For nearly 20 years Rotary District 1190 have been bringing a group of up to 50 people to the Lake District Calvert Trust for their annual week-long adventure holiday.

The district covers 68 separate Rotary Clubs across Cumbria and Lancashire, and the aim of the trip is to allow adults with disabilities to enjoy adventurous activities in a challenging, safe and specially adapted environment, all in the beautiful surrounding of the central Lake District.

In addition to having fun in the company of friends, family and volunteers, these residential trips help those with disabilities to develop independence, realise abilities, practise social skills and, hopefully, provide the impetus for continued physical exercise in everyday life.

This annual visit is fully funded by the Rotary Club District through its money-raising activities across the year.

Each club in the district has a number of people they can sponsor to attend, with different people coming every year.

The Rotary Clubs also provide volunteers to help the attendees with support while at the centre and taking part in activities.

Many clubs also sponsor carers to accompany those with more challenging disabilities who require specialised attention. It is both the fundraising and the time committed to the trip by the volunteers from the Rotary Clubs that make this annual visit possible and such a success.

Catamaran sailing, horse riding, archery, abseiling, canoeing and climbing are among the activities included in the jam-packed week-long trips to the centre.

For Tony Duncan, main organiser of the visit and a member of the Rotary Club of Keswick, the suitability of the activities is about meeting physical limitations, as well as stretching and challenging everyone so that they can overcome their fears.

He says this allows visitors to look at what they are capable of doing rather than feeling they are being held back by their disabilities.

“This is very important to us as Rotarians, and really fits in with our whole ethos of being fun-loving and active volunteers who give their time and talents to serve their respective local communities,” he explains.

“The activities that we do while at the Calvert Trust help build strong relationships, encourage communication and teamwork and are ideal as our attendees work together to build their confidence and self-esteem irrespective of the nature or complexities of their disabilities.

“Away from home and in a residential setting, they also have the opportunity to become more independent rather than having to rely on their families or carers to do some of the things they are actually capable of doing themselves, but just need the confidence and opportunity to practice.

“Everybody gains from the trip in terms of self-confidence and empathy with their peers, but what really develops is their confidence and personal expectations.

“A shared experience such as this is something they will remember for the rest of their lives and can have a lasting benefit long after the week has finished.”

Throughout the week, instructors and the group leaders asses how activities have worked and adapt following activities to make them more, or less challenging as required.

They also take into account Cumbria’s changing weather.

John Ford, activities manager at the centre, says: “When Rotary come to the centre, it’s a fantastic opportunity to support so many individuals with a wide range of abilities.

“The initial programme is designed with the Rotarians to challenge each participant, whilst also providing numerous opportunities for success, pushing people’s perceptions of what they are able to achieve and to try activities that may not otherwise be available to attendees.

“From this starting point, it’s then up to our experienced and knowledgeable activity instructors to modify the programme taking into account the specific needs of the individuals to help achieve the most positive outcomes possible.”

Justin Farnan, of the Calvert Trust adds: “With over 40 years’ experience we have all the specialist accommodation, equipment, staff and knowledge required to enable even those with the most complex needs enjoy their stay.

“We know that the experience of doing exciting activities in a residential setting can really make a difference in building the confidence, independence and social skills of those who might otherwise face significant challenges in their daily lives.

“Unsurprisingly it is an amazing and rewarding place to work, seeing the difference just a few days in a new and challenging environment can make to people who may face significant tests and hurdles in their daily lives.”

Tony has already started planning the 2018 visit.

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For more information email tonydunc@jopplety.wanadoo.co.uk