For people with spinal cord injury

John C4/5 learning to sail

Wheelchair Skills

Our trained wheelchair skills trainers also all have a spinal cord injury. They run morning or afternoon sessions at all the spinal centres across the UK (including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) where groups of five or more learn from our experts on how to tackle curbs, steps or ramps to increase technique and skill before leaving the centre.

"I have seen so many people’s lives changed, even by learning the smallest wheelchair skill."

Janice (40) wheelchair skills trainer

Mentoring

Friends at a summer Back-Up event

Back-Up has a team of trained mentor, all of whom have a spinal cord injury, to talk to you about the life changes around your injury. Our mentors have personal experience of coming to terms with spinal cord injury and can offer emotional and practical support back to independence no matter how long post injury you are.

"Knowing what I now know, I reckon I could take a year and a half off the time taken to achieve my independence, which actually took between 4 and 5 years."

Simon, aged 37 C5/6/7, injured 1994

Courses

The Back-Up Trust has been established for nearly 25 years and is well known for our range of day, weekend and week long courses. The courses are professionally run, often with medical professionals and carers in attendance across the UK and abroad. Our courses cater for people aged under 18 years and adults aged 18 - 80, including those with higher level injuries.

"The week gave me a can-do attitude and some skills to put into action when I get home."

Geoff T0-12, aged 42

Two participants on a Youth Rehabilitation Ski Course, Sweden

Children and Young People's Services

Are you Under 18 and spinally injured? Or are you a parent or carer of someone who is? We have a range of specialist services and can arrange for someone who had a spinal cord injury at a similar age to come to meet you and your parents in a spinal centre. We also run residential courses (supported by The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme), can support you going back to school and so much more!