Sp.I.N.I. – Spinal Injury Support & Rehabilitation Equipment

Sp.I.N.I. (Spinal Injury Northern Ireland) is a volunteer-run charity providing practical support and rehabilitation equipment to people living with spinal cord injuries across Northern Ireland. The charity focuses particularly on the period after hospital discharge, when individuals and families may suddenly need specialist equipment to continue rehabilitation, improve mobility and take part in everyday life.

Founded in 2009 by Peter Steele following his own spinal injury, Sp.I.N.I. was created after Peter experienced first-hand how difficult and expensive it could be to access specialist rehabilitation equipment once home from hospital. Since then, the charity has supported more than 100 people and built up a valuable pool of equipment that can be loaned to wheelchair users and others with spinal injuries.

Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Equipment

Sp.I.N.I. provides access to rehabilitation and physiotherapy equipment that can help people continue working on movement, strength and independence after leaving hospital. Much of the charity's equipment is out on loan at any one time, helping people who may otherwise struggle to purchase specialist equipment themselves.

Equipment available through the charity includes:

• MOTOmed motor-assisted exercise machines
• Mobile patient hoists
• Portable wheelchair ramps
• Standing frames
• Shower chairs and other accessibility equipment
• Specialist aids such as Active Hands

MOTOmed Equipment Loan

MOTOmed motor-assisted exercise equipment has been central to Sp.I.N.I. since the charity was founded. Peter Steele had used a MOTOmed during rehabilitation in hospital and recognised how valuable continued access could be after discharge. Sp.I.N.I. has since purchased more than 25 MOTOmed units, helping people continue rehabilitation closer to home without having to meet the full cost of purchasing a machine themselves.

Hoists & Accessible Overnight Stays

The charity can provide mobile hoists and accessories to support wheelchair users who require lifting equipment away from home. Hoists can be supplied to hotels and B&Bs where availability permits, helping people attend family events, enjoy short breaks or stay overnight somewhere that may not normally have suitable equipment.

This practical service can make a significant difference for people whose travel and social options would otherwise be restricted by the need for specialist lifting equipment.

Portable Wheelchair Ramps & Access Support

Sp.I.N.I. also supports access to lightweight portable wheelchair ramps, allowing wheelchair users to visit family, friends and venues where permanent disabled access may not be available. Portable equipment can provide a simple but important solution for maintaining independence and participation in everyday social life.

Supporting Life After Hospital

The charity's wider aim is to help people adapt to life after a spinal cord injury and remain connected with their local community. Support is focused not only on rehabilitation equipment but also on helping remove some of the practical barriers that can arise after hospitalisation.

Sp.I.N.I. was created by someone who has personally experienced those challenges, giving the charity a strong understanding of how important timely access to suitable equipment can be for individuals and their families.

Fundraising, Donations & Volunteers

Sp.I.N.I. is run by volunteers, with money raised going towards the purchase and supply of equipment. Fundraising has included sponsored walks, cycles, skydives, community collections and other events, while individuals, businesses and community groups can also support the charity through donations or their own fundraising activities.

Based in Ballygally, Larne, Sp.I.N.I. supports people with spinal cord injuries across Northern Ireland. Anyone seeking equipment support, wishing to donate or interested in helping the charity can contact the team through Spinal Injury Northern Ireland.