British amputee charities join forces to celebrate European Limb Loss Day and the International Day for Persons with a Disability

The British Limb Loss charities have been meeting regularly during the COVID-19 pandemic to support each other and provide a united front and network of support for individuals with limb differences and their families.

Thursday 3rd of December is European Limb Loss Day and the International Day for Persons with a Disability. These days were created to raise awareness of the barriers and facilitators to inclusion for people with disabilities and specifically people with limb loss or limb difference.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) is a day which promotes equality for people with disabilities in all areas of society. This day was first announced by the UN in 1992 with the aim of advancing disability rights and protecting the wellbeing of people with disabilities.

European Limb Loss day was created to raise awareness and the profile of children, young people and adults living with an amputation or limb difference, with a focus on removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all. This awareness is needed now more than ever with disabled people having been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with many amputees shielding and self-isolating leaving them at risk of isolation and social exclusion. This has been further impacted by the artificial limb centres being closed or open for emergency appointments only.

The British Limb Loss Charities will be coming together on the 3^rd of December to share a message of solidarity with our beneficiaries, reminding them that they are at the centre of ALL of our services and that they are not alone. We will be sharing our updated joint calendar of online workshops, events and talks to support our community during the COVID-19 pandemicand sharing the message that we are #InItTogether.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans Blesma, The Limbless Veterans was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932. Blesma is dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered limb loss or the loss of use of a limb, an eye or loss of sight. We support these men and women and their families in their communities throughout the UK and overseas.

Tel: 07741 196770
T @Blesma

Douglas Bader Foundation exists to advance and promote the physical, mental and spiritual welfare of persons who are born without or have lost one or more limbs, or are otherwise physically disabled.

Tel: 01225 722810
E: wendy.mccleave@douglasbaderfoundation.com
T:@douglasbaderfou

Finding Your Feet support families affected by amputation or limb absence through a range of sporting initiatives and social inclusion projects designed to positively affect both physical and mental wellbeing.

Tel: 07977 281852
E: info@findingyourfeet.net
T:@fyf_charity
I: @fyf_charity

LimbPower are a National Disability Sports Organisation supporting children, young people and adult amputees and individuals with limb impairments in physical activity, sport and the arts to aid physical, social and psychological rehabilitation. LimbPower work to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and community engagement.

Tel: 07968760001
E: info@limbpower.com
W: www.limbpower.com
T: @limbpower
I: @limbpower

Steel Bones helps amputee families live life to the full, helped by a proactive supportive peer community. The charity is headquartered in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk but their telephone support service, the Bones Line, website and online community help support amputee families across England and Wales. Their volunteer-led, Steel Bones’ hubs work on the ground with amputee families in their own local communities.

E: leigh@steelbone.co.uk
W: www.steelbonesuk.co.uk
T: 01223 734000

Limbless Association is national charity that provides support to amputees and the limb loss community through a range of services, projects and resources. With over 35 years’ experience in service delivery, we are dedicated to ensuring our support reaches as many individuals as possible experiencing limb loss and in need. We offer practical advice and solutions as well as connectivity to ensure that NO AMPUTEE NEED COPE ALONE.

E: enquiries@limbless-association.org
W: www.limbless-association.org
T: 01245 216671