Accessible Breaks Tag

by Joe Winfield

5 Facts About Exmoor

5 Facts About Exmoor

Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by stretches of Exmoor’s stunning landscape. Our accessible site is set amongst beautiful rolling hills, putting you in a prime position to enjoy peaceful views spanning across moorland, water and woods.

As a local charity in Devon, we love to make the most of our surroundings – Exmoor National Park is a renowned area of natural beauty and makes an excellent location for exciting adventure breaks with lots of outdoor activities!

Here, we share some of our favourite Exmoor facts to help you get to know the place a little better.

Exmoor is Home to Unique Plants

Exmoor is teeming with flora and fauna, making it a great place to visit for those that love wildlife and celebrating the natural world. In fact, Exmoor is home to unique plants that don’t grow anywhere else.

These Exmoor-exclusive plants include various species of the whitebeam tree. The National Park is also home to a plethora of various nationally rare plants, including lichens which have only been found on one specific Exmoor tree!

There are Herds of Roaming Ponies

When visiting Exmoor, you’ll see many awe-inspiring sights – if you’re lucky, one of these sights will be a herd of roaming Exmoor ponies!

These native ponies are free to roam the moors, with twenty different herds grazing across various commons. There is nothing more exciting than crossing paths with these lovely creatures during a walk or drive through the moors.

Exmoor Boasts England’s Highest Cliffs

The first thing you think about when considering Exmoor is probably the expansive moorland, but Exmoor is also home to the highest coastline on the British mainland.

The highest cliff named Great Hangman has a spectacular 800ft cliff face looming over the roaring waves below.

As well as having the highest cliffs, Exmoor can also claim one of the most isolated stretches of coastline as the cliff’s extreme heights make the shoreline extremely remote.

Exmoor has Inspired Generations of Writers

Countless writers and poets have been inspired by the stunning views and natural beauty found at Exmoor.

Early Romantic poets William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge are among just some of the most notable examples. The origins of their seminal work ‘Lyrical Ballads’, which transformed 18th century English poetry, has often been attributed to their shared love of Exmoor’s coastal walks.

Calvert Trust Exmoor itself has a connection to Wordsworth too as our name ‘Calvert’ comes from his friend Raisley Calvert, who he dedicated a poem to upon his death.

There are Rumours of a Mysterious Exmoor Beast

With such a rugged and isolated landscape, it comes as no surprise that Exmoor has birthed a couple of mysteries. One of the biggest mysteries to come out of the moors is the popular tale of the supposed ‘Beast of Exmoor’.

Eyewitnesses have described seeing a large, black cat-like creature roaming various locations, with the first sighting being reported in the 1970s.

Since then, there have been numerous alleged sightings of the Beast despite no real concrete evidence that big cats are roaming the wilds of Exmoor!

Exmoor has countless wonders just waiting to be explored! Why not get a taste of what it has to offer by visiting us at Calvert Trust Exmoor? Exmoor is the perfect backdrop for our exciting and inclusive adventure activities.

The rest of North Devon is full of some great sights and attractions too – you can discover more in our blog below!

To find out more about our site and the kinds of activities we offer, you can get in touch by calling 01598 763221 or emailing receptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk.

by Joe Winfield

How an Adventure Break can Help You Set Goals

How an Adventure Break can Help You Set Goals

Embarking on new challenges through disability adventure activities can be a great way to help you set and achieve your goals.

Whether your goals are oriented around overcoming fears or focus on pushing yourself to try something new, getting involved in exciting adventure activities can help anyone reach their full potential.

When surrounded by support and encouragement, new accomplishments can be achieved in no time!
 

The Benefits of Setting Goals

Setting clear goals is one of the best ways to help you make positive changes in your life. It helps you look to the future and make plans about what you want to improve or overcome.

Thinking about your goals, whether they are long or short term, also gives you an opportunity to reflect on yourself, thinking about your feelings and aspirations. It will prompt you to really think about what you want to do and how you can make it happen.

Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we’re dedicated to supporting our guests as they work towards their goals on their adventure break. With unique, fully accessible experiences, we are always striving to help everyone achieve their full potential!
 

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

A goal is something you have to work towards. It will likely be a challenge, but the sense of the achievement you will gain when you reach it will be more than worth it!

When taking part in an adventure activity, you might find yourself leaving your comfort zone a little bit. This can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also a good thing!

It will allow you to work towards any goal, big or small, and prompt you to gain new experiences that you might not have had if you hadn’t pushed yourself slightly.

Gaining Confidence

This point goes hand-in-hand with the idea of getting out of your comfort zone.

