Occupational Therapy News OTnews October 2018 | Seite 46

FEATURE VOLUNTEERING
A truly
all-inclusive
holiday
Hayley Pedley-Clues, a specialist
occupational therapist in a community
learning disabilities team, shares
her experience of volunteering
with the Calvert Trust
Canoeing on the lake
46 OTnews October 2018
W
Accessible cycling
orking as an occupational therapist as part of a community
learning disabilities team, Hayley Pedley-Clues says that she
often works with clients who are engaging in few activities,
particularly activities that are physically challenging and
adventurous.
Referring to the Department of Health’s Valuing People Now, published in
2009, she says: ‘People with learning disabilities want to lead ordinary lives;
they want to enjoy leisure and social activities. However, the paper identified
concerns that people with learning disabilities are often not connected to
their communities or engaged in meaningful social and leisure activities.
‘Sport England (2017) states that people with disabilities are much less
likely to take part in sports, and Verdonschot et al’s (2009) systematic review
found that the leisure occupations of people with learning disabilities are
most often solitary and passive activities.
‘With my love of the outdoors and trying new activities I was keen to learn
more about how people with varied and often complex needs can engage in
activities to fulfil their adventurous side.’
The Calvert Trust was set up in the 1970s, with the vision of enabling
those with disabilities to access outdoor activities (www.calvert-trust.org.
uk). The trust now runs three centres, in the Lake District, Exmore and
Northumberland, which fulfil this ambition.
‘The centre based in Cumbria, overlooking beautiful Lake
Bassenthwaite, was my home for the week,’ explains Hayley, ‘where I
undertook the opportunity to volunteer as a Buddy. The centre provides
the chance to take part in a wide range of outdoor adventure activities
for people with a wide range of disabilities, including those with complex
needs.
‘Visits are organised in a range of ways, from schools, groups,
families, individuals with their own carer, or via the Buddy scheme. My
week at the Calvert Trust provided me with the chance to see what a truly