Calvert Trust Exmoor create inclusive opportunities for students of all ages and abilities...
‘Outdoor adventures’ and ‘disability’ aren’t phrases that often get put together, but at Calvert Trust Exmoor accessible and inclusive activity adventures are the norm; pupils of all ages with all types of disability take part in adventure activities like climbing, archery, horse riding, wheelchair abseil, carriage driving and canoeing alongside their peers.
Calvert Trust Exmoor offers a unique opportunity for students of any age and any ability to experience exciting and challenging residential adventure activities in a safe, accessible environment.
Many guests are surprised by how much they can do at Calvert Trust Exmoor. As recent guests JFK School put it; “Calvert Trust Exmoor in the only activity centre that could cater for the needs of all of our students. I’ve taught one of the students for a year, but I really didn’t know him the way I do now. He is able to do things we simply didn’t know about! The bond between the students has grown, and we’ve gained so much from supporting our young people in this incredible environment.”
The fully catered accessible accommodation is five star rated by VisitEngland and accredited by the National Accessible Scheme. You can read all about their accessibility from the accessibility statement on their website; www.calvert-trust.org.uk/access
A break with Calvert Trust Exmoor includes a structured programme of exciting accessible activities, which are specifically designed and equipped to cater for all. Within each activity session these activities are then tailored to the specific needs of the particular pupils taking part.
Hannah Cook, Marketing & Communications Executive, explains: “Our philosophy is ‘it’s what you CAN do that counts’; our experienced instructors tailor the activities they are delivering to best enable every single one of our guests to be able to take part. We are all about ‘can’!”
The accommodation consists of ensuite single, twin and triple bedrooms including some with H-track ceiling hoists, as well as a number of apartments with open plan kitchen and living space, which can be booked on either a self- catered or fully inclusive basis. They also offer mobile hoists, shower chairs, electric beds, trembler pads, and other free of charge loan equipment to make your stay more comfortable regardless of your disability.
Other facilities on site included a fully accessible swimming pool with high needs changing facilities, a Jacuzzi, games room, bar, sensory room and the Acland room, which is a fully glazed, elevated, communal area with fantastic views to the south west across Wistlandpound Reservoir, down the valley of the river Yeo and into South Devon.
Whatever your age or ability, a visit to Calvert Trust Exmoor will provide a life changing experience; building new skills, making friends and having fun. For many students the positive effects are both immediate and long lasting. Spring West Academy said; “We’ve visited on several occasions, student success and independence was significantly and positively impacted on. You provide opportunities students would not usually have, respite for families, and team development. One of our students, who’s permanently in a wheelchair, conquered his fear of taking part in the abseiling activity. He was so elated completing the task that he took part again the following day, twice!
Another one of our young people who has very difficult home circumstances has returned from the trip with a renewed sense of self-worth and belief, and relationships with staff and fellow students have significantly improved.”
The centre is open all year round and welcomes schools and colleges to visit for three, four or seven night breaks, or even just for the day.
Fully inclusive residential breaks at the centre start from as little as £220 per person. You can find out more from www.calvertexmoor.org.uk, by finding them on Facebook and Twitter, and by contacting them on exmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk or 01598 763221.