No amputee should cope alone: the life-changing support of the Limbless Association.
By Tracy Ralph, Network Development Officer for South East and East of England.
My journey with the Limbless Association (LA) began in 2018 when I started volunteering, after becoming an amputee myself in 2015.
My life changed forever after contracting pneumonia, which led to sepsis and, ultimately, the loss of my limbs. That experience was overwhelming, but it also opened my eyes to the importance of community and support.
The LA offered me a lifeline when I needed it most, and after thorough research, I realised my passion for helping others aligned perfectly with their mission. I’m now proud to be a staff member since 2019, and I’m privileged to play a role in delivering services that make a meaningful difference in the lives of amputees.
At the Limbless Association, we believe that no amputee should cope alone. Since our inception in 1983, we’ve provided practical and emotional support to amputees throughout every stage of their journey both before and after amputation. We understand that navigating life after limb loss can be overwhelming, not only for individuals but also for their families and carers. That’s why our services focus on early intervention, offering accessible information, guidance, and opportunities to connect with others who understand.
One of the most impactful services we provide is our Volunteer Visitor service, where trained volunteers (who are all at least two years post-amputation themselves) offer peer support to amputees.
These volunteers are members of the LA who share their lived experiences, listen to concerns, and provide advice on everyday challenges. This peer-to-peer approach creates an instant connection and understanding that professional support alone cannot always achieve. I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference it makes to individuals on their rehabilitation journey, as well as to their loved ones.
As someone who started my journey with the LA as a Volunteer Visitor, I know how valuable this service is. Hearing someone say “you have given me hope and motivation”, or seeing a family member relieved that their loved one feels understood, is priceless. Many of the people I’ve supported have gone on to become volunteers themselves, which is truly inspiring and a testament to the strength of this community.
All of our volunteers undergo enhanced DBS checks, comprehensive training, and have access to ongoing development opportunities. While we’re not trained therapists, the value of speaking with someone who has been through a similar experience cannot be overstated. The connection, understanding, and reassurance it provides can have a profound impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. As I often say, a problem shared is a problem halved.
“I think it’s helped me feel useful again, that I can hopefully help someone else and brought back a sense of purpose, so I think that’s how it’s benefited me. I think I was quite a confident person but certainly following the amputation the confidence got knocked, but this has helped bring it back again. I’ve also always enjoyed learning and speaking to other amputees I’ve learnt lots.”
Unfortunately, many amputees initially feel isolated, unheard and alone in their experiences. This is why we focus on providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment.
For those who aren’t ready to reach out, we often connect with their families first, giving them information about our services and letting them know we are here whenever the individual feels ready. By engaging with family members, we’re also able to support their own adjustment process, which is an important part of recovery for everyone involved.
What makes the Limbless Association so special is the lifelong connection we offer. Our free membership allows amputees to access all of our services, including our LA Helpdesk, which is available Monday to Friday, nine am to five pm. For many of our members, the LA becomes their extended family; a community of people who truly understand and support them throughout their journey.
“The support is amazing. I know that speaking with my volunteer made me see a positive future. I was given solutions to physical barriers. I have learnt more about services available to me as an amputee that I didn't know existed. There was lots of positive reinforcements.”
The work we do wouldn’t be possible without collaboration. We partner with clinicians, prosthetic centres, and hospitals so that our services are right at the heart of the rehabilitation pathway.
We recognise the importance of early intervention support not just for individuals, but for their families and friends as well. Together, we’re helping people navigate the complexities of limb loss and showing them that they are never alone. This is especially important for amputees as they move beyond the clinic room and into the community.
“Seeing patients pre- and post-surgery, the one question I get asked is what happens now? Before I knew about the Limbless Association my answer was quite different. Now, I can put them in touch with a person who has been through the same process and who can support them. I was touched to see one of our patients become a Volunteer for the Volunteer Visitor Programme. His outlook on life is much clearer. Personally, I am pleased to see a service that makes a difference to our vascular patient's journey and shows there is life after limb loss.”
For me, this work is deeply personal. I’ve experienced the transformative power of peer support, and I’m passionate about helping others find hope and motivation in their own lives. The services we provide at the Limbless Association are endless in their impact, and I’m proud to be part of an organisation that makes such a difference to the amputee community.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Please remember: no amputee needs to cope alone.
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