volunteers - Befrienders group
Do you enjoy doing some or all of the following activities; playing Uno, Dominoes, Snakes and Ladders, drawing , writing , reading stories with others, jigsaw puzzles or sudoku etc.
If you do enjoy activities like these then can you spare a couple of hours a week on a Thursday morning from 9am until 11am to help others to learn and enjoy such activities with the befrienders and with each other. (Please note that Befrienders volunteering is not the same as our co-worker volunteering. Accommodation is not provided, and casual volunteers do not live in the Lantern Community).
For more information and a volunteer application form please contact Lorena Roldan King on 01425 460206.
VOLUNTEERS - GAP YEAR
Short-term Co-workers
The Lantern Community is a registered charity that has a long-established history of creating community and enriching the lives of its beneficiaries through the involvement of international and local volunteers. The volunteers live in the community alongside adults with learning disabilities. They provide companionship and support to our residents (Companions) with day activities, as well as social and cultural life to help them live an active, meaningful and purposeful life as best as they are able to.
Their volunteer services are above and beyond the core support work carried out by the employed skilled and experienced workforce. Live-in volunteers (co-workers) do not fill a temporary or permanent employed position.
Should you come to the Lantern Community you will join a group of people who have chosen to support each other in the activity of “Life sharing”. This is an all-embracing description which brings together many layers of community living.
The role of a co-worker begins internally, developing an inner attitude, and experience within where we feel our connection to humanity. It is an attitude that radiates from the person, offering the recognition of the other, and an assurance that the Companions have a fundamental right in a relationship to be treated with equality and respect.
A co-worker is not a “care worker” or a ‘support worker’, who is there mainly to respond to the material needs of the “client”.
A co-worker takes account of the soul life of those with whom they live and work, and tries to develop a relationship that, through empathy, establishes a human bond that:
● Trusts
● Encourages
● Supports
● Celebrates
● Empowers
To be a Short term Co-worker you must be a confident communicator who can encourage our companions of varying ages and abilities. Most importantly you must be a compassionate person who can work with vulnerable adults and be part of a team of others who share your interests.
The role requires the successful applicant to live in the Community, rent-free with all meals provided, and a small personal allowance.
For further information and an application form please contact: Burga Liddiard, The Lantern Community, Folly Farm Lane, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2NN, Email: burga@lanterncommunity.org.uk, Tel: 01425 460201
Watch the video created by Gap Year volunteers
Co-workers at the Lantern
Who are the Co-workers?
People who join the Community, for usually a year. Co-workers live in the Lantern Community homes and support the Companions. They receive free training, free board, meals and a weekly allowance. We offer approximately 18 short-term co-worker placements per year.
Are you interested in joining us as a Co-worker?
We are looking for individuals from all backgrounds and different cultures who would like an opportunity to join the community and experience what it offers.
We invite co worker volunteers to stay with us in the community for one year. You will live in the home of a group of adults with learning disabilities.
You will be part of a team of co-worker volunteers and experienced social care practitioners. No experience is necessary as we provide training in holistic social care and support you throughout your stay.
How to apply?
If you are energetic and have excellent English language skills, if you have a keen interest in home making in a Camphill Community setting and are willing to share your life with adults with learning disabilities and participate in our community and cultural life – come and join us!
Please see the attached documents for further information and application form.