Work in the communities is varied and purposeful. It can involve making tables and other woodwork, baking bread and cakes, packing and delivering firewood, helping to make and pack cheese, making jewellery and toys, growing vegetables and fruit, working in shops and cafes, weaving and painting. It can also include more mundane but equally important activities such as helping to cook, clean and otherwise look after the shared houses and social spaces.
Each community will offer different forms of work depending on the skills and resources available. All members of the community are expected to make a contribution and they develop confidence and self-esteem accordingly.
I am kept busy, I have responsibilities living as part of the community. I get to do things that I maybe wouldn’t anywhere else.
quoted in Care Inspectorate report, Beannachar March 2020
I like making things, and we sell them in the shop.
quoted in Care Inspectorate report, Corbenic 2018
Emotionally, people feel secure in a community where they feel they belong and where they feel they are making a contribution. Meaningful work is very important to everyone, and for us work is not restricted to paid employment. Knowing that what you do matters to/is valued by the community contributes greatly to your sense of belonging, but also your own self-worth.
…enjoys the work she undertakes and is fulfilled and empowered by this work
quoted in Care Inspectorate report, Loch Arthur 2020
Everyone has an important role to play in the life of the community and each person in Camphill, regardless of their ability level, is encouraged to fulfil their potential. That is part of the reason why people love to come and work at Camphill.
I am good with the cows.
quoted in Care Inspectorate report, Loch Arthur 2018
