1 August 2023

WheelPower is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Spinal Injuries Association to bring a variety of sports sessions to their members. During August and September WheelPower will be delivering 18 sessions across the United Kingdom to the Spinal Injuries Associations Regional Community Groups.

The sessions will be supported by a fantastic team of coaches, and will include sports such as boccia and table tennis. Location of the groups include places such as Southampton, Preston, Brighton, Scarborough, Birmingham and Milton Keynes.

“Our community groups are safe spaces for anyone affected by spinal cord injury, including friends and family, to socialise and share experiences. They are hosted by our volunteers and support coordinators with lived SCI experience and often have relevant guests attend, including our specialist nurses and representatives from our partners to ensure that anyone living with SCI has access to the support they need to live a fulfilled life.” Carol Barraclough, SIA Support network manager – South

“WheelPower is excited to continue working with our friends at the Spinal Injuries Association to bring sport to their community groups. We understand that following a life changing injury that sport and activity can play a vital role in the lives of people with a spinal injury. Not only does it bring many physical benefits but also provides lots of social benefits too. Playing sport not only is fun past time, but it can also bring about local connections and friendships that can last a lifetime. Thank you to all of the SIA Coordinators for supporting the delivery of our sports sessions this Summer and we look forward now to meeting you all over the coming months.” Emily Weller, Head of Sport – WheelPower.

The first WheelPower Sport Session took place in Gloucester, as the members were introduced to the sport of Boccia (see below)

“It was great to do something a little different as we welcomed WheelPower to deliver a boccia activity recently, alongside our normal food and drinks! Thank you to everyone for coming along and taking part in the friendly competition, and to the coaches for teaching us how to play! Gaynor Thompson, Support Network Coordinator – Gloucester

To find your nearest SIA community group, head to: www.spinal.co.uk/event-category/community-groups/

Join the Support Network Team Facebook Group for regular updates from the regional teams: www.facebook.com/groups/supportnetworkteam