One of the biggest obstacles to overcome when setting goals is the fear that comes with thinking you can’t achieve your goals or when you are too nervous to try.

An adventure break can really help when it comes to building general confidence and showing you you’re capable of much more than you thought possible!

Our friendly team at Calvert Trust will support you when building your confidence as you participate in a range of exciting outdoor activities.

Check out our blog below for more advice on struggling with confidence and dealing with adventure activity anxiety:
 

 

Learning Something New

When you try a new activity, there’s always something to be learnt from it. An adventure break is full of great, new experiences that might help you think about what kind of future goals you want to set or what you want to try next time.

When you do something you’ve never done before, you’ll learn things about yourself and the others around you, giving you a fresh perspective!

If you want to find out more about our adventure breaks and the exciting experiences we offer, please get in touch today. You can speak to one of our team members by calling 01598 763221 or emailing receptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk.

by Joe Winfield

How to Promote Disability Awareness

How to Promote Disability Awareness

Roughly 13.9 million people in the UK are disabled. Overall, it can feel like society has some work to do in providing an inclusive environment for disability.

Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, supporting equality for all is something at the heart of what we do as providers of holidays for people with disabilities. In this article, we share some ideas on how to spread and encourage disability awareness! Our list is certainly not exhaustive; there are many other things you can do too, but we hope to inspire and motivate those who may not know where to begin.

Creating Equality

Promoting disability awareness is essential in improving equal opportunities for disabled people. It creates a more accurate representation of the reality of living with a disability compared to how it is commonly perceived. For many, it is believed that disability itself is the sole reason why someone faces barriers in their life.

However, it is not a disability that hinders a person but a discriminatory environment that doesn’t accommodate diversity.

With more awareness, comes the opportunity for a more accessible and equal world. This would transform the day to day lives of disabled people by improving things that many non-disabled people may take for granted, such as access to buildings.

However, the biggest hurdle would also be overcome; the general assumption that disabled people are unable to do certain things. This can include the belief that a disabled person is unable to:

• Live independently
• Have children
• Be employed

These types of assumptions need to be addressed and changed.

Get Informed

The first step is to learn about it thoroughly. To do this well, you need to understand the impact that a prejudiced society can have on people with disabilities, understand how many people it affects and how you can support changing it. There are many organisations out there to help inform people about this and why it is crucial.

If you are hoping to spread awareness on a large scale, such as through a social media campaign, it is integral to know the facts and present them properly.

Lead By Example

One of the most significant things you can do is to role model the correct behaviour.

If you witness anything that undermines a disabled person, it is important to speak up. Ensure that everyone interacts with respect and genuine support, especially in public situations where others may copy your behaviour.

Another vital thing to do is not act out of pity, but instead strive for equality. Make sure to read up on blogs and newsletters by relevant organisations to ensure you are staying updated with the latest information.

Donate

One important thing you can do is donate to charities and organisations that support disability awareness; they will already organise events and campaigns to spread greater awareness. However, extra finance can help to develop their hard work even further.

Sign Petitions

It may not seem like it, but signing petitions for things that you care about can make a huge difference. If there are petitions that you feel can change the lives of disabled people, whether national or local, you should support the cause that is close to your heart and your beliefs.

Follow Social Media Groups

Social media is a great way to stay up to date with key information that interests you, so make sure to follow those groups and organisations that promote disability awareness! You can share what you learn on your own social media channel if you want to spread the news even further than your phone!

We have only touched on a few ways to promote disability awareness. If you have any further advice, why not share it on our Facebook or Twitter pages? To discover more about acceptable disability terminology, take a look at our blog below!

by Joe Winfield

Looking After Your Mental Wellbeing as a Carer

Looking after your mental and physical wellbeing is essential as a carer. It may feel challenging because much of your time is devoted to caring for a loved one. However, it is beneficial for both you and the person you are looking after to treat yourself with appreciation.

Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we provide outdoor adventure activities in Devon for people of all ages and abilities. We support and encourage all our guests in a safe environment in trying new experiences. In our blog, we offer our advice on the importance of taking the time to support your mental health.
 
 
 

Being Appreciative and Understanding Of Yourself

Understanding that you are only human is important in accepting that you can only do so much as one individual.

Acknowledge the things you can do to care for your loved one and try to identify areas where you could use some support.

It is also essential to not compare your responsibilities and feelings to other carers in a similar position. They are not you, and each circumstance will be different. Each situation will have its challenges that people outside of it may not know about or understand.

Finding Someone to Talk To

Having a listening ear that you genuinely trust can help significantly if you feel like you are struggling as a carer. The person you share your thoughts with might be another family member, a friend, or you may prefer to discuss your feelings with someone who is not familiar with your circumstances, such as a counsellor.

