The Calvert Trust operates a number of independent specialist residential centres throughout the UK.
We had the enviable task of visiting the Lake District Centre to find out what they have to offer.
The residential centre itself sits on the edge of the stunning Lake Bassenthwaite, surrounded by mountains, and on the outskirts of the picturesque market town of Keswick. Despite the undulating terrain and the centre being located in a repurposed farmhouse, the site is fully accessible on foot or by wheelchair.
If you don’t want to venture too far a field there is plenty to entertain you onsite. The water centre contains a good-sized hydrotherapy pool that welcomes locals during the day, but is exclusively for residents in the evening. The pool benefits from a number of sensory features such as sound, lighting, spa, bubble pads and water fountain. Separate to the pool area is a dry sensory room with lighting, sound, bubbles and giant bean bags to name a few.
For the more adventurous they have an onsite sports hall offering trapeze, swings, and rock and rope climbing walls. Behind the buildings you can head up into the woodland where you access the onsite zip wire, high ropes course, wheelchair abseiling and bushcraft.
The Calvert Trust has gone to great lengths to make sure they cater for all abilities and tastes, and the extensive list of offsite activities is testament to this. Whist there are too many activities on offer to name here, highlights include tandem paragliding, horse riding, carriage riding, canoeing, rafting, catamaran…the list goes on.
And at the end of a busy day head back to the centre to take time out in the library/reading room, TV room or socialise with family and friends in the games room and conservatory.
Each of the bedrooms in the centre is unique and they cater for a wide range of disabilities, although some requirements can only be accommodated for on a first come first served basis due to the high demand for these types of rooms. It’s recommend that you call and speak to their highly experience team before booking, as they will be able to offer advice on the rooms and equipment they have available and what you need to pack and bring with you.
The team at Calvert Lakes went out of their way to welcome us. Thanks to Cheryl McDonald for inviting us and to Sarah Etisoy for showing us around. Housekeeping were warm and welcoming when we encountered them in the corridors, and it was a real pleasure to witness the care and attention of one of the activity leaders when hoisting a resident down from the zip line. Also, thanks to the chefs who provided us with a scone and a brew at the end of the visit. It was clear to see that they are a close-knit team who all seem to love the work they do.
We throughly enjoyed our trip to Calvert Lakes and look forward to seeing our client’s make the most of all they have to offer.