Considering a career move? Did you know there’s a charity on your doorstep that delivers accessible outdoor adventure for all?
Introducing The Lake District Calvert Trust.
From Calvert Lakes, our residential centre above Bassenthwaite and Calvert Stables, just outside Keswick – we believe the Lakes should be accessible to everyone.
Our residential breaks help people with a range of disabilities experience the Lake District in a safe and supportive way. Delivering a fun and fulfilling experience that makes a positive difference in their lives.
Each year we welcome over 3,000 people living with disabilities from all over the UK and beyond to find out just what they ‘can do’ in the great outdoors.
We are one of only a handful of residential outdoor adventure centres in the UK who are fully accessible to people living with even the most profound learning and physical disabilities.
Our all-inclusive breaks are often the first or only time, people can spend meaningful time together engaging in activities accessible to each and every one of them.
Every single day, our dedicated and passionate instructors at Calvert Lakes and Calvert Stables find creative ways to make the outdoors accessible: from power chair users reaching the summit of Latrigg for spectacular views over Keswick to visually impaired guests conquering high ropes courses and zip lines suspended 20 metres above the ground to child brain injury survivors discovering the joy of canoeing with their families and much, much more.
In total we offer over 20 accessible activities, because at Calvert, it’s what you ‘can do’ that counts.
But we need more than instructors to make the magic happen. We employ over 40 staff with a range of different skillsets including fundraising, sales, catering, housekeeping, maintenance and more.
View all our current vacancies here
We caught up with some of the current team members to find out why working for Calvert is more than just a job…
Dan Watts, senior instructor
Why did you want to work at Calvert?
Because, quite simply, it’s in a stunning location in North Lakes with amazing venues for outdoor activities right on the doorstep. I have been involved in the outdoor sector for 18 years now and this is by far the best centre I’ve ever worked at.
What’s the most rewarding part of the job?
Helping people with disabilities to achieve things they never thought were possible.
Tell us about an outstanding memory/experience you’ve had with the charity?
It’s hard to think of just one! Every week the guests we have amaze me with what they are able to achieve and not letting their disabilities stand in the way.
See activities instructors opportunities here
Julia Metcalf, fundraising officer
Why did you want to work at Calvert?
I love the outdoors and think it’s vitally important that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the fun, freedom, and exhilaration that’s out there – regardless of ability. I truly wanted to be a part of this team.
What’s the most rewarding part of the job?
Not to put too fine a point on it – seeing the money come in! And, more importantly, learning where the funds have come from and knowing the positive and often life-changing impact it can have at an individual level to each of our guests – and whole families.
Tell us about an outstanding memory/experience you’ve had with the charity?
One is too hard – here’s two:
- Carlisle Races, judging the horses at the end of a race. I had a 30 second equine ‘lesson’ in tails and manes and was good to go. So much fun, so much fundraising. I’ve learned that a fundraising job is wonderfully varied – it’s not ‘just’ a 9-5 office job – it’s what you make it.
- I showed a quiet, unassuming person around our centre – they’d called in on spec, it was all very impromptu. I gave them an insight into all aspects of our charity, listened to their story and why they wanted to visit – and when they left, they donated £9k. You just never know what’s coming next. I love this. And the generosity of people will forever astound me.