There is no right or wrong person to speak to, as long as you feel like you can open up to them. Talking through how you feel can help you to work out how to manage any difficult emotions. Sharing how much you do as a carer can also help others understand how they could offer additional support.

Talking might also relieve any feelings of isolation. With the responsibility of care on your shoulders, it can help you to change your perspective. If things feel like they are too much, you should try and speak to someone as soon as possible.

Making Time For Yourself

This can be hard if you feel overwhelmed by responsibilities as a carer, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. If you find that you don’t have sufficient time for yourself, working out how you can should be a priority.

One or two hours a day might help you to maintain your mental health at a healthy level. It can give you time to do something for yourself, such as exercising, socialising, or simply taking a relaxing bath. Small and consistent things to look forward to can be very uplifting as well as motivational.
 
 
 

Prioritising the Basics

Keeping on top of the basics is an essential part of managing your mental wellbeing. Ensuring you are getting the required amount of sleep, a healthy diet and enough exercise can all positively contribute.

Family time is an integral part of anyone’s life, and enjoying an activity holiday altogether can be just what you need. Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we provide accessible holidays for everyone to enjoy and ensure that all our guests are supported in our activities. Why not browse our site to discover more about the holidays we provide or speak to one of our team today for more information calling 01598 763221. You can also email receptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk

by Joe Winfield

How to Cope with Adventure Activity Anxiety

An adventure activity break is a fantastic way to learn more about yourself and challenge yourself with attainable goals while surrounded by a supportive and encouraging environment.
 
 
 

Feeling Anxious

If you are apprehensive about new experiences, booking your adventure holiday can feel like the first big step conquered. However, once you arrive at your adventure break, and you are about to try something new, anxiety can find a way to creep up on you once again.

For some, you may feel excited up until the point you are about to do the activity and then suddenly feel consumed by a feeling of nervousness that you haven’t experienced before or weren’t expecting.

How can you manage this sudden feeling, and what should you do if you are about to attempt your activity?

Here at Calvert Trust, we encourage people of all age groups and abilities to strive for their dreams during our accessible Devon activity breaks. We have plenty of experience with coaching guests through feelings of anxiety and want to share our top tips if you get caught out at the last minute!

For more information about anxiety and the signs, take a look at our blog below:

Accept Your Feelings

The first step is to accept the feeling. It may sound relatively simple, but acknowledging the unsettling feeling is constructive to help you manage it. It is important to remember that your feelings are entirely valid, and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed of them.

When you feel secure enough to continue the activity, it will feel like an even more significant achievement for you to be proud of.

Let Someone Know How You Feel

Next, tell someone you trust how you are genuinely feeling. ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’, and being honest about your feelings can help you accept them. You might want to tell a family member enjoying your activity break with you, a friend or an activity instructor.

All of our activity instructors are here to support you; they’ll want to know how you feel so they know the best ways to help you during your stay.
 
 
 

Visualise a Positive Experience

If you can, take some time to visualise what you want to do. This will help you build a positive picture in your brain and encourage you to try the activity you may feel apprehensive about.
 
 
 

Try Breathing Exercises

If you feel incredibly overwhelmed, the NHS website recommends trying breathing exercises when you feel onset anxiety.

This will change your focus from the activity at hand and also help you to regulate your breathing. For more advice on breathing exercises to try, take a look at the NHS advice on their website.

Remind Yourself of the Importance of Being Active

A fundamental way to combat anxiety, in general, is to do physical activity. When you don’t feel like doing the activity at hand, this might not feel easy but trying to remind yourself that it will help lift your feelings can help motivate you to give the activity a go.

If your child is attending an activity break and needs extra encouragement before the trip, our advice on how to get your child excited for a residential trip may help!

We ensure each of our guests has a wonderful time during our activity breaks. We also encourage everyone to conquer their fears with the support of our friendly and qualified activity instructors.

If you are interested in finding out more about the adventure breaks we provide, why not contact us today? We would love to hear from you! Feel free to speak to one of our team by calling 01598 763221 or emailing receptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk

by Joe Winfield

Looking to the Future: Life After Lockdown

It is undeniable that the past year has been challenging for everybody. While seeing friends and family again is something to look forward to, returning to life after lockdown is a daunting prospect for many.

After a year of self-isolation, closed shops and limited activities, getting back to the new normal of life after lockdown can pose a challenging time for some, especially if confidence has been lost over the past year.

Calvert Trust Exmoor is dedicated to helping those of all ages develop skills, build confidence and gain independence through accessible outdoor activities, exciting workshops and adventure breaks.

