So, it was an early start on the morning of 30th April with an 08:00 departure from Carlisle for a 09:00 start at the Lake District Calvert Trust at Little Crossthwaite, near Keswick.  Our group was kitted out in waterproofs and wellies and we were off to the boathouse on the shores of  Bassenthwaite Lake to meet up with the BBC Look North team and have a safety brief.

After some training on how to use the paddles …..

…. the group took to the water in a group of 6 and three pairs.

The BBC Look North crew took shots of the group out on the water and also took some drone footage.

After a couple of hours on the water it was back to the boathouse where the BBC filmed interviews on the jetty with a number of our members.  BBC Look North presenter, Megan Paterson,  conducted the interviews which focused on the experience of living with brain injury and the rehabilitation benefits of engaging in activities such as those offered by the Calvert Trust.

Filming over, it was back to the Calvert Trust for de-kitting and lunch.

Following lunch the Calvert Trust staff  led us on a Lakeland walk to Latrigg.  This lovely walk was spectacular with some stunning views over Keswick and Derwentwater.

Throughout the day the Lake District Calvert Trust took their own photographs and video footage and also conducted interviews with members.  This may be used for their own promotional material.

It was a great day out which was thoroughly enjoyed by the participants.  Our involvement in the event was certainly appreciated and the following day the Lake District Calvert Trust wrote to our Secretary, Natalie Simpson, as follows:

“Just a massive BIG thank you to you and your group for yesterday – it was lovely to meet you, Julian and the rest of the team. Please pass on our sincerest thanks to all members of your group. The day was a total success; we have some great footage and photography and the BBC were delighted with how the day went. I hope you enjoyed the day – your guys did an amazing job speaking on camera too, as I know how daunting this can be!”

The BBC report was run in a shortened version on 1 May 2019 during the Look North (North East and Cumbria) lunchtime news, and in full during the evening news bulletin.  The full report, which ran for just over three minutes, included footage of our group on the water and extracts from interviews with four of our members.  A shortened version was also included in the Look North (North East and Cumbria) late news report.

Headway would like to thank the Lake District Calvert Trust and BBC Look North for the opportunity to participate in this activity and for the great day out.  We were looked after so well. We would also like to thank Cumbria Community Transport who provided a minibus.

A briefing note on the Project entitled “A Pioneering Model for Brain Injury Rehabilitation” can be downloaded here.

Written by Natalie Simpson

Reproduced by kind of permission of Headway North Cumbria This article first appeared on Headway North Cumbria’s website – click here to view the original article