What is the programme?
Calvert Reconnections combines traditional interdisciplinary clinical therapies with physical activity in the outdoors to support individuals in their recovery from brain injury, and in their return to an enjoyable life.
Working with leading clinicians and academics, Calvert Reconnections has developed a new approach to brain injury rehabilitation. This focus’s on ‘learning through doing’ in the outdoors, supported by an interdisciplinary team in a purpose-built residential centre.
Calvert Reconnections blends the latest thinking in neurology with LDCT’s expertise in accessible, life-changing outdoor challenges. This innovative Rehabilitation Centre helps people with ABI reach their full potential for recovery, not only improving their physical and psychological well-being, but also increasing their self-confidence and independence.
Why we’re different
We are the UK’s first intensive ABI rehabilitation centre, focused on outdoor activities.
We provide residential care for people in the post-acute phase following an ABI, tailoring an interdisciplinary programme to meet each individual’s needs and goals. Along with our expert advisors, we have identified factors which are likely to lead to significantly improved outcomes include:
– Proficiency in independent living skills
– Raised self-esteem/confidence
– Improved social skills
– Enhanced quality of life
– Newly acquired interests/activities
– Refined flexibility and coping skills
– Successful transition to a community setting
What is different about our programme?
Physical exercise – promotes neuroplasticity post brain injury while improving people’s mental health, outlook and well-being.
Outdoor activities – have been demonstrated to improve people’s understanding of themselves and their abilities post brain injury, with long-lasting effects.
Group work and social environment – have been identified as key factors in recovery after ABI.
Why now?
In recent years, The Lake District Calvert Trust has seen a growing demand for support and rehabilitation following an acquired brain injury (ABI).
Long-standing views held that improvements were unlikely after 6 months, however recent research suggests that the brain is capable of far more improvement than previously understood. The research highlights the opportunity for a new holistic approach to rehabilitation, encompassing physical exercise, experiential learning, and support in developing a new self-concept after a life-changing injury.
The Calvert Reconnections Rehabilitation Programme is a bespoke rehabilitation plan
It has developed collaboratively with the individual and our interdisciplinary team to maximise the participant’s cognitive, social, emotional, physical and psychological well-being, facilitating recovery and independence.
We offer unique individualised rehabilitation opportunities utilising the outdoors, to maximise the recovery and to develop positive management strategies to create sustainable change. This ultimately:
- Facilitates the process of recovery
- Helps regain independence
- Enhances the quality of life
Our rehabilitation planning has a unique focus of combining all levels of outdoor activity opportunities with cognitive and physical rehabilitation strategies, alongside daily living and vocational skills within our local community.
Our activities
A selection of activites we have undertaken as part of our rehabilitaion progammes with individuals inclues;
Watersports
Work towards your British Canoeing, personal canoeing and kayaking awards or learn to sail dinghies following the RYA National Sailing Scheme on Bassenthwaite or Derwentwater.
Lakeland Walk
Great views guaranteed and tailored to the abilities of the group, from clambering up local mountains to leisurely wheelchair descents on forestry tracks.
Horse Riding
Enjoy either riding or trap-driving with our friendly horses – an ideal way to promote calm and well-being.
Visit Keswick
A pretty market town on your doorstep. A farmers market runs on a Thursday and Saturday.
Rock and Rope
Access to the Lake District Calvert Trust climbing wall, and a whole host of outdoor venues for climbing for those that develop confidence.
Biking & Cycling
Taking place at a local nature reserve and on flat ground, our specially adapted bikes allow you to enjoy this popular activity. We have more challenging choices off road at Whinlatter Forest bike trails, and from the centre itself on Latrigg.
High Ropes Course
Built on a slope with access at ground-level, this challenge is perfect for ambulant and for those with more stomach for heights we also have access to Go-Ape high ropes course at Whinlatter, and the Via Ferrata Xtreme at Honister slate mine.
Lowther Castle
Inspiring ruins, extensive gardens, space to breathe.
Fishing
Just you, your rod and the fish – a mindful activity, perfect for self-reflection.
Rheged
Exhibitions, events, cinema, shops and food – perfect to unwind.
Theatre by the Lake
Year-round professional theatre just five minutes away.
Mirehouse
A historic house with beautiful gardens and lake views.
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Calvert Reconnections is part of The Lake District Calvert Trust.
Registered Charity No. 270923
Company Registration No: 1240160
