Training To Be An Amputee
Register for our training programme devised by amputees for amputees (and their families/carers)
Register here for all sessions or select only those required. We think you’ll get the most out of the programme if you can attend them all but we understand that with busy lives this might not be possible.
Below we’ve provided more information about each of the sessions. Please get in touch if you have any queries about the sessions.
Session 1 - Introduction to 'Training To Be An Amputee'
This introductory session will provide an insight into the support the LA can offer as well as an overview of the whole programme, what it will cover and what to expect. You’ll also get an opportunity to meet your fellow attendees.
Learning outcome: An understanding of support services available and the aims of the programme. Connect with other amputees and their families going through similar experiences.
Session 2 - Welfare Rights, Entitlements and Legal Advice
Hear from experts from Citizens Advice and the LA Legal Panel who’ll guide you through the essential information you need to ensure that you’re able to access support to optimise your income and address financial challenges. If you’re considering making a legal claim, LA panel legal experts will help you navigate and demystify the claims process.
Learning outcome: To gain an understanding of benefits available as well as other rights and entitlements for those living with a disability. The importance of accessing expert legal advice in the event of a potential claim and the free support available.
Session 3 - Coming Home
Hear from two experienced Occupational Therapists, experts from wheelchair services and Motability. Getting mobile and living a new life as an amputee in your own home can be daunting. This session will help you to ensure that you have everything you need to support you to living independently as soon as possible.
Learning outcome: To understand the services available that will support improved accessibility and mobility.
Session 4 - Mental Health & Wellbeing
Hear from experts in amputee specialist psychotherapists and counsellors, our peers support volunteers and hear how gentle movement and breathing exercises can positively impact wellbeing. Becoming an amputee can be an emotional rollercoaster, frightening. upsetting and isolating. Our experts, our peer support volunteers and our outreach team understand this. They’ve supported amputees in those early days and some are amputees themselves. You’ll be amongst those who understand and who want to help you to manage your wellbeing at during times that can be overwhelmingly difficult.
Learning outcome: To understand the emotional challenges as well as the strategies to improve and maintain good mental health and wellbeing. Learn coping mechanisms for loneliness, motivation and body confidence.
Session 5 - Limb Fitting Centre & What to expect
Hear from experienced members of the rehabilitation team. You might have had an early visit to your centre, have an appointment on the horizon or as a more established patient looking for more information. We’ve put together several experts who play key roles in the prosthetics rehabilitation team. Roles you will come across in your own rehab pathway. They’ll give you some insider knowledge of their world to support and manage your expectations.
Learning outcomes: To gain an understanding of the rehabilitation pathway, the limb fitting process and its complexities. How to develop clear lines of communication with your centre, prosthetist & physiotherapist to promote mutual trust and understanding to achieve the best rehabilitation
Session 6 - Physical Wellbeing & Nutrition
Hear from experts in nutrition and rehabilitation exercises specially developed to support new amputees. Recovering from a traumatic event and experiencing life-changing health challenges takes time, patience and resilience. Nutrition and being active, at any level, can be crucial to supporting the rehabilitation process. Our experts will cover these key topics and recommend small changes you might consider to support your healing and physical health.
Learning outcomes: To better understand the importance of nutrition in the healing process and what foods can support this. Experience an introduction to a tailored accessible exercise programme for all abilities to improve physical wellbeing and conditioning despite early mobility challenges.
Session 7 - Lives Beyond Limb Loss
Hear from experts in recruitment and disability travel as well as hearing from amputees who have embraced new opportunities after amputation. Looking forward to, contemplating and planning for life beyond limb loss is a vital part of the rehabilitation process. Goal setting is important. Whether small goals or perhaps more ambitious ones, it’s very much about personal aims and aspirations. It could be getting back to something you loved doing before or trying something new. Most importantly, recognise that barriers are there to be navigated and not feared and that everything is possible with the right support network and motivation.
Learning outcomes: To improve confidence and understanding across a range of potential and perceived everyday challenges. Whether in the workplace, in the community or venturing further afield, gain practical tips for preparing to embrace a fulfilled life beyond limb loss.
Session 8 -Round Up & Reflections
In this session, you will be the experts. This session will provide an opportunity for a guided discussion about the topics covered in the course.
