At Steel Bones, everything we do is shaped by the voices of our community. Recently, we asked our members how they’re feeling, what’s working, and where we can do more.
The results remind us exactly why this work matters.
Building Connection, Confidence and Community
Our latest survey feedback highlights the very real impact of connection:
- 65% of members feel less lonely since joining Steel Bones
- 70% report improved confidence or wellbeing
- 81% feel listened to and respected
- Peer support – simply meeting other amputees – remains the most valued part of our work
These numbers are powerful, but what they represent is even more meaningful.
When someone experiences limb loss or limb difference, life can suddenly feel isolating. Many of our members tell us they didn’t realise how much they needed connection until they found it. Steel Bones is not just providing services — it’s creating a space where people feel understood, supported and no longer alone.
The Power of Peer Support
A recurring theme across the feedback is clear:
peer connection changes lives.
When people meet others who have walked a similar path:
- confidence grows
- independence improves
- hope returns
Whether it’s through a fitness session, a phone call, or a community event, these shared experiences help people rebuild their sense of identity and possibility.
It’s simple — but it works.
Reaching More People, More Inclusively
Alongside our survey, we also took a deeper look at who we are reaching as a community.
- Across the members where we currently hold data, 19% identify as from diverse ethnic backgrounds
- Across all members (including those without full data), this stands at 7%
For us, this is an important starting point — not an endpoint.
Why Representation Matters
We know that people are more likely to feel welcome and supported when they see others like them. For many individuals from minority backgrounds, accessing support can come with additional barriers — cultural, social or simply a lack of visibility.
This is why we are committed to:
- Improving representation across our community
- Reaching more diverse groups through targeted outreach
- Ensuring everyone feels seen, welcome, and included
Our long-term ambition is to ensure that our community reflects the diversity of the people we serve — and that no one feels excluded from accessing support.
Listening, Learning and Growing
While the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, we also recognise there is more to do.
A small proportion of members were unsure whether they feel fully listened to. That matters to us. We are committed to:
- continuing to improve how we communicate
- ensuring every voice is heard
- strengthening the ways members can feed into our work
Listening isn’t a one-off exercise — it’s an ongoing commitment.
Looking Ahead
The message from our community is clear: connection changes lives — and everyone deserves access to it.
As we continue to grow, our focus is on:
- reaching more people who need us
- improving inclusivity and representation
- maintaining the quality of support that makes Steel Bones special
We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved together — but even more excited about what comes next.
Thank You
To everyone who shared their feedback — thank you.
Your voices shape everything we do.
Together, we are building something powerful:
a connected, confident and inclusive community for amputees across the UK.
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