Beyond Mobility: Insights from the SIA ‘What Matters’ Survey 2025
Our partners at Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) have released their annual What Matters survey, which explores the everyday realities faced by people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) in the UK.
While mobility is often the first challenge that comes to mind, SCI affects many areas of life, from access to healthcare and funding to mental health, bowel care, and beyond. These often-overlooked struggles are areas SIA is working hard to highlight.
Access to medical services and funding, mental health struggles, and implications for bowel care and daily routines are all often overlooked aspects that Spinal Injuries Association wants to increase awareness of.
The Key Points
The What Matters survey asked 934 people living with a SCI to highlight the most important topics to them under the categories of body, mind, and life.
Out of the many statistics gathered, these were some of the key highlights.
- 57% said accessing general medical services and testing was a top concern.
- 61% struggled to fund their care needs.
- 50% felt that their injury completely or significantly prevented their ability to access employment.
- 46% reported poor bowel care during recent inpatient stays.
How Living With a Spinal Cord Injury Can Affect Mental Health
The mental health impact is also a challenge of clear significance:
65% of respondents said they had experienced challenges with their mental health. This is more than double the national average.
Yet 72% said they still lack access to counsellors or therapists with the specialist knowledge to truly help.
Nik Hartley OBE, CEO of Spinal Injuries Association, emphasises in the report that access to mental health support for people with a SCI “isn’t optional – it’s essential”.
The report also tackles grief. Grief is often associated with the loss of a loved one, but it can also be felt for the life you once had. Many people with a spinal cord injury experience this deeply, as their day-to-day lives change dramatically. These shifts can trigger complex emotions, yet 40% of those struggling with their mental health after a SCI don’t speak to anyone about it.
This highlights a clear gap in the knowledge of trained professionals as well as amongst friends, family members, and the wider society. That’s why surveys like this are so crucial to spread awareness and educate people on the true impacts of spinal cord injuries.
What Else Matters To People Living With A Spinal Cord Injury
The full What Matters report can be read here:
And covers all manner of topics with insightful first-hand data including:
- Bowel and bladder care
- Women’s health
- Daily life and societal perceptions
Accessing Support from Abbots Care and Spinal Injuries Association
For more information about the topics discussed and to access further support, visit SIA’s website.
To find out how Abbots Care can support you at home, click here – spinal cord injury homecare services – or call our friendly care advisor team on 0330 094 5511.
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