When Freya first arrived at Calvert Kielder for a week in the summer, neither she nor her parents quite knew what to expect.
For Freya, 23, it was her first visit to Calvert. For her mum and dad, Richard and Frances, it was an opportunity they had hoped would work – but they knew there was no guarantee.
Freya is a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy and has high support needs, which can make it challenging for the family to have time away together, just the two of them.
“We were surprised and delighted that Freya could have a week away and that we could have a week’s respite close by in such a beautiful place,” says Richard.
In the past, Freya had found respite placements difficult and there had been occasions when stays had needed to be cut short. So, although the family were excited about the opportunity, there was understandably some uncertainty about how the week in Kielder would go. It didn’t take long for those worries to disappear.
“I visited Calvert, Kielder for a week in the summer for the first time and I had the most fun!” says Freya.
She quickly settled into her room, which had its own bathroom, everything she needed and a beautiful view over the forest.
“The staff are lovely and really understood my needs although I’ve never been before,” Freya says.
That sense of being understood was just as important to her parents.
“Calvert Kielder was different and was an instant success,” says Richard. “The staff are very experienced and immediately understood her needs. Above all, they were relaxed and fun, so Freya had a lot of fun.”
And there was plenty for Freya to enjoy. She particularly loved the food and the kitchen team, with one dish standing out above all the rest.
“I really liked the kitchen staff and the food, especially the rhubarb crumble which was yummy!”
But it was the activities that gave Freya some of her biggest moments of the week.
“I loved the activities, especially the giant swing and the climbing which made me feel a bit nervous but like I’d achieved something at the same time.”
Trying something that made her nervous, and then coming away feeling that sense of achievement, was an important part of Freya’s experience. And the week wasn’t just about activities. Freya also made a new friend.
“I also made a good friend called Lucy who is in a wheelchair like me. I hope to see her again at Calvert Kielder one day.”
While Freya was busy enjoying her week of adventure, friendship and new experiences, Richard and Frances were able to enjoy some precious time together in Northumberland, knowing that Freya was happy and being well cared for.
“We could tell from her messages during the week that she was having fun,” says Frances. “And since she was having fun, we were able to have fun too and had a lovely week in Northumberland.”
For the family, the experience was about so much more than simply having a week away. It gave Freya the opportunity to try new things, build her confidence, make a new friend and enjoy herself in a place where she felt understood. At the same time, it gave her parents the reassurance they needed to enjoy a break of their own.
“It was an amazing gift to all of us,” says Richard and Frances. “Thank you so much!”