NHS & Health Professionals

Steel Bones have made a significant difference to many lives, and to those families who are members dealing with limb loss. As a Trustee I saw first hand and heard from members at events and at the Celebration days of how much the charity has helped them to connect with others within the amputee community, the connections helped them to have Hope for the future, and to share experiences and receive peer support. Reading testimonials from  amputees who had attended Celebration days was overwhelming positive due to the power of the connections members had received and appreciated meeting other families. This support is provided to adults and children, and Steel Bones pride themselves in the support which they  offer to the whole family unit recognising that limb loss can affect all members of the family.  

Steel Bones have set up community peer support groups and regular on-line support, and I have attended some of these groups. I have heard from amputees and seen first hand the impact of being able to connect with others in the amputee community has so that amputees do not feel quite so alone. Sharing experiences and gaining motivation and making friends with others has played a big impact on many of the amputees and made a real difference. Steel Bones connections has helped to show those living with limb loss that everyone is different, each amputee will have their own goals, and they can see that what they thought impossible may be achieved by meeting others. Celebration days are an inspiration to many members as they have a panel of amputees who present themselves to the members and talk about their difficulties and their achievements.  

Steel Bones helps to bring people together and has helped to build stronger amputee communities throughout the UK, with over 1,000 members now.

Steel Bones have provided workshops at schools which has helped children to have a greater understanding of disabilities, and raise awareness of what life is like living as an amputee. I attended one of the school workshops and was so impressed at the education being provided to children in a safe environment allowing them to ask questions and interact with amputees. These projects make a difference whilst educating children/teachers and communities.

Steel Bones are now partnering with NHS Trusts, providing more support groups to connect those dealing with limb loss, providing education, support, welfare benefits advice and a listening ear when needed. Steel Bones have provided additional support with housing issues/supported members when they are having difficulties accessing prosthetic reviews and support etc.

During this time, my husband David was out in the real world trying to navigate this life changing event for the whole family, as well as the restrictions Covid brought.

David was searching for any information or support he could find that might help us see a way forward. Truth be told, there wasn’t really that much out there. He finally came across the Steel Bones website. He contacted them and the response was immediate.

Emma introduced herself,  listened to our story and then worked out exactly what it was that we needed. At that point, it was peer support. As I was still in hospital, David was invited to join the online catch-up group. He found the opportunity to speak with others who knew exactly what it was like to go through a situation like ours invaluable.

Earlier this year, I volunteered to work with the Steel Bones family. Partly as a thank you for the huge amount of support they gave us, but also partly as a way to feel a part of the amputee community. Supported by David, I became a family mentor whose role is to provide support and act as the go between between families and the services that Steel Bones can provide.

There is no doubt that the help that Steel Bones can give with Housing and Benefits etc is invaluable. However, unless you’ve been an amputee yourself, you can’t comprehend the psychological changes that becoming an amputee brings. Having someone who has gone through similar experiences, reassuring you that every fear, insecurity and doubt is perfectly normal and valid, is equally valuable. Even though you are providing the support over the phone, you can almost hear a little bit of weight being lifted from their shoulders and that, for me, is incredibly satisfying.

It’s important that charities like Steel Bones continue because there is no one else out there who supports amputees and their families. Often people have their amputations and are simply released out into the real world to fend for themselves with no clue what’s next. One thing we have learned is that at that point, you really don’t know what you don’t know! And in that case how can you find out what you need and where to find it?

This is where Steel Bones fits in. Through their collective lived experience, they do know what you don’t know and are more than happy to share.

I then came across Steel Bones. They have provided invaluable support to numerous patients in that time and are the first service that we signpost any amputee and their family too. In my role as a case manager for the last 18 months, again any amputee or potential new amputee I have always referred to Steel Bones and been really impressed by what they offer. All concerned with Steel Bones are a delight to work with and are so passionate, friendly and helpful. And their services are free and for everyone and they do the little things that make the most difference. They are an amazing service and I would encourage any case manager, any amputee or professional working with amputees and their families to make contact.