As we emerge from lockdown, we hope that these activities can once again help people to rebuild confidence and develop new skills. After an extended time of being encouraged to stay at home, our fun adventure activities offer an exciting way of making the most of outdoor spaces.

Read on to discover why accessible holidays in Devon are ideal for both individuals and families in the time after lockdown ends.
 
 
 

Rebuilding Confidence With Others

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were encouraged to keep our socialisation to a minimum, often limited to interactions with parents and carers. While many of us were able to chat with friends via Zoom, the lack of physical contact with others has had an impact on some.

After a long time without regular interactions with our extended friendship groups or even strangers, the idea of returning to “normality” can bring up feelings of anxiety or concern.

Those who experience social anxiety or have difficulties communicating with others may feel like their confidence has been knocked after this time apart. Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, our goal is to bring people from all walks of life together and work to not only develop confidence, but to forge lasting friendships!

What better way to reacquaint yourself with others than while working together on exciting challenges?!
 
 
 

Accessibility

At Calvert Trust Exmoor, our unique experiences are fully accessible and can be tailored to suit your specific needs and concerns. Offering accessible accommodation for longer stays, our adventure breaks can help you to rebuild your self-esteem in talking and interacting with others in an environment that is supportive of your needs.
 
 
 

The Benefits of Nature

Calvert Trust Exmoor is based in the countryside near Exmoor National Park. The tranquil environment where our outdoor activities are based is quiet and away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The natural environment adds a calming air to our adventure breaks and helps to keep things relaxed and anxieties lowered.

Enjoying Adventure

Whether you’ve been self-isolating, shielding or working on the front line, we think every single person deserves a break after 2020! It’s always nice to get a change of scenery, but we are also aware of the challenges that finding an accessible holiday can bring.

Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we offer a wide range of activities, both indoor and outdoor, suited to all abilities. Activities such as archery, canoeing, horse riding and bushcraft are led by our skilled and specially trained instructors, who can tailor these adventures to your abilities.

Calvert Trust Exmoor is accredited by the National Access Scheme, deeming it suitable for older and less mobile guests, wheelchair users, visually impaired guests and hearing impaired guests.

Reconnect With Friends and Family

An exciting aspect of life after lockdown will be the freedom to reconnect with friends and family again. There may be some loved ones that you haven’t seen this past year that you can’t wait to visit again!

A group holiday can be a fantastic way to reconnect with your friends or family and enjoy time together as a group. As an accessible activity centre, Calvert Trust Exmoor is able to cater to the requirements of any group – no matter the size or individual needs.

We’re all about having fun together, which means that age and ability don’t matter! We love to see groups with young and old, disabled or non-disabled members enjoying adventures together.

We welcome groups to stay for three, four or seven-night breaks, offering an exciting mix of outdoor activities that can be tailored to your group’s specific needs and wishes. After a busy day of fun, you can continue to enjoy each other’s company in a more relaxing way, by socialising in the communal areas, taking a dip in the swimming pool or spending time in the sensory room together.
 
 
 

Looking to the Future

Calvert Trust Exmoor will be reopening on the 25th of June 2021. If you would like to make a booking to reserve an activity break for once lockdown has been lifted, then please email receptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk.

If you have any questions about the centre, the activities we offer and queries about specific accessibility needs, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us by calling 01598 763221 or email receptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk.

by Joe Winfield

The Importance of Reaching Out to Others

The hardships of lockdown have affected us all in varying ways, with many people across the UK feeling isolated. However, it is important to know that you are not alone.

Whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, you matter.

Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, encouraging confidence in a safe and trusting environment is at the heart of what we do. Whoever you are and whatever your ability, we believe “It’s what you CAN do that counts”. We are here to support you achieve this while staying with us for one of our accessible holidays in Devon.
 
 
 

Checking In

Over the past few years, thankfully, there has been a surge of attention to mental health support.

For many who have had their challenges with mental health or the general hurdles that life sometimes throws at us, reaching out to seek others’ help is a turning point.

Whether this is a family member, close friend, a medical professional or a support line it is often one of the most challenging hurdles, but it is also one of the most relieving steps when helping yourself to get back on track.

However, knowing this doesn’t make it any easier. If you are struggling yourself or want to support someone you love who may be going through a difficult time, we will take a look into why reaching out can help to improve life’s overall stability.
 
 
 

Having a Reliable Social Network

Sometimes, being on your own for a reasonable amount of time is necessary to manage an uncertain or unsettling situation.

However, too much time on your own can also become unhealthy over a prolonged period, and, as social beings it is essential for us as humans to have a social network we can trust.

Having a listening ear and the presence of someone we can trust can help prevent, or at least ease, feelings of alienation and rumination.

