News
APPG on SCI launches formal inquiry into the need for a national strategy
We are pleased to share that the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on spinal cord injury is launching a formal inquiry into the need for a national strategy to support people living with spinal cord injury.
The inquiry will run from Tuesday 3 June to Tuesday 8 July, with six oral evidence sessions held in Parliament, chaired by our APPG Officers (MPs), each exploring a key component:
- The case for a national strategy
- Access to and quality of rehabilitation
- Workforce training and national standards
- Lived experience of SCI
- Reintegration into the community
- National research and patient voice infrastructure
How you can help
We are issuing a written call for evidence, to get views from a wide range of individuals and organisations, and we want to hear from you – whether you’re a person with lived experience of SCI, a healthcare professional, a researcher or anyone involved in the SCI community. Your views will help us show the Government and NHS why change is needed, and what support should look like at every stage – from early care and rehab to returning home and living a full life.
You don’t need to be an expert or write in any special way. Just tell us what you’ve experienced and what you think needs to change. You can answer all of the questions below or just the ones that matter most to you.
Questions to guide your submission
- What has your experience of care and support been like since your or your loved one’s spinal cord injury?
Think about hospital care, rehab, equipment, mental health support, or anything else. - What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced when trying to live independently after the injury?
This might include housing, work, travel, or getting the right help in the community. - Have you felt there was a lack of joined-up or consistent support across services? If so, how did this affect you?
For example, different services not working well together, or care depending on where you live. - What would have made the biggest positive difference to you or your family?
Is there something you wish had been done differently, or a service you didn’t get but needed? - What message would you like the Government and NHS to hear from your experience?
This could be your top recommendation or anything you feel is important for them to understand.
Please send your written submission to [email protected] by 11.59pm on Tuesday 8 July.
You can write as much or as little as you like. Every story matters and will help shape a national conversation about what good care and support should look like for people with spinal cord injury.
Share this call with your networks – we want to hear as many perspectives as possible.
More information
We work with a cross-party group of parliamentarians who are committed to tackling issues that affect people with spinal cord injuries. The group is made up of MPs and peers from all parties who help to make sure spinal cord issues are high on the government’s agenda.
We are a coalition of spinal cord injury (SCI) charities and partner organisations. This survey is an important step towards creating a National Spinal Cord Injury Strategy in the UK.
Our goal is to improve care, support, and rehabilitation for people living with SCI. Spinal cord injuries are life-changing, affecting individuals, their families, carers, and communities.