Vitalise Churchtown in Cornwall is home to an accessible residential activity Centre offering adventure breaks and one day activities for groups, schools and colleges. The Centre caters for all abilities and for ages 6 years and upwards. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a carer.

The 12-acre site includes an adventure course, a small working farm, climbing tower, nature reserve, camping field and archery range.

About Us

Vitalise Churchtown has been offering accessible adventurous activities to people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities since 1976 and has an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and experience of working with groups, as well as specialist equipment and a fantastic team of qualified instructors.

We organise accessible activities including canoeing, abseiling, rock climbing, and an adventure course, as well as indoor climbing, a maze, and camping out. We will provide all the necessary specialist equipment, clothing and instruction to ensure you have a brilliant experience.

The Centre

The main Centre is listed and was developed from a series of old farm buildings. The walls are made from traditional local granite and have retained many of their original features. Also on site is Puddle Farm with goats, cows, chickens and Bruce, the farm cat. This small working farm forms the basis of some of the Centre’s day activities.

Adventure Activities Licence

Vitalise Churchtown holds an Adventure Activities Licence and has been inspected by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). Registration number R0039. The Licence can be viewed on the AALA website.

The licence covers the following activities:

• Open canoeing
• Rock climbing
• Abseiling
• Hill walking
• Mountaineering

Risk Assessment

Vitalise Churchtown carries out risk assessments for all activities. Activity staff complete risk assessments for all aspects of the activity being undertaken including lighting a fire on overnight camps and transport to activity location. All Activity staff dynamically risk assess on each activity.

Staff

Activity staff hold relevant National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications or have appropriate and ongoing training. Bodies include the British Canoe Union, Mountain Leader Training England, Grand National Archery Society, and Royal Yachting Association. All Activity staff have up to date training in First Aid.

Insurance

All groups must have relevant insurance to cover their stay. Vitalise Churchtown has public liability insurance.

Equipment

All equipment provided is fit for purpose and regularly checked and serviced as required under the AALA Licence. In addition, all equipment conforms to standards set by the relevant governing body.

Child Protection

Vitalise’s policy is consistent with good practice in child protection and enhanced Criminal Record Bureau checks are carried out on all staff.

Supervision

Vitalise Churchtown Centre staff work in partnership with visiting group leaders to ensure appropriate supervision of groups. Group leaders remain responsible for supervision at all times, with Activity staff supervising activities.