Independent Living Advisor Lindsay I sustained my Spinal Cord Injury 13 years ago. I have a rare condition called Cavernoma’s and one of my Cavernoma’s bled in my spinal cord which resulted in a T6 Complete SCI. I spent seven months in a general hospital’s rehabilitation ward. When I was discharged, I had to learn so many things that could have been alleviated if I had more peer support. Once I was settled and had my life back on track, I knew I wanted to be involved in helping newly injured people. Sometimes, the rehab ward would ask me to come and support a newly injured patient. I really enjoyed helping others! I heard about the InstructAbility course through Aspire so completed my Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Exercise and Disability as I was keen to encourage disability into the fitness industry. After my InstructAbility course the role of Independent Living Advisor became available and I was so happy as this was the opportunity I so wanted. I started working as an Independent Living Advisor in the Stanmore Spinal Injury Centre in 2016. I usually work one day a week in the ward and a day remote sending referrals, emails to patients and reports to my manager. Whilst on the ward I help with patient education sessions, speak to patients about Aspire’s services but mostly talk to patients about living a full life with a spinal cord injury. No questions are off limits! I try to reassure them about life after discharge and give them as much information to prepare them for the future. Each week is different, and it varies how many patients I see. I often get asked questions about personal care, equipment, finance, housing, welfare benefits, holidays, being a mum and coping. If I am unable to help I refer them to someone who can help. I have a help sheet that I email to each patient after I meet them with lots of useful information on, as I am aware it feels like information overload on the ward. I often get comments about how useful the patient’s find this as they continue to use it after discharge. Independent Living Living with Spinal Cord Injury How we help Manage Cookie Preferences