Participants at Calvert Reconnections already realising the benefits of centre’s unique approach
Participants at ground-breaking neurorehabilitation centre, Calvert Reconnections, are already realising the benefits of the centre’s unique approach.
Calvert Reconnections opened its doors in June 2021, bringing a new, goal-focused, outcome-based approach to ABI rehabilitation.
Five months on, feedback from participants is now demonstrating how Calvert’s programme is delivering tangible results and pathways back to everyday life.
“Our programme is transforming the lives of our participants,” explained Claire Appleton, Head of Service at Calvert Reconnections.
“One of our recent residents said that his stay at Reconnections had transformed his quality of life, enabling him to return home, to his wife, rather than going into permanent 24-hour care.
“Such was the life-changing progress of another resident, he recently walked to the summit of Latrigg having only been able to walk a few hundred yards when he first came to stay with us.
“The whole team is hugely excited about the difference we are making to people’s lives.”
During meetings other residents, Calvert Reconnections received the following feedback:
- “I feel comfortable here, all the staff are really nice, they put up with me being confused or disagreeing, they are very patient.”
- “You have made me realise you can get me closer to how I was before my accident. I accept who I am, I couldn’t do that before, I am OK with myself now.”
- “I now have confidence to go about my ways.”
- “You have improved my ability in lots of ways.”
- “I cannot think of anything you could do differently or improve.”
- “The staff have a great can-do attitude.”
- “I feel like I am getting better, getting fitter every day – my friends say I am getting better.”
- “Doing different things all the time matters.”
- “The specialist bike, the other people and the staff are all great.”
- “I have a special bond with one of the participants – we love the banter.”
- “It’s good to feel fitter again.”
- “The staff are prepared to alter the programme with the weather and any other reasons.”
- “It’s the people – we all keep an eye out for each other.”
- “The food is great.”
- “I have a lot of trust. I am asked to do things which seem difficult but it’s been possible, I’ve managed to be a metre or 2 off the ground on the climbing wall.”
- “The cycling was good.”
- “I am working on my dorsiflexion and this is brought in to my activities each day.”
- “Reconnections has given me the opportunity to achieve my independence.”
- “You asked me how we could improve Reconnections. I have no criticisms – this is different to other rehab units, in a good way.”
- “This is the best place for me to be.”
Calvert Reconnections has also recently announced its winter activity programme which includes walking and star gazing, bushcraft sessions, environmental art, photography projects, rock climbing (Calvert sports hall available), canoeing (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 and orienteering.
The centre has also been shortlisted for Best Initiative in Care at the Caring UK Awards
Calvert Reconnections has places available now. For further details please go to www.calvertreconnections.org,uk