Employment after a SCI: Alex's Story

Returning to paid employment after any level of SCI can be a daunting process. For those who can, this might involve returning to an old job, finding new full time or parttime work and even self-employment.

Alex, one of our Spinal Injuries Scotland volunteers has been good enough to share his journey with us.

My story starts on a Monday morning in October 2015. I was an HGV driver for over 30 years, delivering containers with a lorry mounted crane. One Monday morning I was attaching chains to the top of the container when I fell approximately 14 feet to the ground. The next thing I remember is talking to a fork- lift driver who saw me slumped over the side of the lorry. A short time later I was attended to by a paramedic, followed by a trip to Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert in the

back of an ambulance. After two CT scans it was discovered that I had three fractured vertebrae at L1, L3,T12 and a fractured rib. I was admitted and placed in an orthopaedic ward where I received 10 stitches for a head wound.

Fortunately, I did not require any spinal surgery. I was however restricted to bed rest for several days until the fitting of my back brace. After 10 days I was discharged with instructions to wear a TLSO brace for a period of three months. The only time I was not required to wear the brace was when I was in bed.

I had two home visits from HSE who required statements regarding the accident. After discussions with them it was apparent that I indeed did have cause for an Industrial injuries claim. I then contacted Chris Stewart, Head of Serious Injury Department at Digby Brown, Glasgow. They advised me throughout the period of my claim, which was successful.

It was obvious from the start that I would not be able to return to my previous profession. Unfortunately my experience of DWP benefit claims was atrocious. Having worked since the age of 16 and contributed to the system I found it almost impossible to receive the benefit I was entitled to. Once again I turned to Digby Brown Welfare department where I was given a designated welfare officer to assist me in my benefit claim. This helped me secure certain benefits.

I began volunteering with SIS in June 2016 after seeing a copy of the Spinal Life magazine during a visit to Digby Brown. Whilst volunteering at the Spinal Unit in Glasgow I witnessed first- hand the

difficulties and challenges that wheelchair users and indeed anyone with mobility issues have accessing taxis. I realised there was a niche in the market for someone who cares and understands related difficulties.

This is when I started thinking about setting up my own small business specialising in travel for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. I started off in the usual way, having fliers and business cards printed. I then targeted my customer base in a localised area.

My current challenges are building up my customer base. Being back in employment has lifted my self-esteem and mood. Working in a self- employed capacity allows me to work as much or as little as I am able. The first few months after the accident I suffered from depression and low mood. I couldn’t see any way forward. However, with positive thoughts and dogged determination, along with support from family, friends and SIS I managed to get to where I am today. To coin a phrase from a song by Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel ‘Don’t give up’.

T. 07512 053 300

E. wheelchairtravelsolutions@gmail.com