Grants of between £250 and £3,000 for individuals living with spinal cord injury in the South and South West of England.
The Southern Spinal Injuries Trust (SSIT) supports people living with spinal cord injury in the South and South West of England. It does this principally by purchasing a range of specialised equipment, such as mobility aids and adjustable beds, on behalf of beneficiaries. The Trust also supports The Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury.
The objects of the Trust are:
- To promote and protect the physical and mental health of sufferers of spinal injuries, particularly - but not exclusively - through the provision of equipment, to assist them with daily living skills and mobility; and
- To relieve sickness and to preserve the health of the patients of the Spinal Injuries Unit at Salisbury District Hospital by providing or assisting in the provision of staff, equipment, facilities and services.
To apply for help towards a mechanical aid such a wheelchair, adjustable bed or other items an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist assessment is required. This is to ensure that applicants apply for the correct item and it is suitable for their needs. The most requests received by the Trust relate to powered add-ons for wheelchairs such as Tri-Rides and the Smart drive power add-on (other suppliers are available). These help to relieve or avoid damage to elbows and shoulders, as well as providing a much greater degree of independence.
The Trust generally helps individuals with grants in the region of £250 to £3,000.
Further information, guidance and a downloadable application for is available on the Trust’s website. Applications may be made at any time.