Coming to live and/or work in a Camphill community is a life choice, not a placement. We work with people, often over an extended period, to make sure that they are making an informed and meaningful choice. For example many communities have trial periods where everyone can find out whether or not community life is right for a new person.
Beannachar is a wonderful place…This is my favourite place in the world.
quoted in Care Inspectorate report, Beannachar March 2020
The Camphill communities in Scotland are all slightly different, so the decision to join a community may involve the decision to move to a new area.
In communities, living and working alongside others, people come to understand how their choices impact on others. People in Camphill communities develop the skills to think of others as well as themselves when making choices, and learn to compromise. This stands them in very good stead in other situations. In Camphill shared living, everyone has choice/rights, but also responsibilities.
It is nice to have a student meeting, we are able to say what we feel and we are listened to.
quoted in Care Inspectorate report, Camphill School Aberdeen (Cairnlee) February 2020
Everyone was encouraged to give feedback, suggest changes or raise concerns. This contributed positively to students feeling valued and included….. people appeared to be resilient, have a strong sense of identity and an improved level of wellbeing.
Care Inspectorate report, Beannachar March 2020