Western Morning News (Saturday)
Trust that brings joy to disabled at risk of closure
AN outdoor activity centre in Exmoor is urging the Government to provide financial support to save it from closure after losing over £1 million during the coronavirus lockdown.
Calvert Trust Exmoor provides a holiday destination for people with physical, learning, sensory and behavioural disabilities, but was forced to close last March due to Covid restrictions.
It was able to reopen for a few weeks in September and October, but had to shut again in the second lockdown.
Although the centre is allowed to open its doors to groups in May, it has been forced to postpone all further bookings by a year.
Schools will not be able to come to the centre during the Easter break, dealing a blow to usual income for the site.
Andrew Laming, centre director for Calvert Trust Exmoor, said: “On April 7, Calvert Trust Exmoor will be marking 25 years of service. At the start of the first lockdown, it seemed like we wouldn’t reach this milestone, which would have been devastating for people with disabilities.
“The major concern right now is about what might happen in 2021. Without help, all activity centres will continue to struggle, which is why we are asking the Government to provide long-term financial assistance to see us, and others, through the pandemic and beyond.
“Because our facilities are so accessible for people with disabilities, often a visit is the only time our guests can experience what many people take for granted.”
National Lottery funding, alongside generous donations and public fundraisers, have helped support the centre.
Go to https://calvertexmoor.org.uk to find out how to help.
TWO brothers who are both pupils at Exeter Cathedral School have taken on the Charlie Waller Fit4Feb challenge to make the most of the 28 days in February and to raise awareness for the mental health charity.
Edward, who is in Year 6, ran 28 miles in 28 days. His older brother Hector, who was a pupil at the Cathedral School until 2019 and who subsequently won a music scholarship to Sherborne School, cycled 280 kilometres.
The boys said that not only were they raising funds for the mental health charity, which supports and educates young people and those with responsibility for them, they also found the exercise in the open air boosted their moods.
Their family has been supportive of the boys’ challenge, which they hope will raise awareness of the work of the Charlie Waller Trust and the benefits of physical exercise on mental health.
Exeter Cathedral School headmaster James Featherstone said: “This is great work from Edward and Hector. Our school places great emphasis on positive mental and physical health, and our remote learning programme encourages pupils to stay active, too. We’re really proud of them for supporting The Charlie Waller Trust by staying so active.”
The Charlie Waller Trust was established in 1997 and aims to educate young people about their mental health and wellbeing. Visit https://charliewaller.org/