Not Everyone Finds Talking Easy

For some, being openly honest about your feelings or asking for support can make you feel vulnerable, which is not an encouraging feeling.

It can feel overwhelming to talk to someone about yourself or any problems you are facing. However, it is also essential to know that those who care about you want to hear about your hardships because they want to support you.

If you talk to someone about your feelings and they haven’t quite reacted the way you thought, this is also ok. We all have different life experiences, and just because a conversation hasn’t gone as you may have hoped doesn’t mean that someone else might not understand. They will, and it is essential to know that people’s reactions are about them and not you.
 
 
 

Reaching Out to Someone Who is Struggling

If you know that a loved one isn’t quite themselves, sometimes giving them the space to reach out is required.

However, suppose it has been a significant amount of time that your loved one hasn’t properly connected with you. In that case, it may be time for you to open the conversation by gently letting them know you are around and care about them without pushing the issue too much. By offering open communication it will allow them to talk to you at their own pace.
 
 
 

Not All About Talking

As much as talking about problems can offer relief, healthy relationships aren’t always about these conversations. Simply being around and open to interactions and activities is also extremely beneficial. It shows that you are there for the good times and the hard times and are a reliable presence in someone’s life.
 
 
 

Strengthening Connections

If you feel like you don’t have friendships that you can rely on, it’s ok. It is never too late to find friends and join new social networks. As life changes, so can our support network.

When you have plucked up the courage, seeking out a local group in an interest of your choice, or even going on an adventure holiday, can open you up to new encounters with people who can become lifelong friends.

Take a look at our blog below to discover the benefits of an adventure activity break for your mental wellbeing.

Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, our goal is to bring people from all walks of life together. If you would like to know more about the activities and accessible holidays we offer, browse our site or contact us today by calling 01598 763221. You can also email receptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk

by Joe Dale

Encouraging Your Child to Make Friends on an Activity Trip

Encouraging Your Child to Make Friends on an Activity Trip

There are many benefits of visiting an activity centre like ours, such as helping with anxiety or improving mental health. An activity break can also give your child a chance to make new friends, helping to improve their confidence in making friends elsewhere.

Talking to new people can be scary whatever your age, yet for many children connecting with others can be difficult or frightening, especially if they have disabilities. To help, here is our guide to encouraging your child to make friends on an activity trip…

Encourage them before travelling

It can often be beneficial to prepare your children for their trip, from helping them pack to talking about the exciting activities and fun games they’ll be doing.

You could also mention that other children will be there too, possibly doing activities in your group or sitting near you during meals.

You could then suggest that your child talks to the other children, or give them a positive goal, like to find out other people’s names.

Some children may be anxious about this idea, some may not understand the point, whilst others will look forward to it. Whatever your child’s reaction, listen to their response and give them gentle encouragement to interact with others.

Doing this before your arrival gives them time to process the information and be more prepared to communicate with others.

Work out some ‘opening lines’ together

It may be a good idea to practice saying hello in various ways, especially if you predict your child will need extra encouragement to make friends. To assist them further, try to create some opening lines or questions your child could use to start a conversation.

Examples could be ‘My name is- what is yours?’ or ‘I like your jumper’ or ‘What did you enjoy about today?‘

Practising and rehearsing social skills in a safe and warm environment will support your child by teaching social cues. Planning out what they could say can make them feel that bit more prepared to meet new people.

Lead by example and encourage them to follow

Once you have arrived for your activity break, strive to speak to others in a friendly manner so that your children can pick up on it and possibly follow your example.

You could even use the opening lines you created to show them how they can progress and add prompts for your children to contribute or carry on the conversation.

By modelling positive, friendly behaviours, you can guide your children to do the same.

Talk to them about feelings and encourage empathy

Parents can help children develop social skills during a short activity break by focusing on feelings and empathy, which will help build friendships.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the thoughts and feelings of others. Developing feelings and empathy is a complex process that starts from birth and continues throughout our lives, but it is a key factor in making friends.

• Identify feelings, both positive and negative – It’s important to put a name to what your child might be feeling whenever you can. Saying something as simple as, ‘You seem happy/excited/joyful/upset/angry/scared‘ helps a child identify what they are feeling in themselves and can be all they to hear to express their emotions
• Identify feelings in others – In the same way, saying ‘That person seems happy/angry‘ helps children see emotions in others and allows them to identify with them. This can be developed further by using them as conversation starters.

Use feelings to start conversations

During an activity break, giving children prompts increases empathy and provides an opportunity to start a conversation, laying the groundwork for friendship.

