Back Up supports people affected by spinal cord injury to rebuild their confidence and independence and is the only UK charity with services dedicated specifically to children and young people with a spinal cord injury.

For children and young people, this includes IAG telephone support, residential courses, wheelchair skills training, peer mentoring with other young people who’ve been through similar experiences and support for children and young people returning to education or on entering the workplace. The dedicated children and young people team have lived experience of spinal cord injury and can provide a comprehensive plan for young people and their families to help them navigate life with spinal cord injury. Young people can also get involved as volunteers themselves, including joining Back Up’s Youth Voice Committee.

Family members aren’t forgotten either – Back Up runs dedicated family support sessions, mentoring for relatives, and the Back Up Lounge which is a fortnightly online session with a room for family members. Back Up recognises that a spinal cord injury affects the whole family, not just the person injured.

How can families access Back Up?

Back Up’s children, young people and family services are delivered nationally across the UK through in-person courses, mentoring, and online sessions.