Finding your community with a spinal cord injury (SCI) can feel challenging. It can be daunting to build and sustain lasting connections with new people.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of community when experiencing an SCI, how to find online and offline networks or communities and how Aspire Law is available to support you throughout your recovery.
Making new connections
Your life will gain new meaning after your spinal cord injury.
Especially for those who are more introverted, the prospect of meeting new people and socialising can seem overwhelming. Putting yourself out and making yourself vulnerable in that way can feel scary.
However, it is so worth it. The connection and sense of community that you gain from allowing new people into your life is incredibly uplifting and transformational for your independence and quality of life.
This can be done both online and offline. Whilst forming connections in real life is crucial for your mental well-being and ensuring that you leave your home to socialise, offline connections are also important, especially during times when you need to be at home or during treatment.
What’s more, SCI communities are easy to find when you know where to look.
Join a peer support group
Support groups exist both online and offline, providing advice and assistance to individuals no matter where they are in the world.
Online support groups are either administrated by charities or independently through online forums, answering burning questions and making people with SCI feel more connected and less alone in their struggles.
Largely triggered by the COVID-19 lockdowns, virtual meetings are a modern cornerstone of online support, connecting people regardless of distance, time zones or accessibility.
In-person support groups are also a great way to build bonds with more people, reducing the effects of loneliness and isolation, which are common among those affected by spinal cord injuries.
Adaptive sports
Sporting activities and events are a great way to meet new people, especially for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Showcased during the Paralympic Games of the previous summer, adaptive sports are just as competitive, athletic and, most importantly, fun as able-bodied sports. If you, like our team at Aspire Law, were inspired by this incredible exhibition of talent and strength, we recommend getting involved in one or two adaptive sports.
Remember, as with any hobby or interest, it may take a few tries to find the right fit. Give wheelchair rugby or basketball a go! Or maybe you find yourself falling in love with adaptive skateboarding or table tennis.
With a wide range of adaptive sports to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find your perfect match.
Join a hobby community
Are you a movie fanatic? An avid bookworm? Or maybe comic books and video games are your favourite way to spend your free time. No matter what you love filling your weekends with, there is a community out there of like-minded people who congregate virtually to discuss and explore that hobby.
While most of these hobby communities exist online, some in-person events and conventions celebrate these activities and therefore are another great way to meet new people.
Especially with the context in which these events take place, you will be able to quickly form connections with your peers, being able to immediately talk about your hobby and form lasting friendships.
Support with Aspire
Are you struggling with feelings of isolation? Aspire and Aspire Law are here to help you.
Our partner charity provides a range of services to help alleviate some of the stresses associated with your injury, including housing advice, help with independent living welfare, benefits advice, support with assistive technology and more.
Contact Aspire Law
Aspire Law is also here to support you on your journey with a spinal cord injury. There are many ways that our solicitors at Aspire Law can help you.
Whilst our main aim is to acquire a compensation package that will enable you to maintain an independent and fulfilling life, we also supply you with transforming your home to become more accessible, secure interim payments and provide long-term assistance.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services.
