We would like to wish you and your family a very Happy and Healthy New Year. Let us hope that this year sees a return to a more socially interactive life. In the meantime we are still operating online services and you can get in touch via phone (01 6532180), email ([email protected]) or through our website https://spinalinjuries.ie/get-in-touch/
We would also encourage you to use our SII Connect community forum where you can share information or ask questions amongst each other. We hope that you received our latest edition of Spinal News which had a strong travel theme. You may have seen the competition on the back page. Logon to the Travel and Holiday Section of our SII Connect Forum and share your recommendation, holiday story or anything travel related and you will be automatically be entered into the draw to win an Ipad or a €100 voucher for Chariot Clothing. It’s that easy. You’ll also get to see what everyone else is sharing and get some recommendations so it’s a win win! Go on, get posting. Closing Date 28th January 2022. https://spinalinjuries.ie/forums/forum/travel-and-holidays/
Events and Courses
Our SII Connect weekly catch up chats on Zoom have started up again for 2022 on a Wednesday evening at 7pm. This week was for manual wheelchair users. This is the schedule for the coming weeks and you can register by selecting the event from the Events Calendar on the website and clicking on the link. We will also send reminder emails to the relevant group a few days in advance.
Wednesday 19th January – those with Cauda Equina Syndrome
Wednesday 26th January – those with Transverse Myelitis or Guillain Barre
Wednesday 2nd February – under 30s
Wednesday 9th February – Family member and carers
Wednesday 16th February – those with an SCI who are walking
Wednesday 2nd March – powerchair users
6 Week Life Skills Programme
In partnership with our good friends from Aware, we are delighted to be able to facilitate a fantastic 6-week Life Skills Programme. It will take place every Tuesday evening between 1st February and 8th March inclusive from 7pm to 8.30pm.
There is a signup fee of €30 and a discounted rate of €10 if you are a student, unemployed, a senior citizen or have a medical card. All fees are fully refundable on completion of the course.
Based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), the Life Skills programme is designed to help people learn more about how we think and how this can influence our actions in helpful or unhelpful ways. It is delivered over the course of six weeks in 90-minute sessions. With the help of a series of easy-to-follow worksheets and expert guidance from your trained facilitator at each session, you can learn how to better manage the stress of everyday life, recognise and manage unhelpful thoughts, learn new ways of thinking and ultimately begin the journey to a healthier and more confident life.
Tailored exclusively for SII service users and family members, this fantastic programme will be delivered by SII service user, Ciaran Allen.
This Life Skills programme has been independently evaluated by Aware and shown to deliver proven results. The evaluation showed a statistically significant improvement in participants’ self-reported levels of anxiety and depression after completing the programme.
To find out more visit https://spinalinjuries.ie/resource/virtual-life-skills-programme-february-2022/
Places are limited and will book out quickly so reserve your spot today HERE
An Intro to Mind – Body Therapy
Monday 24th January at 7pm on Zoom
Using his experience in a whole host of holistic techniques, not forgetting the lived experience of somebody with a spinal cord injury himself, Seamus Murphy will explain how holistic therapies may help you maintain your wellbeing by helping you to deal with past and present emotional, mental, or physical issues. From anxiety to pain management there’s a therapy that might help and bespoke tailored techniques will ensure both body and mind are in harmony and working towards their full potential.
Register HERE to secure your place.
We are delighted to welcome Denise Lennon to the SII Services Team. Denise is based in Cork.
One to One Personal Coaching
Are you looking to take on a new challenge but don’t know where to start? Meet Declan Naughton. He sustained a SCI over 3 years ago in a cycling accident. He spent a year in rehab between the Mater and NRH and is now studying Personal and Business Coaching with the Irish Lifecoach Institute. Decan is offering 4 people the opportunity of FREE one to one personal coaching to help you achieve your personal goals.
‘I worked in business at a senior manager level the past 20 years. I understand and personally know the benefits and challenges of setting and working towards a desired a goal or task, both personally and in business. I’ve continuously developed and coached my peers and colleagues throughout their career. I’ve coached sport, provided guidance and worked with adults throughout my adult life’
If you are interested in speaking with Declan, please contact our community outreach team HERE
Best wishes from your SII Services Team for a great year.Do stay in touch, keep safe and we’ll talk to you soon.So there is plenty going on and we hope there is something to suit everyone. If you have any ideas for webinars or content, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
