With our roots in accessibility, we take providing holidays which are fit for everyone seriously. Did you know that, alongside self-catered lodge stays and outdoor activities, Calvert Kielder offers respite care breaks for people with disabilities and their families from our centre in Kielder Forest?
Meet Pottsy
We caught up with Stephen Potts (known to his friends as Pottsy) from our Respite Care team to hear about what that means for him day to day.
What does a typical day look like for you when guests are staying at Calvert Kielder?
No two days are ever quite the same, but they all have one thing in common – they’re busy! We help guests enjoy three meals a day, support them through two adventurous activities, then round things off with a relaxed evening of entertainment. It’s a full-on day, but seeing everyone having fun makes it worthwhile.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about the care team?
People often think we spend our days answering nurse calls and playing bingo! The reality couldn’t be more different. We’re outdoors, supporting guests on activities, encouraging them to try new things and making sure they get the very best from their holiday.
Can you tell us about a moment that reminds you why this work matters?
For me, it’s seeing guests come back year after year and still be just as excited to take part. Our guests enjoy the activities, the friendships and the banter, and get to do things they simply wouldn’t have the opportunity to do at home. Watching that never gets old.
What are some of the challenges disabled people and their families face before they arrive that others might not realise?
There can be a lot to think about before a break – what to pack, how to travel here and, perhaps most importantly, trusting someone else to meet all your care needs. That trust means a great deal to us. For families who feel nervous, we can arrange taster stays so they can experience Calvert Kielder together and feel confident before a longer break.
How does the care team help guests get the most out of activities they might never have thought possible?
We take the time to explain each activity, show guests the specialist equipment and, if it helps, let them watch others having a go first. Every member of the care team has experienced the activities themselves, so we know what they’re like and can reassure guests every step of the way.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing guests completely relax, be themselves and have a good laugh. There’s one guest who comes for two weeks every year, and he builds such great friendships while he’s here. Every time it’s time to go home, he wishes he could stay longer. Moments like that remind you just how much these breaks mean.
Have you seen guests achieve things that surprised even themselves?
Every single day. Many of our guests have never had the chance to go sailing, throw an axe or experience anything like the King Swing or ZipCoaster before they arrive. Watching them realise everything they CAN do, rather than focus on the things they can’t, is an incredible feeling.
What qualities make someone a great member of the care team?
You need to enjoy being active because this definitely isn’t a desk job! It’s about being organised, able to support several people at once, happy to be on your feet all day and, just as importantly, someone who enjoys a laugh and can build great relationships with guests.
How do people change during the course of a respite break?
We often see guests become more independent as the week goes on. Rather than us doing everything for them, we help them discover new ways of doing things using equipment that’s adapted to their needs. Confidence grows too. We have guests who challenge themselves on the King Swing every year, going a little bit higher each visit because they know they can do it. It’s amazing to see.
If you could tell potential supporters one thing about the impact of Calvert Kielder, what would it be?
Come and see it for yourself. Visit us or volunteer for a day and you’ll understand the difference this place makes. There really isn’t anywhere else quite like Calvert Kielder, combining fully accessible outdoor adventures with specialist respite care, and the impact that has on disabled people and their families is something you have to experience to believe.
What’s the most memorable guest interaction you’ve ever had?
There are so many it’s impossible to choose just one! One guest absolutely loves music, so every Halloween I ask him to be our DJ. He takes the role very seriously and loves chatting to everyone about the music. But honestly, that’s what makes Calvert Kielder so special. Every day brings new conversations, new smiles and moments you’ll never forget because it’s the kind of place where anything can happen.