BBC Breakfast News has highlighted how a totally new approach to brain injury rehabilitation is transforming lives – with a visit to in Keswick.
Calvert Reconnections is the UK’s first acquired brain injury rehabilitation centre combining traditional clinical therapies with physical activity in the outdoors.
The residential centre is based at Old Windebrowe in Keswick, a Grade II listed tithebarn and one-time home of William Wordsworth.
The building has undergone a £1.4 million transformation but retains its character.
Since opening in June 2021, Calvert Reconnections has delivered a new, goal-focused, outcome-based approach to ABI rehabilitation, delivering tangible results and pathways back to everyday life.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, participants at Calvert Reconnections explained how the service is transforming their lives.
Scott said his recovery to date had exceeded his expectations making him “fitter mentally and physically and able to live a better life” while Roger explained how he had learned to walk again with Calvert acting as a “whole new family” during his “deepest, darkest times”.
Calvert Reconnections actively seeks to incorporate a wide range of outdoor activities into each participant’s rehabilitation programme. This may range from reflective activities such as fishing, bird watching or a nature walk to higher adventure activities such as horse riding, canoeing, rock-climbing and abseiling – all closely assessed and graded to a person’s interests and functional abilities.
Participants are involved in every aspect of the activities they undertake and complete meaningful tasks, from concept to completion, in a real-world setting.
Claire Appleton, head of service at Calvert Reconnections, said: “We are very grateful to the BBC for raising awareness of brain injury rehabilitation.
“The focus on outdoor activities as part of our therapeutic model makes Calvert Reconnections completely unique in the UK.
“We are committed to transforming the way in which brain injury rehabilitation is delivered.”
Calvert Reconnections is part of Lake District Calvert Trust, a charity with 45 years’ experience, delivering outdoor experiences for people with disabilities.
The centre is currently taking referrals. For further information please go to www.calvertreconnections.org.uk
