Co-Workers FAQ

Why Join The Lantern Community?

The Lantern, as all other Camphill Communities, has a long tradition of welcoming people from all over the world who wish to spend one, two or more years as co-workers in one of our communities. For some this may be a step into a longer-term commitment to this work and life; for others it will be a more short-term, life-enriching experience. You may be looking for an opportunity during a gap year; following your period of professional training but before you embark on your career path; or you may be looking for a new direction, task and life-style later on in life. If you receive an offer from several communities in reply to your application, please ensure that you inform all of them about your decision. Once we invite you and you confirm your acceptance, we will be counting on you to come.

At What Age Can I Be a Co-Worker?

The nature of the work and responsibilities demands a certain level of maturity. In consequence we consider people of at least 19 years of age. Is It Possible to Work for a Short Time in the Lantern Community? Yes. However, we would prefer you to commit yourself to working here for 6 to 12 months. It is not normally possible to work only during holidays or at weekends. Camphill life is potentially an intensive experience of learning, personal growth and discovering one’s own strengths, as well as developing understanding and supportive relationships with those we live and work alongside. This acclimatisation and 'finding one’s place' can take time.

If I Am Taken On as a Co-Worker Will I Be Expected to Live in The Community?

Yes. You will be given a room of your own, have your meals as a member of the household and be supplied with the basic necessities for living. Everyone in the household shares the same facilities and daily life. The Lantern also has two house communities in the town of Ringwood that also need co-worker support. As a co-worker you will also take part in the weekly house meetings and other regular meetings to discuss aspects of community life. Your sharing in these meetings is considered an important part of your life in Camphill.

Do I Have to Be a Practising Christian to Work in Camphill?

No. However, life in Camphill is lived according to Christian principles and the Christian festivals are celebrated. There are regular nondenominational services of worship. It is hoped that those of different persuasions will respect this aspect of Camphill life.

Do I Have to Be Able to Speak English Well?

Many of the people with special needs in Camphill are not able to communicate well in spoken language. This can lead to frustration for them. Co-workers need to be able to help by speaking with them to try to understand their needs and to help them overcome their frustration. You will, therefore, need to be able to speak English reasonably well.

What Kind of Work Would I Be Expected To Do?

Following initial induction, you will be asked to provide support in a variety of forms. You may help those who are unable to do so with their own personal hygiene, care of their possessions, mealtimes, recreational activities and their participation in the daily work routine. You may also be asked to cook, clean, and work in the garden or workshop as part of your contribution to the work of the community. A regular weekly programme will be made for you to follow.

Do I Need Any Qualifications to Be a Co-Worker?

Initially, you do not need any qualifications to be accepted. Human capabilities and qualities are very important, as well as flexibility, a sense of humour, and patience. What you will need is an open heart and mind, stamina, and a willingness to respond to the needs of others, at any time.

What Training is Available?

New co-workers take part in a weekly Induction Programme as well as a Foundation Course. The Lantern Community works within a framework of Government regulations that brings a high degree of accountability and responsibility for all co-workers. The Induction Programme ensures that all new volunteers and co-workers acquire the necessary awareness and skills and can meet these obligations. The Foundation Course offers theoretical and practical insights into the spiritual, psychological, social and therapeutic dimensions of our work, and their foundation in Rudolf Steiner’s insights of human development. Both Induction and Foundation Courses complement the practical experience gained through taking part in the daily life of the community. Co-workers who wish and are able to stay beyond a year have the opportunity to participate in more advanced courses offered by the British Camphill region and public bodies, as well as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) at different levels.

Will I Be Paid?

You will receive free accommodation, food and an allowance that will cover reasonable expenses.

Will My Travel Costs Be Met?

No. You will be expected to come with a valid return ticket or enough money to pay for your return journey home.

What About Social Life?

You will have one day off each week in which you are free to follow your own interests. You will also be able to take part fully in the social life of the community. The drinking of alcohol in the community itself is not permitted and you must never be under the influence of alcohol when working. Only those drugs which have been prescribed for your use by your doctor are permitted.

What About Holidays?

You will be asked to have holidays during specified periods through the year, usually in the Autumn, Christmas, Easter and Summer. It is not generally possible to have holidays outside of these set periods. This is in order that the life of the community is maintained and that there is sufficient co-worker support for the house communities. Please be aware that the time of your holiday is not an individual choice and that any holiday requests need to be agreed with your house community, your workshops and the Lantern Community as a whole. Holidays are taken from either a Saturday to a Friday, or Sunday to a Saturday. Your personal holiday allowance is calculated according to the number of weeks that you have been with us in the Lantern Community. For each month of your stay you will be entitled to 3½ days holiday. In a full year this will amount to six weeks, or 42 days.

Do I Need a Visa?

If you are a citizen of a country outside the European Economic Area you will need a visa. In most cases this is a 'Volunteer visa' issued by the British Embassy or Consulate in your country. Valid visas must be obtained before travelling to the UK. The Lantern Community will not accept anyone arriving with a visitors visa. Currently visa applications are made using the form VAF1 2003 that can be downloaded from the Government website. The category used for Volunteer visa applications is 'Employment not requiring a Work Permit'. In Section 5.3 you should use the term 'Camphill Co-worker'. Once you have been accepted by The Lantern Community, we will send you further details that should help you with your visa application. UK entry clearance officers exercise a great deal of discretion and granting a visa is by no means automatic. Volunteer visas are limited to a maximum of 12 months. Visa extensions beyond 12 months have become difficult and rather rare.