For example: ‘They seem happy they did the activity, why don’t you say well done and ask them what they enjoyed the most?’ or ‘That child looks upset, perhaps they are scared of doing the activity. What would you say to them?‘

Likewise, questions related to negative feelings could also allow them to start a chat and connect.

If these prompts lead nowhere, that’s fine. It’s best to not force the situation further, instead make suggestions and allow the children to connect in their own way if they wish to.

Notice and praise caring behaviour

Whether with your prompts or not, make a point of praising your child when they show empathy and engage in a caring way.

You could say how proud you are when you see them being kind and thoughtful to others. State why it was positive behaviour and talk about how it might have made the other person feel.

Positive reinforcement will give them belief in themselves and motivate them to do it again, hopefully increasing the bond between children.

Other issues that children often struggle with are sharing and taking turns. Or they may have difficulty being in a team. When they get these things right, however, it will increase their social skills.

Adventure activities can often be a combination of group work and solo participation. So an activity break is a perfect opportunity to practise their sharing skills and general communication with others.

Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we have groups no bigger than 10 people, meaning it’s easy for children to talk to others and participate in group activities.

Highlight when and how they shared correctly or gave help to others. They may not have realised they’ve done something positive, so nice comments on how they behaved will support their future interactions.

Experts recommend providing immediate positive feedback, that’s kept brief and simple.

Encouraging your child to make friends on an activity trip – Summary

• Prepare them before the trip so they have time to process the fact other children will be there to talk to
• Practise greeting others and prepare some opening lines
• Lead by example and start conversations, aim to include your child
• Identify positive and negative feelings in other children
• Guide your child to relate to other people’s feelings and to use empathy to prompt them to start a conversation
• When you see your children exhibiting friendly or caring behaviours, such as sharing and taking turns, praise them – this encourages children to repeat the positive behaviours

Finally, parents shouldn’t place social expectations on children and force friendships to emerge from nowhere. They could make one or two good friends during their stay with no need to worry about them being the most popular kid on site.

With over 25 years of adventure breaks at Calvert Trust Exmoor, many children have come out of their shell and made new friends during their stay. Sometimes with help from the ideas above, and sometimes all on their own.

However your children make new friends on an activity trip, it is a magical moment that makes the stay even more worthwhile.

We welcome many families time and time again, on weekend and midweek breaks. They come for the activities and facilities, and also for the chance to meet new people. See more about our family breaks in Devon for additional information.

by Joe Dale

How to Keep Your Child Safe on a Residential Trip

Residential trips are an opportunity for children to learn, grow, and have fun. Yet for a parent, watching your child leave for a residential can be a daunting or worrying experience. Many parents wonder how their child will behave and will they be safe?

In this news piece, we hope to ease your worries with guidance on how to keep your child safe on a residential trip, even if you will not be by their side…

Learn about the residential

It’s essential to carefully plan for a residential, which starts with knowing all the details. Teachers or group leaders will be arranging the trip but parents, guardians or carers should be involved in several ways.

You could talk to the people planning the residential. Schools commonly hold pre-trip meetings to inform and take questions. If not, consider contacting them directly.

It can seem scary entrusting your children in someone else’s care. So knowing timings, travelling plans, locations and sleeping arrangements will settle your nerves. You can also inform the residential leaders of important information about your child to keep them safe and well.

Talk with your child about their trip

When you have all the details about the residential, you can pass it on to your child in a way they will understand. This helps them get excited whilst also contributing to their safety on the trip as they will be better prepared.

Talk them through where they are going, what they will be doing, and how days will be structured. Listen to any concerns they may have and add reassurance.

Perhaps your child is nervous or unsure about going? The more your child talks about it, the better they will feel. We have compiled some extra tips on how to get them excited for a residential trip.

Discuss safety and boundaries

Another area of discussion is what they must do to keep safe.

Talk to your child about the importance of staying with the group – close to their teacher, group leader or other authority figures, such as activity instructors.

It can be helpful to explain that a residential is fun and thrilling but that they still need to follow the same rules they follow when at home, at school or walking on the pavement.

It’s often beneficial to add extra boundaries unique to their residential. Examples could be emphasising that they must stay in the centre, or that they can’t use the activity facilities until told to by an instructor.

The more conversations you have, the better children will understand the rules, even though you won’t be there to supervise them.

Check out the location

If you know where the residential is taking place, why not spend time with your child looking at it online? Search for the location and see what comes up. There may be galleries on their website or good images on the search engine to go through.

If brochures or itineraries are available, you could go through them together to help get your child excited. Plus it gives you extra opportunities to establish the rules of the trip. If there are maps or plans of the grounds and accommodation, use them to set boundaries, showing where they can and cannot go.

