Calvin’s day begins at home. Just after 9am, Eve arrives and they head out together to the local leisure centre, a place Calvin knows well and enjoys.
Calvin* is 19 and in his second year at No Limits. He doesn’t use many spoken words, but he’s clear about what he wants and how he feels. He often types sentences on his iPad, though today he doesn’t need it. He moves confidently between the exercise machines, focused and relaxed.
It feels amazing, he says.
The gym staff know Calvin and greet him warmly when he arrives. He pays for his session himself and gets straight on with his workout. He’s been coming here for a while now, which has helped in building his confidence. Calvin is working towards group sessions, spending time alongside others, and developing his road safety skills.
Staying active matters to Calvin, and so does learning. The gym naturally brings both together – from counting reps, to checking times, reading signs, and choosing equipment – it all builds confidence with numbers, words, and everyday decisions. Calvin also has ARFID, and as part of his time at No Limits, he’s gently supported to explore new smells and foods, always at his own pace.
Back at the No Limits site in Great Holm, Calvin settles into the rest of his day. Since starting here, his confidence has grown. He asks more questions now and is more open to trying things with others around him. One of the biggest steps has been joining a shared sensory group with other learners, which hadn’t felt possible before.
That confidence has carried into home life as well. When Calvin’s mum and sister joined a board games session on site, something shifted. They enjoyed it so much they took the games home, and now play together regularly. His mum shared that it was the first time Calvin had truly joined in with family games.
His world has widened in other ways as well. Calvin now feels comfortable getting out of the car at places like Woburn, using a drive-through, and sitting down to eat lunch. Before, staying in the car felt like the safest option.
Eve has been part of Calvin’s No Limits journey for several years. Alongside her role as a Community Teaching Facilitator, she also runs her own salon, splitting her week between the two. That calm, steady approach shows in the way she supports Calvin.
Later in the morning, we spend some time with Stuart, a new learner at No Limits. He’s in the kitchen with Neil, his Community Teaching Facilitator, cooking enchiladas. Stuart is 19 and joined feeling anxious. Today, he’s focused, settled, and absorbed in what he’s doing. While the food cooks, he works towards his own goals, with support close by when he needs it.
Behind the scenes, the team of Programme Coordinators keeps everything moving. They juggle safeguarding, assessments, planning and communication with families and professionals. Teaching, supervision and observation happen throughout the day, alongside EHCP work and preparation for next steps. Some learners live at home, others in supported living, and the team supports people when they’re ready to move into their own place.
In the afternoon, an arts session brings a mix of learners together. Some already know each other; others are still finding their feet. They’re working towards a Christmas scene, each contributing in their own way. Some paint indoors, chatting as they go. Others take their crafts outside, enjoying the space. Calvin chooses how he wants to be involved. Later, a quieter group uses the room differently, and Calvin moves comfortably between moments of focus and enjoyment.
Learning Pathways at No Limits
Every learner at No Limits follows a pathway shaped around their own goals and ambitions:
- Onwards to Engagement
- Onwards to Independence
- Onwards to Employment
- Onwards to Further Education
No two journeys look the same. For Calvin, that pathway includes building confidence in the community, feeling comfortable trying new experiences, and taking small but meaningful steps towards greater independence. Each learner’s pathway is personal, flexible, and designed to move at a pace that feels right for them.
At 4pm, Eve takes Calvin home. It’s been a full day, made up of ordinary moments, done well.
*Names changed
