SpineCare Foundation
Driving research, developing resources and promoting education to support children with spinal cord injury and dysfunction.
Our Initiatives
The SpineCare Foundation is part of The Northcott Group of Charities and is committed to improving outcomes for children with spinal cord injury and dysfunction (SCID) and their families.
Our work focuses on three key areas:
- Education and Resources
Leading the development of accessible resources and delivering educational initiatives to improve understanding of paediatric SCID. We aim to build knowledge across families, clinicians and researchers while fostering a connected and supportive community. - Research Advancement
Supporting Masters, PhD and postdoctoral research and collaborating with academic and industry partners to strengthen and expand the evidence base in paediatric SCID. - Scholarships
Awarding tertiary scholarships to students who use a wheelchair as their primary form of mobility, supporting access to higher education and future opportunities.
Our Resources
40 Voices: Podcast Series
A podcast for families affected by childhood acquired spinal cord injury and dysfunction
Developed in partnership with award-winning community radio station 2SER, 40 Voices brings together perspectives from across the spinal cord injury community to inform, empower and connect families.
Through open and honest conversations, the series shares insights from:
- Young people growing up with spinal cord injury
- Parents and caregivers navigating childhood and adolescence
- Clinicians, researchers and educators working in paediatric SCID
Episodes explore topics such as school life, rehabilitation, health management, adolescence, family experiences and emerging research — all grounded in lived experience and practical knowledge.
Listen to the 40 Voices Podcast:
Spine Story: Children’s Comic
A gentle introduction to understanding the spinal cord
Spine Story is an illustrated children’s comic developed in collaboration with Red Blood Comic and the NSW Paediatric Spinal Outreach Service (PSOS).
Designed specifically for children, it uses engaging storytelling and visuals to explain:
- What the spinal cord does
- How it helps us move and feel
By presenting complex information in an age-appropriate way, Spine Story helps reduce fear and supports understanding for children, families, peers and schools.
The second instalment, The Injured Cord, is currently in development.
SCI Health Care Transition Website
A practical guide for young people moving into adult healthcare
This website provides tools and resources to support young people with spinal cord injury and their families as they transition from paediatric to adult services.
Developed by Dr Emily Bray as part of her SpineCare-supported PhD at Western Sydney University, this work was co-designed with young people, families and clinicians to ensure it reflects real-world needs.
The research has contributed to a significant body of peer-reviewed publications, including:
- Co-design approaches to healthcare transition
- Lived experiences of young people and families
- Evaluation of a web-based transition intervention
This initiative reflects SpineCare’s commitment to research that delivers meaningful, real-world impact.
Gathering insights
Our most important stakeholders are consumers impacted by spinal cord injury or dysfunction, be that through personal experience or the experience of caring for a child with spinal cord injury. In 2020, SpineCare, in partnership with Ability Forum, embarked on a market research project to gather first hand experiences about childhood spinal cord injury or dysfunction. The aim was to better inform current projects and future planning. Experiences were sought from parents and children impacted by childhood spinal cord injury or dysfunction, as well as a broader group of stakeholders including carers of children or adults who experienced their disability in childhood. Findings from the research will be used to shape SpineCare’s future activities.
Scholarship Opportunities
Each year Northcott and The SpineCare Foundation proudly administer a suite of scholarship offerings.
Find out moreCall us on 0439 166 268
Accessibility and Inclusivity
We respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together.
Read more about our commitment to reconciliation