The UK’s first brain injury rehabilitation centre combining traditional clinical therapies with physical activity in the outdoors has received a grant of £190,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund.
Calvert Reconnections, located on the outskirts of the bustling market town of Keswick in the Lake District, is a brand new neuro-rehabilitation, residential centre offering ground-breaking programmes for brain injury survivors.
The National Lottery funding, from the largest funder of community activity in the UK, will go towards the centre’s running costs during its first year, during which Calvert Reconnections’ unique programme will help participants with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) reach their full potential for recovery. This aims to not only improve their physical and psychological well-being, but also increase their self-confidence and independence.
Commenting on The National Lottery funding, Centre Director, Sean Day said: “A lot of hard work went into this bid and we are thrilled with the outcome.
“Every year in the UK, hundreds of thousands of people suffer life-changing brain injuries. They face a long and difficult road to recovery, often with limited support.
“Thanks to our supporters and funders we are now able to deliver a ground-breaking, world-class rehabilitation programme tailored to support individuals in their recovery from brain injury.”
Duncan Nicholson, Head of Funding for Cumbria at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re delighted to support the great work Calvert Reconnections do to help people with acquired brain injuries on their rehabilitation journey. Thanks to National Lottery players more people who attend this local centre will be able to reach their potential and thrive.”
With its opening earlier this year delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Calvert Reconnections is now opening its doors next month (September 2020). The centre’s residential and communal facilities are fully compliant with Covid-19 guidelines while newly developed services include post lockdown respite and post COVID-19 step down rehabilitation.
Calvert Reconnections has received a number of referrals in recent weeks with, prospective participants now being assessed by the centre’s clinical team.
The high level of interest in Calvert Reconnections’ new service reinforces the findings of research suggesting that brain injury case managers are easing away from a “virtual first” approach to rehabilitation, with the majority set to make referrals to residential based programmes over the next three months. 86% of case managers also anticipate an increase in the use of outdoor activities in rehabilitation plans for brain injured patients.
“It is hugely encouraging to see such a high level of interest in our new programme,” said Dr Amy Burns, Clinical Lead at Calvert Reconnections. “There is considerable support from research for the concept that outdoor activity is beneficial to brain injury rehabilitation and to wellbeing more generally.”
