What we do for you
Limbs 4 Life is a not for profit - non government organisation developed to provide information, support and access to resources for people in the Australian community effected by limb loss.
The organisation actively engages in community education programs to raise awareness to the broader population about the causes of amputation - diabetes, vascular disease, cancer, trauma, infections and congenital differences.
Currently there are over 250,000 Australians living with limb loss and our objective is to ensure that they are not alone. Losing a limb can be a challenging way of life for each individual however; receiving assistance from an organisation who understands can help to ease the burden.
We also work to voice the concerns of amputees within the disability sector, at forums, seminars and through alliance with disability governance boards.
Limbs 4 Life offers a range of programs and services that assist amputees, their families, care givers and health care professionals:
Peer Support Program
The Limbs 4 Life Peer Support Program was established to provide new amputees and their families with access to trained volunteers.
The program matches new amputees, or those about to lose a limb, with a volunteer who has experienced a similar amputation. Speaking with a peer support volunteer can play an important part in a new amputee’s recovery and rehabilitation.
Peer support volunteers offer encouragement, information and guidance.
They can also help to alleviate feelings of isolation and most importantly, they provide an ear to listen. Whether the cause of limb loss was diabetes, vascular disease, cancer, trauma or infection, it can be comforting to discuss their concerns with someone that has been in a similar situation. The program is based on a model of mentoring that has been used for a number of years, for many different health and wellbeing issues. It is used to complement the services which medical professionals provide. As an organisation we are supported in our efforts by health care staff, who praises the program for its ability to assist patients and their families to adjust to their new life.
Many amputees have reported that receiving a visit from a peer support volunteer was a very rewarding experience, one that gave them the chance to speak openly about how they were feeling, address issues and concerns that they had, and alleviate the fear of the unknown.
Amplified Magazine
Amplified is an amputee-specific magazine published quarterly.
Each edition includes a range of entertaining and informative articles aimed at empowering amputees, and all those who care for amputees, with up-to-date information. Amplified is a free publication and is distributed nationally by mail and email.
Social and Sports Programs
Social and sporting activities are a quintessential aspect of the Australian lifestyle and provide a way for participants to remain healthy, active and connected to their communities. Limbs 4 Life runs and promotes a number of social and sports programs and activities designed specifically for amputees of all levels of ability and mobility. Social and sporting activities are tailored to help with fitness, assisting with balance, flexibility, general wellbeing and foster community interaction and participation.
Website and AMP-Link forum
This website is yet another way that Limbs 4 Life is helping to ensure that amputees and their care givers can access information.
The website is updated regularly; providing information, links, news and details about current events.
The AMP-Link forum was created by demand from the community, and offers a new medium for amputees to connect and talk with each other, especially important for those living rurally and individuals who are socially isolated.
Now in its fifth year, Limbs 4 Life has proven itself to be an important and in-demand organisation with over 3000 people accessing our website for information daily and an estimated 23,500 + readership of Amplified per quarter; and 400+ peer visitations per annum. We have fostered links to amputee support organisations internationally and throughout Australia in an effort to promote and assist with research relevant to the wellbeing of amputees.