Communities with People with Learning Disabilities

  England

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 3-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: any time

Description: If joining one of the Schools or Further Education Communities, you will be assisting a small number of children or adolescents in all aspects of their educational, social and recreational life. In an adult community you would typically be partnering the person with special needs in a practical work area (land work, craft production, shop etc). In any type of community you will be part of an extended house community and carrying responsibility for domestic tasks, and help shape the social and recreational life of the community. You may run evening activities, carry some administrative tasks and contribute to the fabric of human relationships that make up the community. In virtually all Camphill Communities you will meet and work alongside an international group of volunteers.

Qualifications: You must have an interest in working and learning with people with learning disabilities. You need good conversational English. We will provide induction and training.

Cost in US$: 0

Salary / Pay: Volunteers will receive free board and accommodation and a modest personal allowance. The latter will cover personal incidental expenses. You will be responsible for your return travel costs to and from the project.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Gap-Year students interested in developing practical and interpersonal skills, personal growth and supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable people; young people having completed their studies or training, seeking time out before embarking on their career path; mature people, often professionals with family looking for a new challenge and commitment in life with a strong practical, social and inspirational bend.

Age Range: 18-60

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to England Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Written Application

Camphill Communities in the United Kingdom's Mission Statement: Camphill Communities - 20 in England, 2 in Wales, 15 in Scotland and 3 in Northern Ireland - are dedicated to social renewal through community building with children, youths, and adults with developmental disabilities. Camphill aspires to discover, support and enhance the potential and meaningful contribution of each person and encourages each person to master his or her own life in the context of family, community, and society, emphasizing both independence and interdependence. Camphill fosters and supports lively, viable communities that celebrate the individual and make educational, social, cultural, and environmental contributions to society. It is guided by the social, cultural and economic principles of the international Camphill movement founded by Dr. Karl Koenig, and is based on Anthroposophy, inspired by Rudolf Steiner Ph.D., a world-view which embraces a spiritual understanding of the human being and the universe.

Year Founded: 1940

Camphill Communities in the United Kingdom is a Non-denominational Christian based organization. We do require our participants to be of the same faith. Our volunteers will not be involved in religious proselytizing.