Lodge Jamrud

More than 500 children and young people with spinal cord injury, and their families, will now receive life-changing specialist support thanks to a £60,000 grant over three years, awarded to the Back Up Trust by London Freemasons.

Every year, more than 200 children and young people under 18 in the UK sustain a spinal cord injury. Whether through a sudden accident, illness, or medical condition, the impact is profound, affecting every aspect of daily life. Spinal cord injury can lead to long-term challenges including loss of mobility, chronic pain, breathing issues, and poorer mental health and wellbeing. The journey through rehabilitation, education, and young adulthood can be isolating, confusing and often exclusionary without the right support.

This three-year grant will enable Back Up to grow its specialist Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service, reaching more children, young people and their families at every stage of their journey, including through education. The service empowers young people from early years to 25 to live fulfilling lives.

The funding will support personalised and holistic information advice and guidance for children and young people with spinal cord injury, including through tailored support plans. It will deliver specialist education inclusion support, including advice for families and professionals, support with education, health and care plans, direct advocacy in schools, and wellbeing support. Live assemblies and peer-led talks will be provided by Back Up’s trained Education Advocate volunteers. Toolkits and resources for education professionals will also be available, supporting long-term inclusion and accessibility in learning environments.

Over the three years of the project, around 500 children, young people and family members will benefit directly from the service — with many more reached through networks, schools and awareness-building initiatives.

The grant from London Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up said:

“We’re very grateful to London Freemasons for their generous grant which will make a meaningful difference to hundreds of families navigating the life-altering impact of spinal cord injury. Our goal is for every child and young person with a spinal cord injury to feel supported, understood, and empowered to lead the life they want to live. Thanks to the Freemasons this will be possible for more children and young people.”

Paul King from London Freemasons, said:

“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help Back Up with their hugely important programme for children who have sustained a spinal cord injury. The advice and guidance they provide gives these young people the best possible chance to lead fulfilling lives.”