Cauda Equina UK join SIA to better support people affected by spinal cord injury

Cauda Equina Syndrome UK (CES UK) the leading UK charity supporting people living with Cauda Equina Syndrome, a debilitating spinal condition is today joining Spinal Injuries Association. The landmark move will help the many thousands of people living with CES in the UK to better access wider-ranging services and support that can save lives.

Both charities share the common aim of ensuring that people living with damage to the spinal cord can get the right information, find the appropriate support and link up to other people to share and learn from their community.  By joining the Association, CES UK members will not only have the information and support of CES but also immediate access to life-saving advocacy from SIA’s SCI nurse specialist service and the unique psychological support offered by our peer-led support network and professional counselling services.

Michael Piccirillo, a neurological trainer and Chair and Trustee of CES UK said:

“When we approached SIA to explore how we might become part of their Association, our aim was to support more people living with CES with services they have told us they need, such as specialist clinical advice, advocacy to fight for services, counselling and mental wellbeing services. SIA offers all of these and more. We had no hesitation in choosing them.”

CES UK have stated that their bespoke support and information services for people living with CES will continue and with the support of SIA will further develop. The website www.caudaequinauk.org.uk will continue as the hub for information, advice and support for people with CES, but now with added links to the various clinical, support and advocacy services offered by SIA, as will their social media channels. The charity’s shop and office in Syston, Leicestershire will also continue under the existing management.

Nik Hartley OBE, CEO of SIA said:

“We have made a pledge to build a network of partners so everyone affected by any type of spinal cord injury gets the support they need. This is a truly ground-breaking opportunity to invest in the amazing work of CES UK that has the potential to offer a lifeline to anyone, anywhere living with CES.”

Bridge McFarland LLP, a legal firm with an internationally recognised team of clinical negligence solicitors, has agreed to continue to fund the work being done to support people affected by CES.  Said Claire Grieves, Bridge McFarland LLP:

“Bridge McFarland LLP has supported CES UK for many years and, when we heard about the plan, we immediately agreed to make a financial commitment to ensure people affected by CES get the best possible care and support, now and in the long term.”