A PIONEERING new Cumbrian brain injury rehabilitation centre - the first of its kind in the UK - has been given a major funding boost thanks to the National Lottery.

Keswick-based Calvert Reconnections, which combines traditional clinical therapies with physical activity in the great outdoors to support those recovering from a brain injury, has been given a funding boost of £190,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Centre director Sean Day said he was “thrilled” with the funding. “A lot of hard work went into this bid,” he said.

The money will help cover the centre’s running costs during its first year of operations.

Calvert Reconnections helps those with acquired brain injury to maximise their potential of recovery, focusing on physical and psychological wellbeing, and seeking to improve their self-confidence and independence.

Hundreds of thousands of people in the UK suffer life-changing brain injuries every year.

“They face a long and difficult road to recovery, often with limited support,” Sean said.

“Thanks to our supporters and funders we are now able to deliver a ground-breaking, world-class rehabilitation programme tailored to support individuals in their recovery from brain injury.”

The Calvert Reconnections residential centre will be opening its doors next month, after a delay to its opening due to the lockdown.

Duncan Nicholson, head of funding for Cumbria at The National Lottery Community Fund, said the organisation was delighted to support the “great work” Calvert Reconnections does to help people with brain injuries.

“Thanks to National Lottery players more people who attend this local centre will be able to reach their potential and thrive,” he said.

The centre’s residential and communal facilities are fully compliant with Covid-19 guidelines.

It has received a number of referrals in recent weeks with prospective participants now being assessed by the centre’s clinical team.

Dr Amy Burns, clinical lead at Calvert Reconnections said: “It is hugely encouraging to see such a high level of interest in our new programme.

“There is considerable support from research for the concept that outdoor activity is beneficial to brain injury rehabilitation and to wellbeing more generally.”