Researchers from the Kolling Institute will partner with UK investigators on an exciting project to boost the mental health and wellbeing in people with a spinal cord injury.
A generous philanthropic grant from Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research has paved the way for the research which will build on the resources developed for the Spinal Cord Injury Health Maintenance Tool.
This tool is an online resource offering practical, evidenced-based and in-depth information for people with the disabling injury.
Dr Mohit Arora from the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research is thrilled to lead the initiative, with support from fellow John Walsh researchers Professors Ashley Craig and James Middleton, and Dr Johnny Bourke.
He says the project has the potential to transform models of support, shape clinical practice, and create meaningful impact on the lives of people with spinal cord injury worldwide.
“This is a wonderful collaborative opportunity to bring together academics, researchers, healthcare professionals, and peer professionals with lived experience from Australia and the United Kingdom,” he said.
“We will be working to co-design, implement and importantly, evaluate strategies to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of people with spinal cord injury.
“This is an area where we hope to offer specific, relevant and proven strategies for support.”
In addition to the Australian and UK investigators, three consumer and charity organisations will join the project including representatives from Spinal Cord Injuries Australia, Back Up Trust-UK and the Spinal Injuries Association UK.
Dr Arora said this strong collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving the psychological wellbeing and quality of life of people with spinal cord injury through research translation, co-design, and cross-country knowledge exchange.
“The project team is deeply grateful to Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research for funding this work, and to icare NSW for the foundational funding support for the development of the Spinal cord Injury Health Maintenance Tool,” he said.
