Hi
We hope you are enjoying the warmer weather and the sunshine is giving everyone a well needed lift.
We have been asked to tell you about a new VOICE Project.
If you live in Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford or Waterford, read on to learn about an exciting new project that goes live in April, start date to be confirmed.
Virtual Online Inclusive Communities for Empowerment (VOICE) is a new community development project aimed at working with disabled people in seven counties. It is delivered by ILMI, (Independent Living Movement Ireland) which is a Disabled Persons Organisation i.e. one where Disabled People are involved in the DPO at every level. “Nothing about us, without us”.
VOICE is based on digital networking, peer mentoring and empowering disabled people to be agents for change. It uses Zoom to build online collective spaces for disabled people.
The online sessions include a mix of Guest Speakers on relevant topics i.e. Employment supports, Assistive Technology, How to protect yourself from cyber-fraud, and if there are topics someone in the group thinks would be useful, it will be organised. There will opportunity to learn about and participate in the various programmes ILMI deliver i.e. CREATE, this programme is an innovative course that looks at the perceived and real blocks disabled people to pursue employment etc and works with people to address the barriers. The feedback from participants who completed the course has been really positive.
If you would like to find out more or register for the sessions and you live in Cork, Kerry or Tipperary, please text/ring Nicola 087 7189237 or email her at [email protected].
If you live in Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford or Waterford, contact Paula at [email protected] or ring/text 087 1630433
Do you require financial assistance?
SII works with The Hospital Saturday Fund to provide one off grants to individuals with a spinal cord injury.
The Hospital Saturday Fund is a registered charity whose aims are to provide assistance through its charitable funds for: registered health charities, hospices and medical organisations who are in need of grants for medical projects, care, research or support of medical training within the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Grants may be available for individuals with a medical condition or disability who would benefit from assistance with the purchase of specialised equipment or from practical forms of treatment.
For more information please contact us and speak to our community outreach team
https://hospitalsaturdayfund.org/apply-for-a-grant/
UCD Public Patient Participation
We work with UCD Public Patient Participation to ensure your voice is heard when it comes to designing research projects. UCD will be launching a grant for partner organisations to apply for in the coming weeks. I will be in touch soon asking for your opinion on ideas you would like research conducted on.
SII back in the NRH
We are delighted to be getting back to supporting patients in the NRH in line with Covid guidelines and we will be available at:
Dr Cara McDonagh OPD clinics 11-1pm Tuesdays
Dr Eimear Smith clinics 11-1pm Wednesdays
Look out for our team and come and say hi and find out how we can support you.
Research Update
Our friends in Spinal Injuries Association in the UK (SIA) have conducted two pieces of important research and published summary reports which make interesting reading.
The first was research into what really matters to spinal cord injured people in the UK. Read the report here: https://www.spinal.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/SIA_What_Matters_Report_v4.pdf
The second report focusing on the mental health of people with a spinal cord injury can be accessed here: https://www.spinal.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Its-not-just-physical-mental-health-report1.pdf
We have several wheelchair accessible tickets for the International Football match against Belgium in the Aviva this Saturday. If you are interested please email [email protected]. Tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Don’t forget to get in touch if you want to speak with one of our peer volunteers about living with your injury. If you are feeling troubled or anxious and would like to speak with our trained counsellor, please make contact with our team by phone on 01 6532180 or you can message through our website HERE
Do stay in touch, keep safe and we’ll talk to you soon.
Best wishes from Naomi and the Services Team
