About the resources

The Supporting Friendships and Social Connections resources were developed through The Hopkins Centre Seed Grant project, Supporting Friendships and Social Connections for People with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): Real Strategies for Sustainable Change, led by Associate Professor Melissa Kendall. The project explored the challenges and opportunities associated with maintaining and building friendships following SCI and ABI, recognising the important role that social connections play in quality of life, identity, psychological wellbeing and community participation.

The project used a collaborative, co-design approach involving people with SCI and ABI, families, friends and rehabilitation professionals to identify practical and sustainable strategies for supporting friendships across inpatient and community rehabilitation. This work informed the development of the Staying Connected translational framework and a suite of practical resources designed to support people with SCI and ABI, their families, friends and healthcare professionals.

 

Supporting Friendships and Social Connections Resources

Staying Connected – SCI Presentation

This PowerPoint presentation and accompanying voiceover provides practical information and strategies specifically focused on supporting friendships and social connections for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). It can be used by people with SCI, families, friends and rehabilitation professionals to explore ways to maintain existing friendships, build new connections and participate in meaningful social activities.

View the Staying Connected – SCI presentation.

 

Staying Connected – ABI Presentation
This PowerPoint presentation and accompanying voiceover provides practical information and strategies specifically focused on supporting friendships and social connections for people with acquired brain injury (ABI). The resource can help people with ABI, families, friends and rehabilitation professionals identify opportunities and approaches for maintaining relationships and increasing social participation.

View the Staying Connected – ABI presentation.

 

Staying Connected – Posters and Postcards
The printable posters and postcards provide ready-to-use resources that can be displayed or shared in rehabilitation and community settings. They communicate practical strategies and key messages about maintaining friendships, building social connections and supporting meaningful participation following SCI or ABI.

View and download the Staying Connected posters and postcards.

 

Supporting Meaningful Connections

Together, these resources translate the project's research findings into practical strategies that can be used by people with SCI and ABI, their families, friends and rehabilitation teams. They support a person-centred approach, recognising that individuals have different preferences and needs when it comes to friendships and social participation, and that people should be supported to exercise choice and control over how they maintain and build their social connections.