A Shropshire charity is marking World Spinal Cord Injury Day by highlighting the plight of people suffering from serious physical disabilities – and how it can help.
The Ethos Group, based in Oswestry, has many years’ experience helping people with life-changing injuries to regain their independence. The registered charity provides adapted short-term accommodation and support, as well as help to find a new permanent home to suit their needs. Anyone with physical disabilities can apply for a place at one of the charity’s properties.
Fae Dromgool, Ethos Group chief executive, said: “World Spinal Cord Injury Day takes place on Thursday 5 September and provides the ideal opportunity for us to raise awareness of just how difficult life can be for those people faced with the prospect of having to live their life with a serious physical disability.
“The whole pattern of your life changes in these circumstances and it’s not just the physical aspect people need to come to terms with. Unless you or someone close to you has been directly affected by injuries of this nature, it’s very difficult to fully understand the implications.
“It has psychological and mental effects, disrupts social, family and work life, leading to financial problems and in some cases relationships breaking down. It can also often result in losing your home due to accessibility or monetary difficulties.
“People may have lived in their homes for years and suddenly be faced with the upheaval and emotional stress of having to move elsewhere to carry on living their lives.
“Getting about, something most of us take for granted, quickly becomes a major issue with poor or no transport links adding to the day-to-day burden, and access to financial support, knowing what you are entitled to and how to go about getting it, often creates what feels like an impossible situation to deal with.
“World Spinal Cord Injury Day gives us the chance to raise awareness of all these issues and for the general public to take time and reflect on just how much of a life-changing experience serious physical disability can be.
“At Ethos, we are committed to helping as many people as we can at what is the most devastating time of their lives. We run three properties in Oswestry which helps to ease the transition back to what we hope will be an independent life.
“People can apply for a place with us by calling 01691 404359 or downloading a form from our website at www.ethosgroup.co.uk.”
Rita Patel, Ethos board member and former client added: “Ethos gave me space to regain my confidence, adjust to a new way of life and integrate back into the community.
“I now live independently, and am proud to sit on the Ethos board as a trustee.”
To find out more about the Ethos Group, call 01691 404359, email info@ethosgroup.co.uk or visit www.ethosgroup.co.uk.
For more information on Spinal Cord Injury Day please go to www.worldsciday.org
Pictured: Ethos’s chief executive, Fae Dromgool,
