Having a Voice, Freedom of Choice

and Shared Responsibility

 

It is central to the ethos of Camphill St Albans that people are involved in a real way in decisions which affect their lives, both individually and communally. Camphill St Albans works continuously on its culture and structures to maximise the meaningful involvement of its beneficiaries in its decision making, visioning and development processes.

 

 

People are encouraged and supported to take their place independently within the wider community as friends, neighbours and citizens, while at the same time being able to rely on a secure network of support. They are supported to work towards individual aims and to cope with difficulties and challenges in their lives in their own way and in their own time.

 

Birthdays and other anniversaries are focal points for common celebration. People in Camphill St. Albans are very good at throwing parties. Barbecues and other common meals are always catered for with a great spread of delicious food.

 

 

 

 People are consistently supported to participate in activities of their choice.The city of St Albans and its close proximity to London provide ample scope for this. Many people participate, often as signed up members, in local gyms, drama club, chess club, dance classes, music groups, swimming sessions, choirs and a number of other activities according to individual interests. There are frequent visits to theatres, concerts and cinemas. The compact size of the city means that everything is easily accessible. The simple pleasures of visits to shops, cafés and pubs, cycling in the surrounding countryside or a walk in the park are all close at hand.

 

Once a week there is a meeting at which all supported people are able to take part in planning evening and weekend activities and deciding which advertised events they would like to attend. The regular Community Meetings can also include discussions about possible cultural and leisure activities. 

 

 

 

The cycle of the year is punctuated by the celebration of festivals, including the familar ones of Harvest, Advent, Christmas and Easter, but also less well-known ones such as St. John's at midsummer. These common celebrations usually include the performance of a short play with a relevant theme and many residents are always very keen to be involved.

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