Croasdale accessible vans & airport transfers, purpose-built wheelchair Tel: 01753 850 564 electric up and down bed, electric accessible villa overlooking lake Email: [email protected] indoor hoist, shower/commode and conservation area. Level access chairs etc. Not to be missed. See throughout, Wheel-in shower and full details on our comprehensive sPain shower chair. Non-chlorine x-large website. Tel: 00351 289 414 687 pool with spa, both accessible Email: [email protected] aCCessiBle anDalUCia by hoist. Free Wi-Fi, sleeps 12, Web: www.ouricodomar.com Discover beautiful unspoilt short drive to attractions and Andalucía. Stylish accommodation amenities. Paraplegic owner. oﬀering the very highest level of three beds, two baths, master www.ayersfloridavillas.com accessibility. Wheelchair accessible alaManCil, algarVe bed with large en-suite bathroom Email: [email protected] transfers & transport. Mobility Outstanding, fully-accessible and wheel-in shower (chair aids and care available. luxury private villa set in beautiful provided). Cable TV with Sky las PieDras rUral HoTel countryside. Three bedrooms, all and English channels, DVD player englanD In a stunning mountain setting, en-suite with wheel-in showers. plus DVD library, free broadband heated pool with hoist or Private pool with hoist. Comfortable internet access. Wheelchair-friendly self Catering el PleaMar aParTMenT lounge/dining rooms and well- gardens, 10m x 5m pool with easy- Right on the Mediterranean, equipped kitchen. All you could accommodation to-use water-powered pool lift and pool with hoist. Contact Hannah wish for in a holiday home and so full-size outdoor table tennis table. or Adrian for a brochure or much more! To contact TreWorgans FarM HoliDaYs, T1 paraplegic owner. Contact information Tel: 029 212 54321 us call 01530 833 690 MiD CornWall Newly converted Norman or Sue. Email: [email protected] or www.villas-algarve.co.uk barns (sleep four & six) that are Tel: 01900 67280 Web: www.laspiedras.co.uk wheelchair accessible. All bedrooms Mobile: 07818 406 861 have en-suite facilities – each Email: [email protected] CYPrUs property has one level-access wet alCosseBre Superior, front line Web: www.accessvillaspain.com room. Adapted kitchens. Accessible two bedroom apartment with Polis, CYPrUs decked patio areas. Detached. Ample en-suite level access shower. Three-bed accessible bungalow/villa. parking areas. Four-section electric Modern low rise complex, beautifully sPain, CosTa BlanCa, Private pool with wide steps and profiling bed, air mattress and 160kg kept gardens, swimming pools. TorreVieJa handrails. Ramp access throughout electric hoists available. Rise/recline Large terrace overlooking beach. Established, detached family villa and grounds. Walking/pushing chairs. Care available from local Wheelchair accessible throughout. villa with lovely gardens in sunny distance from shops, village and agency. Exposed beams, wood Level access to bars and restaurants. Torrevieja on the Spanish Costa beach (with beach buggy/ burner. Ideal location for exploring Secure parking. Blanca. Huge wheel-in swimming wheelchair available in summer the whole county. Email: [email protected] pool. Custom-built for C5 owner. holidays). Wheel-in wet room with Tel: 01726 883 240 Tel: 01228 561 219 Close to beach and all amenities. wall-mounted shower seat. Self- Airport 20 mins. Converted propelling shower chair available. or 07762 173 860 vehicle also available to hire. Accessible hob and sink in www.treworgansfarm.co.uk sPain, CosTa BlanCa, JaVea For details 01262 676 015 kitchen. Owned and designed Spacious, fully-equipped, luxury, www.disabledvilla.com by SCI person. Call Emily CornWall, TWo-BeD five-bedroom villa, sleeps 10. Three on 01451 822041 or aCCessiBle BUngaloW bathrooms (two en-suite, one Email: [email protected] Close to Portreath Beach and Tehidy with roll-in shower). Flat plot, fully Woods. Owned by C8/T12 Tetra. accessible gardens. 12m x 6m PorTUgal Master bedroom with en-suite wet pool with hoist. Sky TV. 2.5km to FloriDa algarVe, PorTUgal room plus twin-bedded room, family beach. Vehicle required. Contact Spacious private villa with pool orlanDo, FloriDa bathroom, fitted kitchen and Wi-Fi. John Kenny 07721 336 747 and hoist. Three bed, two bath Luxury, four bedroom, four Open all year. To book visit [email protected] with wheel-in shower. Shower bathroom villa with its own private www.cornish-holiday.com or www.casadefloresspain.co.uk chair provided. Well-equipped pool, set in a small and exclusive Tel: 01527 837 683 kitchen. Two barbecues. All doors private gated community, close to all sPain, CosTa BlanCa, JaVea one-metre wide. Level access amenities. Very spacious, level access Lovely wheelchair friendly villa throughout villa and pool area. throughout and fully wheelchair ToDsWorTHY FarM HoliDaYs set in large colourful gardens on Paraplegic owner. Debbie Wells. accessible. The rear of the villa backs Cornwall. 18th Century Cornish level, gated plot. Well equipped, Tel: 01277 354 313 onto fields and is not overlooked. stone and slate cottages on a

