We are thrilled to announce the development of a groundbreaking initiative: the UK Limb Difference Research Community. This community aims to bring together amputees, individuals with limb differences, their supporters, industry professionals, and researchers in the field of prosthetics to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Our primary motivation is to ensure that research is driven by the needs and perspectives of amputees and individuals with limb differences. By creating mechanisms for stakeholder-led research, we aim to make the research process more inclusive, relevant, and clinically transferable. Additionally, we are committed to establishing channels for researchers to share ongoing projects and outcomes with the wider community, ensuring transparency and engagement. This initiative will bridge the gap between researchers and stakeholders, enhancing overall involvement and interest in prosthetics research within the limb difference community.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to turning research into action. Our goal is to ensure that developments are implemented to improve prosthetic services and enhance the lives of amputees and individuals with limb differences.
This initiative is being co-produced by the charities LimbPower, Steel Bones, and Finding Your Feet, which represent amputees and the limb different community, and the University of Southampton. It is supported by BACPAR, ISPO, and BAPO.
If you are UK based, have an amputation/s or limb difference or you know someone who has limb difference and would like to join the community you can access our Facebook group here: https://fb.me/g/51kJTpdOk/GKvZUFDg
If you are interested in supporting the development of the community sign-up to our information launch session here: https://amputeeresearchfocusgroup.eventbrite.co.uk
If you are undertaking research in the field of prosthetics and would like to learn more, please contact Alix Chadwell at: a.chadwell@soton.ac.uk