We are delighted to be able to support two
of the SIA’s Peer Support Officers, thereby
helping SIA ensure people with spinal cord
injury can get advice and assistance whenever
they need it. The SIA Peer Support Service has
14 Peer Support Officers and two managers
covering designated areas of the country. As
well as visiting newly injured people in spinal
centres and other hospitals in their areas, they
also provide support to people on discharge,
which is often when issues arise.
In October 2015, Irwin Mitchell sponsored two
of the Peer Support Officers: Charlie Hart, who
covers North London and Ali Gibson whose
area is the East Midlands. We asked both of
them to tell us a bit about themselves and
how they see their role at SIA.
Charlie Hart – Peer Support Officer (North
London) - Before becoming part of the SIA
team, my training and work life involved
teaching young people with special needs.
I also volunteered with some children’s
disability charities, but despite sustaining my
spinal chord injury at a young age, I never
really had any support or involvement from
others on a personal level.
When growing up, I often took on the
unofficial role of an ‘everyone supporter’ as
I was known for offering help, had a good
listening ear and was happy to support
anyone who was struggling with school,
friendships or life. This, my background in
teaching and my experience of moving from
my home in Holland to attend university in
Oxford - entirely independently - have all
provided solid foundations for the role of a
SIA Peer Support Officers. I am, however, still
learning and developing with each person I
meet, as every individual’s situation has its
nuances.
It is great to be working in a stimulating,
challenging environment that is filled with
other people who care passionately about
putting building blocks in place for SCI people
to discover their new beginnings.
Ali Gibson – Peer Support Officer (East
Midlands) - I was 23 years old when I
sustained my SCI in 1996 whilst on holiday
in Tenerife. There was a severe wind storm;
a tree was blown down and it landed on me,
resulting in my T12 complete paraplegia.
I have since been very fortunate and able
to move out of the family home to live
independently, return to work and to attend
university, graduating with a first-class
honours degree in psychology in 2006. I have
had opportunities to pursue a new career
and volunteer roles in areas of work that aim
to improve people’s quality of life following
neurological disability. Most importantly, in
2008, I became a mum to the most beautiful
girl; Sarah. Prior to joining the SIA team, my
most recent employment was in academic
research developing rehabilitation services
that assist people with neurological conditions
to return to work and/or education.
I am absolutely delighted and feel privileged
to be part of the SIA and its Peer Support
Service as I believe peer support for everyone
affected by SCI to be hugely beneficial; not
just from ‘day one’ but throughout life as it
brings new challenges. I love my new role as it
enables me to utilise my previous experiences
and knowledge to support others in many
different ways. But it is a ‘team effort’ as all of
the trustees, employees and volunteers at SIA
work together to support all people affected
by spinal cord injury.
Visit my blog to read about my experiences
of pregnancy where I share my personal
experiences of pregnancy, parenting and life
in general following spinal cord injury: www.
parentsinwheelchairs.com
We feel Charlie and Ali are great
ambassadors for the SIA and will be well placed
to help newly-injured people. We
are delighted to be able to support their
roles.
For general enquiries
0808 291 3524
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