News
The What Matters 2025 report is out now!
What Matters is our annual sector-leading survey that we carry out to better understand the issues people with spinal cord injury are facing in the UK today! Over 930 of you shared your experiences, and it provided us a small insight into the day-to-day experienced of our members.
This year’s report tells us that while there are improvements in some respects, we still have a long way to go to ensure inclusivity in mental health, care settings, and day-to-day life for people living with spinal cord injury. Your input ensures that our future programmes and campaigns are shaped by your lived experiences and means we can continue to push for a fulfilled life for everyone affected by spinal cord injury.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part the time to complete the 2025 What Matters survey. Check out some of the key findings below:
Your top physical health concerns
57% of you told us that the accessibility of general medical services and testing was a top priority.
46% of people who had been inpatients in the past two years felt that their bowel care was managed poorly.
21% of you had experienced a pressure ulcer in the past 12 months.
Your top mental health concerns
65% of you shared that you had experienced challenges with your mental health.
34% of you shared that you had struggled with suicidal thoughts.
69% of you felt that relationships with friends and family were essential to maintaining wellbeing.
Your top barriers to leading a fulfilled everyday life
50% of you felt your injury completely or significantly prevented your ability to access employment.
61% of respondents faced challenges funding their care needs.
74% of you experienced helpful gestures or actions from the wider population.
Previous What Matters reports
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT the WHAT MATTERS SURVEY