Pack their bags as a team

Get your child involved in the packing of their bags. Since you both know what the residential involves, you can ensure they have everything needed for a good time whilst looking after themselves.

Depending on their age and abilities, kids can contribute in different ways. Let younger ones see what you are packing and explain why each item and piece of clothing is essential. They could then add fun and comforting extras, such as a toy, book or accessories.

Older children could pack their bags themselves, with supervision and guidance if needed. This teaches them to plan ahead, increases independence, and makes them think of their own wellbeing and safety.

Packing together reassures them, and you, that they have everything needed to feel prepared, safe and secure.

See our guide on things to pack for a residential trip.

Make them stand out

One more point about packing is to dress your children in brightly coloured clothes that stand out and avoid dark colours that will blend into surroundings. This will make them easy to see and remember in a crowd or against a natural backdrop.

The colour of their clothing is unlikely to be an issue during a Calvert Trust Exmoor visit, as activity groups are small and supervised by the same instructor throughout. But elsewhere on other residentials, it may be beneficial for their safety.

Make sure contact details are up to date

Confirm that the group leaders have your correct contact details before the residential. Provide one or two additional emergency numbers if you may not be reachable – just in case.

Have faith in risk assessments

Schools and residential leaders will have your child’s safety as their highest priority. They will conduct rigorous risk assessments for every activity and location, whether it be a day out or week away.

A risk assessment must be carried out for each residential, which will help teachers identify and remove any of the potential risks. Schools must adhere to set staffing to child ratios and will keep individual physical, medical, social and behavioural needs in mind before and during a residential.

Schools must also have an emergency response plan to follow if an accident or incident occurs during a trip.

Plus, residential centres have their unique risk assessments and safety procedures with trained staff and instructors who also have everyone’s safety as their highest priority.

Many sites are also audited or inspected by independent boards. For instance, here at Calvert Trust Exmoor we have…

• The Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge
• Five-star activity accommodation status awarded by Visit England
• Been certified by activity bodies such as British Canoeing, the British Horse Society, and more

Residential breaks at Calvert Trust Exmoor

At our activity centre we welcome children of all ages and specialise in accessible breaks for people with physical, learning, sensory or behavioural disabilities. Our residential breaks are based at our remote centre in North Devon, meaning the group stays safely inside the grounds away from busy roads.

The stay will include activities throughout the day, then access to group swimming sessions, the sensory room, and social areas in the evening. Activities, accommodation, meals and facilities are all on-site and included in the costs.

Wherever they are visiting, keeping your child safe on a residential break starts with good communication and ensuring children understand what they should and should not do to keep themselves safe. The residential leaders and centre staff will take it from there to make sure everyone has a wonderful break.

by Joe Dale

Can Outdoor Activities Help a Child With Anxiety?

Can outdoor activities help a child with anxiety? Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor we truly believe that the answer is yes!

Read on as we explain why adventure breaks and outdoor activities help with anxiety in children of all ages.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotion that is perfectly normal to experience. It can be described as a feeling of tension alongside worried or negative thoughts. Which is something we all go through occasionally.

However, anxiety can become more than an emotion and start to influence our lives. For example, people with anxiety may avoid situations they worry about. Others may constantly find their emotions hard to control so it affects their lives more dramatically, leading to many anxiety-based disorders of varying degrees.

Those with anxiety disorders frequently worry about and fear everyday situations at intense, excessive, and persistent levels.

Anxiety disorders and mental health are closely related and often influence each other.

Why would a child have anxiety?

There are many reasons why children could be feeling anxious. Key causes of anxiety include…

Separation – younger children tend to experience separation anxiety from parents or loved ones and do not want to be away from them.

Phobias – irrational fears such as heights, bugs etc.

Life experiences – remembering past events that they believe went badly or reflecting on negative feelings can cause anxiety in similar situations.

Social settings – being shy and not confident when meeting new people, or expecting to feel embarrassed, silly, or rejected by others.

Life changes – anxiety can be brought on by changes to the everyday routine, new settings, unfamiliar situations, moving to a new house and school, or the loss of a close relative or friend.

What are the signs of anxiety in children?

Each child displays their anxiety differently, but common signs include…

• Becoming irritable
• Having difficulty sleeping or having bad dreams
• Finding it hard to concentrate
• Losing appetite or not eating properly
• Constantly worrying or having negative thoughts
• Asking lots of questions or needing reassurance
• Feeling tense and fidgety
• Complaining of tummy aches and feeling unwell
• Lack of confidence to do everyday things
• Avoiding activities they previously enjoyed, such as seeing friends, going out or going to school

How can disability contribute to anxiety?

Anxiety can affect any child or adult, but children with a disability may be extra prone to feeling anxiety.

