Founded in 1974 by Baroness Masham of Ilton – one of Britain's first Paralympic medallists who herself became paralysed following a riding accident – the charity was born from a clear need: to provide specialist support and information for people discharged from hospital after sustaining a spinal cord injury (SCI).
With over 105,000 people currently living with SCI and approximately 4,700 newly injured each year, the charity provides a vital lifeline of support, advocacy, and expert guidance.
SIA’s holistic approach encompasses a wide breadth of services. Its clinical specialist team supported over 1,100 people in 2024/25, and the support network team delivered 1,400 sessions of peer-support to meet the emotional and practical needs of people with spinal cord injury. Meanwhile, the organisation's free counselling service, uniquely staffed by qualified therapists who themselves live with spinal cord injury, offers up to ten sessions of mental health support. As one beneficiary reflected:
"Being able to talk to someone with a spinal injury means there is a real understanding of our struggles".
Beyond direct support, SIA plays a critical role in developing the healthcare workforce's understanding and capability in spinal cord injury care. Through tailored training programmes, the charity equips medical professionals, nurses and allied health specialists with specialist knowledge essential for delivering high-quality, person-centred care. This investment in professional development ensures that those newly injured receive expert guidance from informed practitioners who understand the complexities of spinal cord injury management.
With a clear vision for a fulfilled life for everyone affected by spinal cord injury, SIA continues to connect, advocate and support, ensuring that no one faces their journey alone.
Learn more about their work here.
