10 replies to this topic

[laura]

Hi all! haven't been on here for a while. glad to be back!

i've read a few of the posts here and was wondering if those of you who have been on a Back-Up Trust course could let me know how you found it. was it worth-while? scary? things to definately try? surprises? etc

for those of you that haven't and have decided not to, can i ask why?

i'm asking because i'm finally well enough to start getting back into things other than the daily grind and thought i might have a go at one of their multi-activity courses this summer.

any info/advice would be great

thanks in advance,
laura

[russ1]

Best thing I ever did getting involved with Back-up. Give it a go, you'll have a load of fun and discover stuff about yourself that you never thought possible. You'll not be made to do anything you don't want to but you will end up doing things you didn't think were possible.

I've not done the multi activity course but I've done 3 ski trips (one as group leader) and a water ski course as well as getting horribly drunk at their annual ball more than once.

[lune14]

Would either of you mind elaborating on what the Back-up Trust is exactly, how it works? I realize it must be exclusive to UK but I'd be interested in knowing how it is organized and if it's what I'm thinking, find a comparable group in the states.

Thanks!

[PsychoSimon]

they are basically a trust that help us sci people get back to doing extreme sports etc. Skiin, wtersports stuff like that which people thought they wouldn't be able to do.
I've only ever done their wheelchair skills day though. real good blokes though

[russ1]

Would either of you mind elaborating on what the Back-up Trust is exactly, how it works? I realize it must be exclusive to UK but I'd be interested in knowing how it is organized and if it's what I'm thinking, find a comparable group in the states.

Thanks!

Back-up Trust

[laura]

thanks Russ i'll let you know how i get on! trying the multi-activity course first then we will see about getting back on the snow or water on skis! can't wait! it'll mean full speed ahead in the right direction!

good to hear that the wheelchair skills course was worthwhile-hope to pick up a few tips and ideas.

would be interesting to hear whether U.S.A had anything similar or even Canada as i'm heading out there soon to see friends that have a SCI.

thanks for your replies,
take care all,
Laura

[gsp23]

I am not aware of anything nationwide in the US, I think it is state by state. In MN the Courage Center has different programs like that.

[laura]

thanks gsp23. its interesting that its state by state. hope that helps and doesn't hinder things for people!

[Chrisonwheels]

I went on a Backup multi activity course a few years ago. It was good fun and built my confidence. Some of the people I went with were more affected by it than I was; especially some of the tetras. Have some good memories like going clubbing (in Keswick!) midweek; 8 people being lifted up a huge flight of stairs. No disabled toilets so people doing sic's into the trough next to the drunken locals. The local girls flocked to the chairs as they were fed up with being leered at by drunken lads standing by the bar! Blokarting was great, wheelchair skills was very useful; I surprised myself. Camping was wet but fun. The view from the top of a large hill was breathtaking (as was the push up). The climbing wall was a waste of time.

I did a tandem freefall to help raise money for Backup (£500) and loved it to bits; it was amazing, but the scariest thing I have ever done was to try horse riding at an activity centre; the damned nag had hips like John Wayne; I hated it!

I find it difficult to get a week to do activities now (I work full-time) so I help out with Sportability in the South West UK, they do day events like quadbiking and sailing, but there are also possibilities coming up for more 'committed' activities as well. It's a national charity so there are things to do across the country. Check out the website: www.sportability.org.uk

[laura]

Hi Chrisonwheels,
thank you for your reply. I'm glad to hear that fun was had on your course-see what happens this summer! lol wondering if I should or even could report back to you guys...maybe watch this space lol

I've seen disabled horse riding advertised;hope John Waynes horse has gone for a trot if I give it a go!

going to look at the website...
thanks again Chrisonwheels
Laura

[hockeydahc]

Thanks Lune14 for asking (for us all). I guess it's up to the community, or the rehab centers to take care of that.

and Chrisonwheels, love the icon!