Back Up

“I certainly feel more confident applying for jobs than before the course.” Looking to return to employment after spinal cord injury? We still have some spaces available on our Skills for Work course. The course is made up of live Zoom workshops and Q&A sessions, including discussions from people who have lived experience of finding employment with a spinal cord injury. Visit our website to register, and get in touch with vocation@backuptrust.org.uk if you have any questions. https://bit.ly/3m5iEKM

Our new Back Up & Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast is here! We kick things off with an insightful, honest conversation with the hugely talented actor @georgerossrobinson 🧡 Find out more about George's acting career, his favourite travel memories and practical tips for living well with a spinal cord injury. 🎧 Listen to Back Up and Thriving: Accessible Travel with George Robinson now https://lnkd.in/eajXXTAB What surprised you most about this episode? 👇 #spinalinjuries #spinalcordrecovery #spinalcordinjury #accessibletravel #travelpodcast #accessibility #adventure #wheelchairaccessibletravel #accessibletrains #wheelchairlife 🙏 to our funders Motability Foundation 🧡

Our new accessible travel podcast - Back Up and Thriving - arrives TODAY! 🚨 Check out our trailer! Join our host, Sophie Elwes, and a line-up of brilliant guests as they discuss their personal journeys, share practical travel tips, and show all that’s possible after a spinal cord injury 🌍 Thank you to all our generous guests – Sophie Morgan, George Robinson, Merryn Thomas, Hannah Bucys and Pete Donnelly and our wonderful sponsor Motability Foundation. We can’t wait for you to hear these conversations… #spinalcordinjury #accessibletravel #accessibletourism

“My mentor was so patient. He gave me such a boost and plenty of advice whenever I needed it. It left me wanting to do more with Back Up!” Back Up mentors are volunteers who use their lived experience with spinal cord injury to help people like Jess get the most out of life. You could help make a difference by becoming a Back Up mentor. Our next mentor training weekend is taking place virtually 24th – 26th January. Visit the link to learn more and get involved. https://bit.ly/3swSwLY

Stay cozy and support Back Up this season! Our Back Up shop has everything you need for the chilly weather. Wrap up in a warm Back Up hoodie, keep snug with a Back Up beanie, or enjoy a hot drink from our Adventure Bottle. Every purchase helps support people affected by spinal cord injury! https://ow.ly/IXEr50TYcKx

“Since I had mentoring with Back Up, I’ve made arrangements to travel further. I am now planning a trip to Nigeria with family. “I would absolutely recommend Back Up’s services to anyone in a similar situation – my mentor made all this possible.” Our services helped Kehinde live life to the full after spinal cord injury. We paired her up with a mentor in a similar situation, who showed her that she could do anything with the right adjustments. Want to hear more stories from people we’ve supported and learn more about out life-changing services? Visit our website to register for our e-newsletter. https://bit.ly/2QNdKPt

Back Up's new Christmas card designs for 2024 are here, and they’re proving to be very popular! 🎄 We’re thrilled to introduce an exclusive design by author and broadcaster Frank Gardner, a passionate wildlife photographer. His card, "Winter Robin," beautifully captures the essence of nature. Frank sustained a spinal cord injury after being shot while reporting for the BBC in Saudi Arabia in 2004. Alongside Frank’s design, you’ll find four other new options: Hark the Angel, Merry Christmas, Nine Jumpers, and Sheep Pyramid. Our cards are eco-friendly and plastic-free, with 100% of your purchase going directly to Back Up to support our life-changing work with individuals affected by spinal cord injuries. If you’d like to make one of these special cards part of your Christmas celebrations, please visit the link below to order yours today! https://ow.ly/RaVU50TWu9Q

We recently held an event to celebrate our fantastic volunteers. There was over 153.16 years of collective Back Up volunteering experience in the room at this event! We’d like to say a massive thank you to all of our volunteers. Your support means that we can keep transforming lives affected by spinal cord injury. Back Up was founded by volunteers, and they remain at the heart of everything we do. Visit our website to learn more about volunteering with us. https://bit.ly/2Aamozu Thank you to Slater and Gordon Lawyers (UK) and Deka Chambers for hosting us and helping make this event possible 🧡

Our recent City Skills course in Edinburgh was a fantastic experience! Participants had the chance to explore the city, build confidence using public transport, and navigate different terrains like cobbled streets. Throughout the course, tailored wheelchair skills training sessions helped everyone work on personal goals and further develop their skills. Along the way they were supported by Back Up volunteers, who have personal experience living well with a spinal cord injury. For more information on the services we offer, please visit our website. https://lnkd.in/diJdJDa

Join us on December 4th and 5th for "What Next?" – a free, two-day online course for people adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury. The sessions will be led by experts who understand the challenges you might be facing, along with people who have been through it themselves. Our team is dedicated to making a positive difference and supporting you through this journey. It’s completely free, so if you or someone you know is interested, visit our website or click the link below for more details. https://ow.ly/l7bB50TTo6a