Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Every year, 300 Australians sustain an injury where their spinal cord is damaged. It can happen to anyone. The injury interrupts nerve signals between the brain and body. The physical impact is permanent, life-changing and can involve pain and paralysis.
The journey of a person with a SCI is usually traumatic and incredibly distressing, months in hospital, followed by intensive rehab and a return home brings many physical and emotional stresses and strains to both the individual and their family.
Sargood on Collaroy is essentially a place of learning for people impacted by SCI to gain the confidence and skills to return to a full and rewarding life.
The expert clinical team, consisting of Occupational Therapists, Vocational Therapists, Exercise Physiologists, and Recreational Therapists work together with guests using specialised equipment, techniques and strategies to maximise their ability for independent living, participate in recreation and leisure activities and return to work or study.
Workplace participation rates are as low as 30% following injury.
SCI cost the Australian economy $3.7 billion per annum.
Approximately 20,800 people are estimated to be living with an SCI in Australia today, including 380 new incidences expected to occur this year.
Almost one quarter (23%) of people with an SCI are under 35 years old, and the majority are under 65.