The winter activity programme at Calvert Reconnections has been unveiled, as it continues to build its unique approach to brain injury rehabilitation.
Since opening its doors in June, the residential neurorehabilitation centre in the Lake District has delivered a new, goal-focused, outcome-based approach to ABI patients.
The therapeutic focus on outdoor activities as a central part of its rehab model makes it unique in the UK.
Now, building on that further, Calvert Reconnections has unveiled an array of activities it will continue to offer during the winter season, combined with traditional clinical therapies as part of bespoke rehabilitation programmes.
The winter activities include:
- Walking and star gazing
- Bushcraft sessions including shelter building and fire lighting
- Environmental art and photography projects
- Rock climbing (Calvert sports hall available)
- Canoeing and canoeing skills sessions (Calvert swimming pool available)
- Equine therapy
- Basketball (Calvert sports hall available)
- Curling (Calvert sports hall available)
- Badminton (Calvert sports hall available)
- Sledging
- Cycling
- Ghyll scrambling
- Orienteering
“Come rain or shine, our winter programme includes a wide-range of activities closely assessed and graded to the participant’s interests and functional abilities,” says Claire Appleton, head of service at Calvert Reconnections.
“The focus on outdoor activities as part of our therapeutic model makes Calvert Reconnections completely unique in the UK. In the winter months, we also have the ability to run activities in our sports hall or swimming pool, depending on the weather.
“We know that physical exercise reinforces the adaptive processes of the brain post injury: helping the brain ‘scaffold’ to compensate for damage. It also improves people’s mental health, outlook and wellbeing.
“Outdoor activities have also been demonstrated to improve people’s understanding of themselves and their abilities, post brain injury, with long-lasting benefits. Additionally, group work and a social environment have been identified as key factors in recovery after an ABI.”
Commenting on Reconnections’ progress to date, Claire adds: “It’s been a hugely exciting time for everyone since we opened our doors in June.
“The centre’s first participants have been fantastic pioneers for our new service while our staff have taken great pride in putting their extensive training into practice.
“As we prepare to roll-out our winter programme, everyone is excited about what the future holds and the difference we can make to people’s lives.”
For further information or to make a referral, go to www.calvertreconnections.org.uk
