Tim Rushby-Smith

Tim Rushby-Smith is a Specialist Peer Trainer at Skills For Independence Ltd., where he delivers peer-led training to individuals with spinal cord injuries or similar disabilities.12 He has personal experience with spinal cord injury, having lived with it since 2005.2

Background and Career

Tim is a journalist and author who began his writing career in 2005 after a fall from a tree resulted in a spinal cord injury and permanent paralysis.4 This life-changing event significantly influenced his professional path and personal experiences.

Expertise and Contributions

As a Specialist Peer Trainer, Tim brings a unique perspective to his work, combining his personal experience with professional skills. He has participated in multiple Back Up Trust courses, a UK-based spinal cord injury charity, which played a crucial role in his rehabilitation.23 The impact of these experiences was so profound that Tim eventually became involved in teaching wheelchair skills himself.3

Writing and Advocacy

Tim has written extensively about his experiences living with a spinal cord injury. He is the author of "Looking Up: A Humorous and Unflinching Account of Learning to Live Again with Sudden Disability," which details his journey of adapting to life after his injury.6 Through his writing and work, Tim strives to provide insights into the everyday realities of living with a disability, emphasizing that his life, while different, is not extraordinary or "legendary" compared to others.5

Tim Rushby-Smith's work as a Specialist Peer Trainer at Skills For Independence Ltd. allows him to use his personal experiences and professional skills to support and empower others facing similar challenges, contributing to their journey towards greater independence and confidence.