Donation helps spinal injury recovery at new wellness hub

The Next Step SCI, leader in spinal cord injury recovery, is celebrating its fifth anniversary with the addition of a brand new wellness hub, thanks in part to a generous donation from Spa Electrics, leading swimming pool lighting manufacturer.

Officially opening on Friday March 29, the wellness hub represents a new chapter for The Next Step (TNS). The launch will see an entirely new level dedicated to the holistic wellness of TNS clients, referred to as athletes, as well as their family and support networks who are integral to their ongoing recovery.

Sanctuary for TNS athletes

The wellness centre is the brainchild of TNS Founder, Rhiannon Tracey, who knows firsthand the challenges of living with a spinal cord injury after a swimming pool accident 10 years ago saw her diagnosed as a C-5 quadriplegic.

Designed as a place of sanctuary for TNS athletes living with a spinal cord injury, the new hub will feature a meditation space and additional rehabilitation areas. Located on the newly constructed second level of the recovery facility, access to the space has been made possible through the generous $50,000 donation from the team at Spa Electrics, which has funded the installation of a much-needed lift enabling direct wheelchair access to the new level.

“This is such an exciting time for TNS and I’m so incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a team in the past five years,” says Tracey.

“I cannot thank the team at Spa Electrics enough for their incredibly generous support, which has allowed us to pursue this wonderful expansion. Since opening The Next Step five years ago, it has been my goal to provide others living with a spinal cord injury a facility that not only works on the body, but also the mind - something that has been crucial during my own recovery.”

Aiding recovery

CEO of Spa Electrics, Kevin Rust, says he is thrilled to partner with The Next Step to help make this important expansion possible.

“Working with Rhiannon, who experienced her own injury in a swimming pool, makes this a project that is very close to the hearts of those at Spa Electrics, and we are thrilled that our partnership will enable more athletes the opportunity to work with this incredible organisation to aid their recovery,” he says.

The wellness hub will be a vital addition to The Next Step’s goal of holistically treating those with spinal cord injuries. The centre offers recovery programs designed specifically for those who have suffered a spinal cord injury through the delivery of evidence based recovery models that utilise the latest recovery options and modalities.