A groundbreaking neurorehabilitation centre which uses outdoor activities as a basis for its rehab has confirmed its long-awaited opening date.
Calvert Reconnections is the UK’s first intensive acquired brain injury (ABI) rehabilitation centre which offers a unique approach to rehab for its residents.
Based on the outskirts of Keswick, in the Lake District, it takes advantage of its location by offering a programme of outdoor-based activities, all tailored around the needs of the individual.
Ongoing COVID-19 restrictions have meant the opening of Calvert Reconnections has been delayed on two occasions this year, but it has now been confirmed that the centre will finally open its doors in spring.
“We can’t wait to open in Spring 2021,” says centre director, Sean Day.
“2020 has been immensely difficult for everyone, but better times are on the horizon.
“We are continuing to take referrals in advance of our opening and would like to thank the whole brain injury community for their support and understanding.”
The purpose-built centre has been taking referrals in advance of its opening, and continues to do so, with high levels of interest in its new service.
It has also developed the UK’s first COVID-19 compliant residential brain injury rehabilitation programme, which combines traditional clinical therapies with physical activity in the outdoors.
Led by an interdisciplinary team, the six-month residential programme offered at Calvert Reconnections will motivate and inspire ABI survivors through vocational activity and encouraging outdoor adventure. It believes it will also deliver tangible social benefits including self confidence, independence and motivation.
Its unique approach has been hailed throughout the neuro world as being a huge positive for patients in their recovery and a much-needed resource within the UK.
Calvert Reconnections is part of The Lake District Calvert Trust, a pioneering charity which has challenged disability through outdoor adventure for over 40 years.
With the development of its new centre, that support is now being extended even further, with professionals across the UK keen to access its services for their clients.
Recent research by the charity found that 91 per cent of case managers believe brain injury rehabilitation post-pandemic is going to be more reliant on the private and charitable sectors due to stretched NHS resources, while 86 per cent anticipate an increase in the use of outdoor activities in rehabilitation plans for brain injured patients.
A further 89 per cent expect the UK to face a “tidal wave” of brain injury rehabilitation need, while the majority of case managers will look to resume face-to-face rehabilitation as soon as it is safe to do so.