52 l forward matters l ClassiFieDs October 2014 working farm fully adapted for chair, electric beds and sCoTlanD wheelchair users and their families. manual hoist provided. Please support services Superb rural location. Set in an area visit website for more details CloBer FarM, of outstanding natural beauty. www.disabledapartment.com MilngaVie, glasgoW Jo-anne’s Personal Two cottages, both three bedrooms, Email: [email protected] Spinal Injuries Scotland were assisTanCe serViCe noW sleeping up to six. Perfect for touring Catch me on Facebook or bequeathed this Grade C-listed Booking For 2014/15 Devon and Cornwall. Open all telephone Darren on 0751 554 1300 property and have converted it to If you require a personal assistant year. Tel: 01822 834 744 fully accessible accommodation, with for home or abroad, a business or www.todsworthyfarmholidays.co.uk extensive gardens, situated around lake DisTriCT, WinDerMere pleasure trip, please call, JPAS on 30 minutes from Glasgow city centre. 07500 703004 Email: [email protected] Fully adapted, self-catering The accommodation sleeps five/six aBneY, DerBYsHire lodge situated in a 4-star park. and comprises adaptable kitchen, Room for all Seasons, fully adapted, Two twin bedrooms, one with two double bedrooms, one with en- CliniCal PsYCHologisT luxury, self-catering property in the en-suite bathroom. Fully fitted suite wet-room, a single bedroom, Helen sMiTH heart of the Peak District National kitchen TV/DVD, central heating, plus a modern accessible bathroom. Specialist in spinal injury Park. Wheelchair accessible, hoist free Wi-Fi. Site shop, bar, restaurant, For further information, see the SIS rehabilitation. Available for available. Sleeps three. swimming pool with hoist. Play website www.sisonline.org private consultations on www.laneendfarmtrust.co.uk area. View www.timber-lodge.co.uk Email: [email protected] Fridays Tel: 07976 354142 Tel: Viv for leaflet or more and follow booking link or Tel: 0141 427 7686 / 0800 0132 305 Email: [email protected] information 01433 650 043 Email: [email protected] Open March until early January 2015. Vose FarM HoliDaY CoTTages MiD CornWall aDVerTising raTes Two purpose-built, single-storey CHrisTCHUrCH, DorseT Full details can be found on sia’s website stone cottages (sleep 6). Open Self-catering bungalow, www.spinal.co.uk views. Level access inside and sleeps up to six. Ceiling hoists in out. Wheelchair accessible. bedroom and bathroom, wheel-in Advertisements placed in forward will be posted onto Private gardens, patio, BBQ and shower, clos-o-mat loo, low-level SIA’s website at www.spinal.co.uk after the magazine parking. Master bedroom with kitchen. Contact 01202 481 597 is published. ensuite wet room. Two twin Email: [email protected] Member rates The charge is 40p per word with bedrooms and large bathroom. www.31aha.co.uk a minimum charge of £15 for any one advert. Fully fitted kitchen. Televisions in lounge and bedrooms. Free wifi. non Members The charge is 70p per word with raTCliFFe DisaBleD Tel: 01872 530520 or email a minimum charge of £20 for any one advert. HoliDaYs [email protected] C5 quadriplegic owner. Overhead You can email your advertisement to the editor, www.vosefarmcottages.co.uk electric hoists. Electric hi-lo beds. Breda Duggan: [email protected]. Wheel-in showers. House flats sleep Please telephone 0845 678 6633 ext 3 to pay by card. DisaBleD HoliDaYs aT HoMe six-10. Open all year. Heysham on The closing date for contributions for the December issue C4/5 quadriplegic owner. I have Morecambe Bay. Superb sea and is 3 November 2014. spent years looking for accessible mountain view. Access to five-mile SIA strongly recommends that before committing to an advertised product, holidays without the price tag. promenade. Caravans on Haven service or accommodation in this section, you first confirm all aspects of the So, I did them myself! I have Parks in Southern Lake District and advertisement and your required needs directly with the advertiser. It is adapted chalets in England, at Filey near Scarborough. advisable to obtain written confirmation that any facilities or special needs close to beach and dog-friendly. www.theukweb.com/disabled that you have can be met by them, ahead of making a booking/agreeing to a purchase. SIA cannot take responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions Mablethorpe, Tunstall near holidays or phone for more and purchases/bookings made are entirely at your own risk. If you have any Withernsea (open 11 months). information Allan or Jan comments, please email [email protected] Both with wet rooms. Shower 01274 588 142

7KUHHEHGURRPFRWWDJHVVOHHSLQJFRPSOHWH ZLWKODUJHZHWURRPV )DUPKRXVHZLWKHLJKWHQVXLWHEHGURRPV VOHHSLQJ7ZREHGURRPVRQJURXQGÁRRU )YPKNL-HYT)YP[MVYK:HSPZI\Y` >PS[ZOPYL:7+@ ROGVWDEOHVFRXNEULGJHIDUPFRXN www.spinal.co.uk ClassiFieDs l forward matters l 53