April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month #limblosslimbdifference #LLLAM Once a year Limb Loss and Limb Difference UK a collaboration of charities and support groups seek to raise awareness and educate about the challenges of living with limb loss and limb difference and the support provided by their charities throughout the UK to empower those within their community.
It is estimated that between 5000 and 6000 major limb amputations are carried out in the UK every year and around 1 million people are living with limb difference. Some amputations and limb disabilities are caused by substandard health care.
Living with limb loss or limb differences can be life changing for individuals and families. There are physical challenges such as relearning daily activities, learning how to adapt to new prosthetic devices and coping with pain. In addition, the emotional impact of loss, feelings of isolation, practical considerations such as returning to school, work, social activities, as well as managing finances and navigating the benefits system mean that clients often tell us it can all seem overwhelming.
Limb Loss and Difference UK seek to inform and educate with the goal of addressing these issues and promoting self-esteem and wellbeing.
How can you get involved?
If you or someone you know has experienced limb loss or limb difference or if you would like to support those who have you can help raise awareness about their challenges and the important work these charities and support groups do. Visit the campaign website http://www.limblosslimbdifference.co.uk and download their social media pack or follow the social media accounts of the groups to find out about local events .Use the hashtags #LLLDAM and #limblosslimbdifference and play your part in raising awareness of this campaign
Support a charity!
Charitable events are scheduled throughout the month. So you can get involved or make donations.
Read more about some of the charities collaborating in this campaign and the wonderful work that they do:
- The Amputation Foundation
A charity that assists amputees and medical professionals to give new amputees the best start, following amputation. They assist amputees with their support needs and provide information useful to starting a new life as an amputee, including benefits, legal information and prosthetic centre advice, education , retraining and more. Visit their website at https//.amputationfoundation.org
- Blesma
This organisation is dedicated to assisting serving an ex -service men and women who have lost limbs or the use of a limb. Visit their website at https://Blesma.org
- Finding your Feet
This charity was established to address the lack of peer support within the amputee community. It organises activities for families and provides vital mental health services. Visit their website at www.findingyourfeet.net
- Reach
Reach is a leading charity providing support and information to parents and their children affected by upper limb difference. It has 19 branches across the UK and Ireland. Visit their website for more information at www.reach.org.uk
- Steel Bones
Steel Bones is a charity helping amputee families to live life to the full and organising year round social events. A proactive, supportive peer community they are passionate about addressing the stigma amputees face in wider society. Visit their website at www.steelbone.co.uk
- The Limbless Association
This is a national charity supporting amputees and working with sector professionals to empower those living with limb loss to lead full and independent lives. For more information about their work visit their website at Home - Limbless Association
- Positive Bones
A charity that provides funding for equipment prosthetics and services with the aim to empower amputees and people with limb disabilities to live life without limits. Visit their website at www.positivebones.co.uk
- LimbPower
LimbPower was created to engage amputees and individuals with limb impairments in physical activity, sport and the arts to improve quality of life and aid lifelong rehabilitation. Visit their website www.limbpower.com
Legal Support
At MDS we act for many clients affected by limb loss and limb difference.
To learn about how we helped one client who required a lower limb amputation as a result of clinical negligence click here to read our case study.
Sarah Grogan, Legal Director and Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor from MDS, said ‘As an experienced solicitor I have seen many clients who have suffered life changing limb injuries including limb loss and have been inspired by their perseverance and ability to overcome obstacles. There are some incredible organisations out there providing support and it is vital that these organisations are promoted as widely as possible so that their important work can benefit all those that need it.’
MDS is a specialist medical negligence law firm. We specialise in claims involving cancer, maternity, limb loss and cauda equina syndrome. Our expert solicitors represent clients all around England and Wales, and we are dedicated to helping people who have been injured by medical negligence.
Our solicitors have extensive experience of representing clients and their families who have been affected by medical negligence. Click here to read more about how we can help you and here read one of our client’s stories.
If you are concerned about any care that you or a member of your family has received, please contact our experienced team on 0116 254 7456 or email: enquiries@moosaduke.com. You can also enquire online by clicking here.
