Lucy’s Story

Lucy works for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, and has visited Calvert Lakes on several occasions with SSAFA families. SSAFA is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. Their trips to Calvert are for serving families who have a child with an additional need or disability. These breaks are an opportunity for families to spend quality time together, to try fun adventure activities, and to meet other Forces families in similar situations.

We pinned Lucy down during their stay this summer to find out what visiting Calvert means to the SSAFA community.

Group of adults in SSAFA t-shirts laughing

Whole group from SSAFA in front of Calvert Lakes

Two young people in SSAFA t-shirts in their bedroom at Calvert Lakes

Q: How did you first hear about Calvert?

When I started working for SSAFA.

SSAFA originally used the Devon site, but being able to offer breaks in both the North and South makes the service more accessible to military families across the UK.

Q: Tell us about your first visit to Calvert.

I believe this must have been back in May 2022!

Almost part of the furniture now!

Q: Who do you visit Calvert Lakes with?

Tri-service military families who have children aged 5-18 with additional needs and/or disabilities.

Q: Can you tell us about a favourite memory from visiting Calvert Lakes?

There are so many! I think, for me, it’s seeing children push themselves out of their comfort zones and the sense of achievement that comes with it.

I also love seeing the relationships and bonds that are created in such a safe, relaxed, and supportive environment.

Q: What does Calvert make possible for you and others?

It is an opportunity for Armed Forces families to spend quality time together which can often be difficult with serving personnel spending long periods of time working away.

“Having the burden of day-to-day household tasks, such as cooking and cleaning, removed allowed us to focus on spending quality time together as a family and strengthening our relationships.”

Q: In your opinion, what makes Calvert different from other places?

Often families will have to divide and conquer as standard adventure activity centres aren’t suitable for the whole family but at Calvert, children with additional needs/disabilities can take part alongside their siblings.

“One of the most impactful aspects was the ability to fully engage in activities with my children—something I can no longer physically do in our usual environment due to my mobility challenges. Having access to adapted activities meant I could actively participate rather than just observe, which has strengthened our bond and created lasting memories.

Additionally, my eldest has gained remarkable confidence since the break. Being in a supportive and inclusive setting allowed them to step outside their comfort zone, try new things, and embrace independence in a way that has carried over into everyday life. The break provided a much-needed boost for all of us, enhancing our emotional wellbeing and bringing us closer together.

This is first time where all the family’s needs have been considered where all had quality time together.”

Q: Describe Calvert in 5 words or less.

Inclusive, supportive, stunning, fun, memorable

Q: Calvert is ...

respite.

Q: One thing everyone should try at Calvert is ...

canoeing on the beautiful lake!

Q: The best thing about Calvert is ...

the fantastic staff who show kindness, compassion and encouragement.

Q: Because of Calvert, we can ...

try new things and achieve greatness as a family.

Q: A word that sums up Calvert for me is ...