Summary
An opportunity to learn with and from our international peers. The LA recently had the opportunity to take part in and contribute to a global think-tank involving amputee support organisations from across the world. David Rose, LA Chair of Trustees, here shares his insight and thoughts on this amazing opportunity. A truly global perspective on the challenges faced by limb loss communities here and worldwide.
Established in 1983, the Limbless Association has long been regarded as the leading UK charity supporting civilians living with limb loss. And now our reputation for excellent support and advice has expanded onto the global stage!
As Chair of the Trustee Board, I was invited to attend the recent meeting of the International Confederation of Amputee Associations (IC2A). This event was linked to the 20th biennial world congress of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO), held in Stockholm, Sweden.
IC2A is an international alliance that shares experiences, knowledge and best practice to inspire improvement in the quality of life of amputees and individuals born with limb deficiency. And their mission is to help national amputee associations share experiences, knowledge and best practices about amputee health and wellbeing at the international level. The LA were founder members of the IC2A when it was established in 2015.
IC2A organised a stand at the ISPO congress exhibition. My wife, Susan, and I were recruited to cover a ‘shift’ where we were not only speaking about the work of the IC2A, but also spreading the word about the LA’s services, specifically our Volunteer Visitor peer support scheme.
David Rose, LA Chair, with Dieter Jüptner (IC2A Vice-President) from Germany
The second day of the congress featured an IC2A ‘think tank’, where a large number of people came together to explore how best practice in the areas of support for people living with limb loss could practically be shared. We had had people attending the seminar from all over the world, including individual amputees, representatives of amputee associations, medical professionals and senior business leaders from the prosthetics industry.
I was asked to explain how we organised and delivered the LA’s Volunteer Visitor (VV) programme, and our practical experience of running the programme for now more than a quarter of a century. And whereas the concept of peer-to-peer support would initially appear to be a relatively simple idea, the logistical reality is anything but simple. The LA has invested a huge level of financial and people resources in making the VV programme arguably the best peer support scheme anywhere, and that level of commitment has to be ongoing. For example, the training, management and individual supervision of our amazing volunteers must follow them throughout their ‘career’ as peer supporters.
I was also asked to explain how, what we have learned here in the UK over 25-plus years, could be replicated in other countries where they don’t have a long-established voluntary sector supporting people living life after limb loss. And this is the real challenge! Some of the people that I spoke to at this seminar came from countries where prosthetic services were almost nonexistent in rural or less developed areas.
Lastly, I was both surprised and greatly honoured to be asked to join the IC2A’s management board and represent the LA on behalf of the UK! This was a testament to the high regard in which the LA is held on the international stage. After all, we are the UK’s leading civilian limb loss charity for any number of good reasons!
