North East Amputee Support Group

21/05/2026

🌊 Fancy getting in the sea this year? 🌊

Our friends at South Shields Surf School (who ran sessions for NE Amputee last year) have some brilliant accessible and adaptive surfing on offer.

♿ Adaptive surf sessions for anyone with a disability, with facilities to support nearly all needs. Pay-as-you-can for individuals, anything from £0 to £50, with some funding available for organisations bringing a group.

🏄 Para-Surfing Club for anyone with a physical disability and/or visual impairment who wants to develop their surfing and compete. Free to attend, meeting every other Saturday morning, led by an English Para-Surfing Team coaching squad member.

👧 Free weekly SEN sessions for children and young people:
Thursdays 4-5pm, ages 6 to 8
Thursdays 5-6pm, ages 8 to 16
Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm, ages 16 to 24

📩 Get in touch with the team at [email protected] or visit www.southshieldsurf.co.uk

Have a watch of what it is all about: https://youtu.be/h_2Z_lhkI3k?si=YRID5LoJlDFRxPxS

20/05/2026

We’re really looking forward to hosting our next North West Amputee Support Group on 25th June.

Following the success of our first meeting, it’s fantastic to see this supportive community beginning to take shape — bringing together people with lived experience, clinicians and professionals in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Our aim remains simple: to create a safe space where people can share experiences, offer support, learn from one another and build connections that make a real difference day to day.

Whether you’re newly adjusting to life after limb loss or further along in your journey, you’ll be very welcome to join us — there’s no expectation, just an opportunity to come along, listen, chat and connect.

If you or someone you work with may benefit, please feel free to get in touch for more details or to confirm attendance: [email protected]

08/05/2026

Come and join us on Sunday 28th June at 10.30am for a walk and talk with coffee after☕️☀️

Meeting point Dykelands car park (SR6 8DG). Let us know if your planning on coming along so we know who to expect 😊

07/04/2026

As we mark Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, we’re sharing Shaun’s story following a life-changing workplace accident, where he lost his leg after being struck by a forklift truck. With the support of Irwin Mitchell, Shaun has accessed specialist rehabilitation and is now focused on rebuilding his independence and adapting to life as an amputee. His resilience and determination are truly inspiring. Take a look at Shaun’s story in the article below

A Stockton grandfather who lost his leg after being ran over by a forklift at work has said it turned his life "upside down".

26/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined the first North West Amputee Support Group meeting today!

It was wonderful spending time together from 12pm - 2pm at the Manchester Institute of Health & Performance - Nuffield Health.

The North West Amputee Support Group is an empowering community offering guidance, support, and practical advice. The group provides a safe space to share experiences and gain valuable insights.

If you couldn't make this session, there a plenty of opportunities later in the year. We meet from 12pm - 2pm on the following dates:

• Thursday 25th June 2026
• Thursday 24th September 2026
• Thursday 10th December 2026

Confirm your attendance for our upcoming gatherings by emailing [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there!

17/03/2026

The remainder of our 2026 Peer Support Group dates are available on our website! We will also be hosting activities and events outside of these group meetings so we have an action packed calendar for 2026.

Drop us a message on our social media platforms or email us if you have any questions!

Make sure you turn on post notifications so you don’t miss out on updates and events! 📢📢

17/03/2026

Meet our Trustees 👋🏼
💐 Dr Alison Broadbent - Former astrophysicist and above-knee amputee who founded NE Amputee after her own recovery journey to create better support for amputees in the North East.

😎 Laura McIlduff - Serious injury solicitor and Partner at Irwin Mitchell who supports amputees like Alison through complex legal claims and rehabilitation following life-changing injuries.

✨Jennifer Fish - Serious Injury solicitor at Irwin Mitchell and fellow founding committee member helping bring together professionals and support networks for amputees across the North East. 

💁🏻‍♀️ Rachel Lees - Specialist occupational therapist dedicated to empowering people affected by life-changing injuries to regain independence and return to meaningful activities.

🎀 Gemma Stoddart - Physiotherapy professional supporting amputees with rehabilitation, recovery and returning to everyday life.

👩🏻‍💻Abbie Udall - Occupational therapist and clinical case manager who coordinates rehabilitation and support for people recovering from serious injuries including amputation.

📚 Jak Smith - Clinical Psychologist and founding committee member supporting the development of NE Amputee’s community and peer support network.

🦿 Colette Shaw - Prosthetist with over 20 years’ experience and co-founder of STEPS Prosthetics, passionate about helping amputees achieve their goals through personalised prosthetic care.

17/03/2026

Welcome to NE Amputee — a community for support, awareness, and strength across the North East 🦾🦿

10/02/2026

Come along our next group on Tuesday 24th Feb 1pm-3pm at the community hub in the Metro Centre. We have some exciting plans to share with you for this year 🙂 everybody old and new welcome - see you there

22/01/2026

Come along and join us for our first group of 2026

When: Tuesday 27th January 2026 1pm - 3pm
Where: The Metro Centre Community Hub

We look forward to seeing everyone there 😊

Upcoming events. Jan 27 Support Group Meeting Tuesday 27 January 2026 13:00 15:00 Metrocentre Community Hub (map) Google Calendar ICS View Event → Feb 24 Support Group Meeting Tuesday 24 February 2026 13:00 15:00 Metrocentre Community Hub (map) Google Calendar ICS View Event → Mar 24 Support Gro...