Regain buddying
It is virtually impossible for someone who has never experienced a spinal injury to try to explain to someone recently injured or struggling subsequently in other ways that ‘everything is going to be alright’. If someone in this situation can speak with a tetraplegic person who has managed to overcome the various difficulties, particularly in relation to sport, then the responses are likely to be much better received and the result more meaningful.
Whilst Regain can hand out grants for wheelchairs and other specialist equipment it is not always a money issue that is the challenge. We know that often, a few reassuring words definitely helps someone get the perspective they need to focus their mind and continue living their life to the max.
Tetraplegics are as mentally alert as any able bodied person; they have the same emotional needs and desires. In the earliest days and weeks after injury, emotions run high and qualified support both clinically and psychologically is vital to see people through these initial periods.
Only a person with a spinal cord injury can really explain and demonstrate how life can go on with this injury. In many cases people have achieved things that they never believed possible.
Regain proudly supported four tetraplegic individuals compete in Rio Olympics 2016 namely Kylie Grimes, Alex Rickham with same results as 2012, Steve Osborne and Bulbul Hussain.