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1800 819 775 Peer & Family Support
Practical help, from lived experience of spinal cord injury
LET US BE THERE FOR YOU
Support for people with an injury and families, in spinal units and in the community
Hearing the news that you have a spinal cord injury is devastating, and the world as you know it changes forever. We know the road back to independence can be challenging, which is why our Peer & Family Support team, who have been through similar journeys, are there to help you navigate your way forward.
Our Peer and Family Support team have an online health support service to keep you connected during the COVID-19 outbreak. Our lived experience staff give non-clinical advice and practical help for people with a spinal cord injury, especially during this time.
This is a free service where our Peer and Family Support team conduct confidential chats with yourself, or as well as family group sessions.
To arrange a telehealth consultation please call our Customer Connect team on 1800 819 775, or email info@scia.org.au.
Read our COVID-19 response for updates about the measures we are taking to protect the safety of our staff and clients.
Click here to download the Peer and Family Support Brochure.
We are here for you
Everyone’s experience is different
Whether you are at the start of your journey, a few years in, or have been living with a spinal cord injury for some time, our Peer Support team are out and about in the community ensuring they have the latest information on new equipment, assistive technology, products and services that may be of use to you. Whether this is accessing care, modifying your home, or finding out the best transport options in your community, our Peer Support team can link you up with other organisations and share their combined knowledge to support you. We know that everyone’s post injury experience is different. We assist you with what is important to you, without judgement.
Lived experience to support you
We are here for you
While you are in the spinal unit, our team like to keep things as flexible as possible because we know that your schedules are often very busy with medical appointments.
Therefore, we are can arrange to:
1:1 Conversations: Sharing Core Knowledge and Skills
Our team will visit you every week, or at prearranged times, to discuss issues that are important to you. Before you leave the spinal unit we will talk to you about core knowledge for life post injury.
We help you to practically apply the knowledge that enables you to maintain health, independence, relationships and community connections.
Group Knowledge and Skills Sessions
Education Sessions – The Peer Support Team participate in the weekly education sessions organised by the clinical team in the spinal injury units. Participation is compulsory for people in the units and family are welcome to attend. Topics cover key knowledge areas and information about them is available on the ward every week.
We work in partnership with the clinical teams to share lived experience and practical application of knowledge and skills.
Recreational Outings – When possible, we join the recreational outings organised by the spinal injury units to help demonstrate the practical application of skills.
Evening Social Confidence Sessions – Going out again for the first time can be overwhelming, but it’s an important step when adjusting to life with an injury.
Talk to us about anything
We can help and support you
We encourage and welcome family members and carers to talk to us whilst we are in the units or you can call to make an appointment for a more in depth discussion.
Open Family Forums
Family forums are held every 6 weeks in both the Prince of Wales and Royal Rehab spinal injury units. People who are in Royal North Shore are also welcome to attend the sessions in Royal Rehab.
Hear from the perspective of a partner or a parent who has supported someone with an injury transitioning from a rehabilitation unit to a home setting.
Sessions are facilitated and participants have the opportunity to ask questions and hear from others who have had similar experiences.
Online Forum
The SCIA Online Forum is a vibrant online space for people to ask questions, read about new products and services and connect with other people. The Peer and Family Support Team is regularly online, posting new or useful information and answering any questions you may have about life with a spinal cord injury.
Continued support
Whenever you need it
Services we provide:
As your life changes, so do your needs and so do the products and services available. You can speak to a Peer and Family Support Team member at any stage of your journey.
We help you to practically apply the knowledge that enables you to maintain health, independence, relationships and community connections.
Group Knowledge and Skills Sessions
Education Sessions – The Peer and Family Support Team holds group education sessions by request at SCIA’s Neuromoves exercise centres, covering a range of topics and giving you an opportunity to also socialise with others.
Recreational Outings – SCIA Peer and Family Support have joined forces with Sargood on Collaroy to host monthly BBQs for people with a spinal cord injury. The BBQ’s are free and a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy the sunshine, relax and share experiences.
Online Forum – The SCIA Online Forum is a vibrant online space for people to ask questions, read about new products and services and connect with other people. The Peer and Family Support Team is regularly online, posting new or useful information and answering any questions you may have about life with a spinal cord injury.
