[O]n Monday 6th November 2017, the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Claire Hensman, officially opened a new accessible accommodation unit at local charity Bendrigg Trust.
The new building, ‘Acorn House’, caters for the growing number of people with severe and profound disabilities wishing to access Bendrigg Trust’s services and has already supported over 550 people including 75 wheelchair users this year.
Bendrigg Trust, based in Old Hutton, is an outdoor centre and registered charity specialising in supporting people with disabilities, and those facing disadvantage, to have amazing outdoor adventure opportunities throughout the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Providing a wide range of adventure activities such as caving, climbing and canoeing, alongside residential opportunities, Bendrigg Trust promotes independence, encourages inclusion and increases self-esteem.
Around 65 people attended the official opening including Bendrigg Patron and mountaineer, Jamie Andrew, who gave a short speech about his own unique view – as a quadruple amputee – of the importance of outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities. Also in attendance were the High Sheriff of Cumbria, Alistair Wannop, and Kendal Mayor Andy Blackman, alongside many individuals, local businesses and representatives from various Trusts and Foundations who supported the project.
Bendrigg Principal, Nick Liley, said ‘We are so grateful for all the support we have had from the many individuals, organisations and grant making trusts to bring this project to fruition. Feedback we’ve already received about the building from our visitors has been outstanding. This new accessible facility will enable us to deliver our residential activity courses to many more people with severe and complex disabilities.’