Depending on the disability or condition, a child may have additional difficulties in social settings and may face further struggles with change.

It’s also likely that their life experiences are unique to them and different to those without disabilities; they may feel that no-one else understands what they have gone through and that they can’t do what others can. Many people with disabilities feel social isolation and loneliness.

Therefore, their anxiety rates are high, leading to additional disorders.

It can be difficult for children with learning disabilities to express their feelings of anxiety. They may not understand their feelings and what is causing them, so cannot easily talk about them. Trying to express anxious feelings with limited communication skills can lead to misunderstandings, causing anxiety to intensify.

10 ways outdoor activities can help a child with anxiety…

1 – An improved sense of wellbeing

Outdoor activities usually take place in quiet places, away from the hustle of everyday life, especially at adventure centres like Calvert Trust Exmoor located in the countryside next to a national park.

Just by being in an environment surrounded by nature brings on an improved sense of wellbeing and is relaxing, reducing anxiety in general. Fresh air, trees and pretty views put the mind at ease even at a young age.

2 – An acceptance of new experiences

Structured outdoor activities can encourage an openness to new experiences. Doing new activities helps children learn that they can do things they didn’t think possible. Which reduces fears, worries and anxieties.

The support and encouragement of those around them improves their experience and helps them overcome phobias, improve social confidence, and build positive memories.

3 – A new way of thinking

By going through new experiences, children can develop a new way of thinking.

For example – a child abseiling for the first time has probably never thought about how to abseil before. In the build-up, they may nervous and worried about falling. Yet with the help of Activity Instructors and those around them, the child will learn about the equipment, how the ropes work, and will take on important information. This makes them focus on how to abseil rather than worrying about whether they can or not, reducing anxiety.

Also, overcoming outdoor activity fears can develop resilience and mental toughness whilst creating positive memories, reducing anxiety in the future.

4 – An increase in confidence and independence

There is often a huge sense of accomplishment and excitement during outdoor activities which improves confidence and self-belief.

Completing an activity teaches a child that they are competent and good enough to do it, acting as an inspiration to attempt other goals. Feelings of self-doubt are overcome and replaced with perseverance – improving confidence and lowing levels of anxiety.

Many children also feel a sense of independence. This could be because they become open to doing activities and exercises that we may not regularly do. An effect of this is a freshly engaged mind and fresh determination.

5 – Different stimulation

Being outdoors doing activates provides different and new stimuli. By embracing them, children can increase their ability to be in unfamiliar places. Seeing, smelling, hearing and doing new things becomes less overwhelming, and the idea of somewhere ‘new’ doesn’t seem as daunting.

6 – A connection with others

A sense of belonging and community can form between children when in an unfamiliar environment. The process of doing new activities together connects children, especially when several of the group are anxious.

This shared feeling of anxiety is what bonds children who have just met, and they can quickly form a team or friendship.

7 – Acquiring new skills 

By doing outdoor activities, children can learn skills whilst improving general coordination and motor skills. In the long run, this improves self-confidence and allows them to see themselves in a positive light.

Anxiety reduces as they build confidence and experience different ways to learn and succeed.

8 – Reduced stress

It is well documented that stress and fatigue, caused by any number of things, can contribute to anxiety. A stressed child could struggle to deal with their feelings, so anxiety grows.

Outdoor activities help overcome phobias such as heights, encourage socialising and offer positive life experiences, reducing stress and lowing anxiety levels.

9 – A feeling of responsibility and control

As listed above, children can have anxiety because of what they are going through at that moment in time. Giving them the responsibility and control over the situation helps reduce fears.

During outdoor activity sessions, the children always feel in control of their own actions. A child may be encouraged to take part, but it is ultimately their decision if they do or not. Subconsciously this reduces anxiety as they always feel in control and make their own decisions.

10 – An improvement in mental health 

As previously mentioned, anxiety can have an impact on mental health and vice versa. We have another news piece focusing on how breaks at an adventure centre can improve mental health and therefore help with anxiety.

At the Calvert Trust Exmoor centre, we often meet anxious children who do not think they will enjoy their stay or are worried about doing certain outdoor activities. 

Then they have a wonderful time and love every activity. The children conquer their fears and leave with a positive mindset. 

If nothing else, children spending time with family or friends causes them to relax and enjoy the experience, helping them to understand anxiety and developing their skills to get past their worries in other settings.

We provide outdoor activities in a safe environment, with trained instructors who really get to know the children, which also helps with anxiety.

Our adventure breaks include activities, accommodation, meals and use of the facilities all on one site. If you are interested in learning more or would like to book, please call 01598 763221.