In this episode, we shine a light on the incredible work of Steel Bones’ Family Mentors – volunteers who use their own lived experience of limb loss to guide and support others through some of life’s toughest moments.

You’ll hear first-hand stories from our mentors about what the role involves, why they stepped forward to volunteer, and the difference they’ve seen it make for amputees and their families. From offering a listening ear to sharing practical advice, Family Mentors are at the heart of everything we do – ensuring no amputee family ever feels alone.

If you’ve ever thought about giving back, this episode will give you a real insight into the rewards of becoming a Family Mentor – and how just one conversation can truly change a life.

👉 To find out more about becoming a Family Mentor, email [email protected]

Listen as we read all the latest news to you from our July 2025 Newsletter.

This episode is your go-to guide for accessible driving. We explore everything from adaptive vehicles and driving assessments to legal requirements.

Experts from Access Driving and Mobility in Motion share up to date information on emerging tech, give their top tips on accessibility challenges, and what you need to do to get back on the road.

Information correct at the time of recording - July 2025.

In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Dr Vijay Kolli, Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, to explore the physical and emotional journey of rehabilitation after trauma.

Dr Kohli shares practical, compassionate advice for anyone navigating recovery, from newly injured individuals to long-term survivors. His deep clinical insight and human-centred approach shine through as he encourages listeners to tune into their own expertise, stay hopeful, and lean into the process.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• “Find your motivation” – your personal 'why' can be a powerful fuel for recovery.
• “We are our own experts” – trust your instincts and lived experience.
• Rehab is not linear – and that’s okay.
• Build the right team around you – medical, emotional, and community support.
• Celebrate every small win – they’re stepping stones, not footnotes.
• Invest in YOU

This is a must-listen for anyone facing a major life adjustment, their families, or professionals supporting recovery journeys.

🎙️ Steel Bones Podcast – June Newsletter Summary

Welcome to the June edition of the Steel Bones Podcast! Here’s a quick roundup of all the exciting updates and opportunities from this month’s newsletter:

💬 Community Stories – We loved hearing from members of our network this month. If you have a story or tip to share, send it in – you might be featured next time!

📅 Upcoming Events – Be sure to check out the full list of local meetups, workshops, and family days on our website. Let’s keep the connections strong this summer.

Thanks for tuning in – and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and support the Steel Bones mission. Together, we build a stronger, more inclusive world for amputee families!

In this episode, we’re diving into how amputees can cope with the heat during the warmer months. From managing prosthetic discomfort and sweating, to staying cool and avoiding skin irritation, we’ll be sharing practical tips that can make a real difference.

We’ll also be talking about what works for our community – but we want to hear from YOU! What are your go-to heatwave hacks? Any tricks for keeping prosthetics comfortable or staying active safely in the sun? Let us know, and we’ll feature some of your ideas in future episodes or posts.

Important disclaimer: We are not trained medical professionals. The advice shared in this podcast is based on lived experience and community insight. Please consult with your healthcare team or prosthetist for medical advice specific to your needs.

Stay cool, stay safe – and stay connected! 🌞🦿 #AmputeeLife #SummerSupport #LivedExperience

Join us on this special episode as we take you on the road with The Morgan Drive Out – an unforgettable day filled with classic cars, beautiful countryside, and the incredible Steel Bones community spirit.

We’ll hear from participants, organisers, and families who enjoyed this unique experience, travelling in style in a convoy of iconic Morgan cars. From the rumble of engines to the joy on passengers’ faces, this episode captures the excitement, camaraderie, and emotional impact of the event.

Whether you’re a car lover, part of the amputee community, or just love a good feel-good story, this episode will leave you smiling.

Highlights include:

• First-hand accounts from those who took part
• Reflections from Steel Bones team and volunteers
• The history and magic behind Morgan cars
• Why events like this matter to our community

Tune in, buckle up, and enjoy the ride.

🎉 Steel Bones is turning 10! 🎉 That’s right — a full decade of peer support, resilience, and connection in the amputee community. And we’re marking the milestone with our biggest and boldest Celebration Day ever!

🗓️ Join us on Sunday 13th July 2025 at The Beeches in Cambridgeshire, UK for a day that’s all about community, empowerment, and fun for amputee families across the UK.

✨ Brand new for 2025, we’re launching the Inaugural Youth Festival — created by young amputees, for young amputees. But that’s just the beginning...

🧠 You’ll find workshops on phantom limb pain, 🏃‍♂️ Expert-led physiotherapy sessions, 🐶 Friendly faces at Dogs for Therapy, 🕯️ A peaceful multi-faith space, 🌈 A calming sensory zone, 🚗 And a shiny classic car display for all you motor fans!

🎧 Plus — back by popular demand — the Silent Disco, and of course... the legendary petting zoo! 🐐🎉

🎶 Music lovers, we’ve got you covered with live performances from Fenman and Collage, alongside holistic taster treatments, inflatables, and our biggest-ever info hub — covering prosthetics, wellbeing, benefits, and more.

🍔 Food? Oh yes! There’ll be a BBQ, plus vegan and halal options to make sure everyone’s catered for.

💸 And the best part? It’s completely FREE for amputees and their families — thanks to the incredible support from our funders:

🎉 The National Lottery Community Fund, 🐻 BBC Children in Need, 🖨️ Limelight Design & Print, 💻 Computer Scene, 🏥 Cleveland Clinic, 🦿 Blatchford, ⚖️ Irwin Mitchell, 🤖 Open Bionics, 🛒 Tescos, 🌱 Sustainable Tech for Good, 🏗️ IH Group, 📦 Garfield Weston, ...and more.

🔥 A massive THANK YOU to our incredible 10th Birthday Sponsors for making this unforgettable day possible.

🦿 If you’re an amputee or part of an amputee family — this is your day. Come celebrate a decade of strength, support, and community. Let’s build the next 10 years together.

📍 Full details at steelbone.co.uk 🎟️ Booking essential – don’t miss it.

🎙️ Episode Title: Sarah Lockey & Open Bionics: A Mother’s Fight for Her Child’s Future

In this powerful episode of The Amputee Pod, we’re joined by the incredible Sarah Lockey, whose daughter Tilly survived meningitis but lost both her hands at just 15 months old. What followed was a journey of fierce advocacy, unwavering love, and tireless determination to ensure Tilly had every opportunity to thrive.

Sarah shares how that fight led her to Open Bionics, where she now channels her passion into helping other families access life-changing bionic limbs for their children. From personal battles to public advocacy, Sarah’s story is a testament to the strength of a mother’s love and the transformative power of innovation.

Tune in for an emotional, uplifting, and deeply inspiring conversation that shines a light on what it means to never give up — and how one family's journey is helping change the future for many.

🎧 Tune into this powerful episode featuring Allison – a remarkable sepsis survivor who underwent quadruple amputation, yet continues to live with unwavering strength and purpose.

Her passion for helping others shines through as she shares her journey, resilience, and the launch of Amputea Time in the North East — a new initiative she and David created to bring amputees and their families together for connection and support.

Massive respect to you both for all you’ve endured, continue to overcome, and for the tireless work you do to improve life for others in the amputee community.