Blesma takes tea with the Spinal Injuries Association

On the 1^st June Blesma  attended the Spinal Injury Associations’ (SIA) daily virtual café.

BSO for the South Pat Donnachie was invited to  share  his knowledge and experience around all things Blesma with a group of the SIA’s support officers, beneficiaries, and representatives from Limb Power – a charity who exist to engage amputees and those with limb impairments in physical activity, sport and the arts .

The discussion was co-ordinated and led by the SIA’s Support Network Officer for London, Lady-Marie Dawson-Malcom. Lady-Marie was an excellent facilitator, and Pat was able to inform everyone in attendance about Blesma’s vital work, and the breadth of our support.

Though at the beginning of the drop-in session, some of those listening admitted that Blesma was relatively unknown to them, it did not stay this way for long. Pat discussed with confidence the Associations’ proud and long history, from the branches of the early days of the organisation, to how we remain present in modern times through our representation and work with prosthetics providers.

He also described the many incredible rehabilitation activities that Blesma’s activities programme provides and the life-changing impact they have, as well as the additional benefits that Making Generation R has had for its participants.

Of particular interest to Members of the SIA was how Blesma Members have adapted and found employment post-injury. Pat rightly highlighted how Blesma is not afraid to collaborate, and works with other charities such as HighGround and the Poppy Factory, and also with schemes such as the Barclays AFTER programme to ensure all of its Members can find fulfilling opportunities post- service. The participants were also highly impressed by the assembly of our all Blesma Race Across America Team.

Perhaps the most important part of the session was the finishing Quiz! Blesma, the SIA and Limb Power were each represented. Unfortunately, none held their own in the face of some extremely challenging ‘Catchphrase’ themed questions!

If you would be interested in taking part in the SIA’s Weekly Café, follow them on Twitter: @SpinalInjuries and get yourself along for some stimulating chat and discussion.