Armed Forces
Our work with the armed forces is not new, having liaised with veterans and their families through our work in healthcare settings for many years going back to our foundation.
If you are an SIA member and you are connected to the armed forces either having served, are or have been married to someone serving or are an immediate relation to someone who is or has served, please complete the short form via the button below.
If you are not yet an SIA member you can sign up for free here and include your connection to the armed forces
The Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.
At SIA we are determined to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant by:
- Support: Supporting any Armed Forces personnel and their families who are affected by spinal cord injuries, during their rehabilitation and their reintegration into family, home and community
- Communications and outreach: We will engage with veterans and families affected by spinal cord injury to help them find opportunities socially including connection into the work of our community groups around the country
- Health and welfare: Supporting those affected by spinal cord injury to access the health, care, housing and livelihoods they need through our network of charities and organisations locally and nationally
Spinal Injuries Association signed the Armed Forces Covenant at SIA House in November 2025. Pictured: SIA CEO Nik Hartley with Lt Col Glenn C Ridgley INT CORPS and Captain Johanna Hrycak of 158 Regiment, Royal logistic Corps
Ian’s story
Leeds-based veteran Ian sustained a spinal cord injury six years after leaving the army. Ian explains how his life has changed since the accident that left him paralysed from the waist down and facing a new future.
“The transition from the forces to civilian life was difficult, by the transition from being able-bodied to disabled has been far harder and even more life-changing in a different way. There’s no time to prepare for it and I have really struggled mentally, physically, with coming to terms with my disability, the limitations it places on me and my family.”
More information
If you’re a member of the UK Armed Forces (regular or reserve), a former member (a veteran), or a family member, including bereaved family members, the Covenant offers a wide variety of support to ensure you are treated fairly.
The Covenant focuses on helping members of the Armed Forces community have the same access to Government and commercial services and products as any other citizen. This support is provided in a number of areas including:
- healthcare
- education and childcare
- housing and accommodation
- employment
- financial services
