Peer supporters can assist newly injured individuals, and those who have fallen through the cracks, with living full lives after a spinal cord injury
Aside from the physical changes and limitations, a spinal cord injury (SCI) has a tremendous impact on people’s lives. It often impacts their relationships with friends, family and significant others. It impacts their engagement in society, their hobbies or job. There are also many hidden consequences like the lack of sleep.
While rehabilitation professionals try their best to prepare newly injured spinal cord injury patients for all that awaits them after they leave the rehabilitation facility, it isn’t always possible to fully prepare the individuals.
This is where peer support can play a significant role. The aim of peer support is for seasoned wheelchair users to provide newly injured individuals with the knowledge and insight that only experience can bring.
One such peer support, Sherwin Gerwell, shares: “Rehabilitation periods after a SCI are always being adjusted due to the availability of beds and funds. So, the injured individuals don’t get enough time to recover and adapt to their new way of life.”
“This I where peer support can fill the gap as an ongoing support structure; by training good role models in the local community to assist newly injured individuals and others who have fallen through the cracks, which will enable them to maintain a good quality of life.”
Sherwin sustained an SCI in 2008. Despite the shock of his new situation, he was quick to embrace his new reality and become active.
“I’ve adapted quickly to my new situation and reading through Rolling Inspiration magazines at the rehabilitation facility, I knew that there was more to learn about dealing with a spinal cord injury on a daily basis.”
“I was always up and ready for gym and to wheel around while in rehab. After my discharge, I started visiting the facility once a week to kill time and because I felt comfortable in that environment,” he recalls.
A year later, he was invited by his social worker to attend a five-day peer support training camp hosted by Motivation Africa at the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre (WCRC).
“When I got the call from Gail, my social worker, I jumped at the opportunity to go on the five-day training that was going to be facilitated by wheelchair users with SCIs. As she explained to me, they will be teaching us how to deal with daily routes and more detail on the effects of an SCI.”
Sherwin hasn’t looked back and remains passionate about supporting others in living a full life.
He notes: “At Afrique Rehabilitation and Research Consultants, peer support is a key activity. We partner with organisations and train their clients and members to become peer supporters.
“One should keep in mind that being a peer supporter is an ongoing process. It’s important to keep up with the changing times and be there for ongoing support,” Sherwin advises others who are considering becoming a peer supporter.
“As a peer supporter, your key priority is to take care of yourself first because, without your health, there’s no you.”
“Get to know your community and the common services of which you and your clients make use. Further your education, follow your dreams, learn to drive and explore your city or town,” he continues.
In other word, live a full life and be a good role model so that you have the experience, knowledge and skills to help others live their lives to their full potential.
For more information on becoming a peer supporter, reach out to Sherwin at gerwellsherwin@gmail.com or contact QASA at info@qasa.co.za.
