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As the end of Summer approaches, we know lots of young people and their families are thinking about the start of a new academic year. It can be a preoccupying time for many families, but even more so if you, or your child, has a spinal cord injury. Are you worried about how accessible your […]

Evidence and research Alongside the vital insight we gain from our service users, volunteers and staff, we broaden and deepen our understanding through examining published research in the specific areas we are considering, and commissioning research of our own. This ensures our services remain relevant and have the greatest impact on the people we support.  […]

In 2015, Maisie was sitting in a school assembly when she felt a sudden pain across her shoulders. She went to the nurse, sat down and didn’t stand up again. Maisie was immediately taken to Sheffield’s Children’s Hospital where she stayed for eight months for her rehabilitation. Michelle, Maisie’s mother, says: “It was initially very […]

This Christmas, another child will find out that they have a spinal cord injury. When Sam was 9, he was in the cub scouts, loved charging about playing football and rugby with his friends. One day, whilst taking part in a rugby club festival, Sam suddenly felt a pain in his left leg that would […]

In October 2005, I was working as a primary school teacher.  One day, I was at a training course that was dealing with getting boys more involved in all aspects of physical education. After sessions in dance, gymnastics and field athletics, we decided to play a game that boys typically love: football. As a footballer […]

Volunteer for Back Up “I had such a great time on a Back Up course that I wanted to give something back. As humans we need a good purpose in life, and volunteering with Back Up has given me that.” Sam, Power Chair Skills Trainer Our team of over 400 active volunteers do amazing things […]

Philanthropy and Trusts Back Up relies on the generosity of individuals who dedicate their time to supporting charities and helping them to change peoples’ lives. Their vital support ensures that we can continue to deliver our life-changing services for people with spinal cord injury. This could be financially or by helping us to deliver our […]

Frequently asked questions about Back Up’s children and young people services Courses Do I have to pay for a course? We allocate places based on need. We never allocate places on courses based on ability to pay. If you are in a position to contribute towards the cost of the course we welcome your donation. […]

Our story Where Back Up began and where we are now, may look far apart. But our values and our aspirations for people with spinal cord injury were the same in 1986 as they are today. Mike Nemesvary, our founder, was a world champion freestyle skier with numerous TV and film appearances, including performing stunts […]

Influencing change in the wider world We understand that a spinal cord injury can be devastating, but we believe it shouldn’t prevent anyone from getting the most out of life. And we’re here to help make sure that can happen. We provide a range of services for people affected by spinal cord injury, and this […]