A new initiative is launching in the local area to support people with spinal cord injuries or neurological disabilities.
Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) has been establishing local Community Networks to help individuals, their families, friends, and carers connect and share their experiences.
The Community Networks provide a platform for members to support each other, discuss local issues, and share knowledge and ideas. The aim is to create an inclusive space where those living with disabilities can interact in a relaxed and informal setting.
Regular get-togethers will be held in the Moree area, both in-person and virtually via Microsoft Teams, to ensure accessibility for all participants across the region. The gatherings will take place in safe and casual environments, encouraging open conversation and connection.
The first casual get-together is scheduled for Sunday, 2 March 2025, in the Albies Dining Room at The Moree Services Club at 11am. Attendees are welcome to stay for lunch from 1pm. Anyone in the New England and North Western NSW region who is interested is encouraged to come along and meet others who share similar experiences, including family members and carers.
SCIA New England Advocacy Community Network Peer Leader, Tanya Fitch, highlighted the importance of this initiative, drawing from her own personal experience.
“In 1985, I sustained a spinal cord injury from a serious car accident, resulting in paraplegia and requiring the use of a wheelchair permanently.
“Over the last 39 years, having a disability has proven to be frustrating, isolating, and challenging at times. Communicating with others who understand these experiences can be beneficial in addressing everyday issues,” she said.
Fitch said newly injured or diagnosed often benefit from the guidance and advice of individuals with broader lived experiences.
“This exchange of information fosters long-lasting friendships and continuous learning. The most practical advice for managing life with disabilities frequently comes from others in similar situations,” Fitch said.
“For me personally, the most helpful advice throughout my journey as a paraplegic has always been from others with disabilities.”
The passionate local disability advocate also highlighted the common challenges faced by people living with disabilities, particularly in rural areas.
“At times the only people who really understand what living life with a disability or caring for someone with a disability is truly like, are others experiencing it 24/7.
“Though disabilities vary, common experiences include self-care, daily supports, social participation, assistive technology, community perceptions, acceptance, and accessibility to services and infrastructure.
“Living in rural areas with a disability also presents additional challenges such as inadequate local support, limited services, medical expertise, treatments, and outdated infrastructure.”
This initiative also aims to facilitate self-advocacy for feasible solutions to improve lives and overall wellbeing.
“The local Advocacy Community Network offers individuals with spinal cord injuries and neurological disabilities a platform to discuss personal problems, share resources and ideas, and identify community issues,” she said.
For those interested in joining the local Community Network, Tanya Fitch can be contacted at 0408 448 840 or via email at representative@scia.org.au.
To register for the Meet and Greet in Moree on 2 March 2025, please complete the form on the website at https://scia.org.au/about-us/events/new-england-advocacy-community-network-2/
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