Our Home Life
LIFE IN THE HOUSES
We create a ‘sense of belonging’
The Lantern Community consists of 12 houses varying from a two-hundred year-old cottage to modern refurbished properties with their households ranging in size from two to eight people. In each house, home life is shared, with everyone contributing and taking their part. We all recognise that our home is central to our lives in giving security, a sense of belonging and companionship. The Lantern Community is home for 53 individuals, all of whom have diverse learning abilities joined by over 100 employees, more than 30 volunteers from the local area and also 20 young volunteers from overseas working daily to make the Community what it is.
The Houses
The houses are within easy and safe walking distance of each other, and are linked together by beautiful, communal green spaces. Social interaction is enhanced through the natural process of the interchange of invitations to share meals and visits to friends on social occasions.
In each house, there are supporters, Co-Workers (volunteers who reside in the house), Companions (residents) living, and working together to create a life sharing community in its own right. This creative activity of living together helps to build a trusting and caring environment. Companions have their own room, which allows for personal privacy.
Each person is supported in their domestic needs and encouraged to contribute and take responsibility for their home. Great emphasis is placed on interdependence; each individual contributing with the best of their abilities for the good of the whole house community.
Tenancy Agreement
Those Companions who live on the Lantern estate have tenancies, which are managed by East Boro Housing Trust. Following a trial period, the majority of Companions hold Assured Tenancies, reflecting their long-term involvement in the community and their right to reside here. The Lantern Community offers suitable care and support to enable Companions to live in their own home and to be involved in the community but tenants who live on the estate are free to choose alternative service providers if they wish.
“The attention to detail and a strong sense of rhythm is an important aspect of our homes, allowing the creativity of choice so that the individuality of all community members is expressed within a shared living space”
Personal Care Services | Locations (Neighbourhoods) |
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The Lantern Community offers Personal Care and Support services to people who live in or near The Lantern Community Estate or who use the Day Services on the estate.
Please see our Statement of Purpose for Personal Care Services for the variety of care and support we can provide.
The Lantern Community currently holds a certificate of registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the regulated activity ‘personal care’. The Lantern Community has two Locations on site, each with its own registered manager and support team. This ensures that companions can speak directly to the registered manager for their Location and that the care and support teams remain small enough to develop close relationships with everyone in their neighbourhood.
Phoenix Neighbourhood
The Phoenix Location is home to adults with varying support needs, who live in 6 houses.
Our focus is to maintain and improve skills and activities of daily living in a safe and caring environment.
All members of Team Phoenix, both companions and supporters, are treated with dignity and mutual respect and we have a good camaraderie and ethos of inclusivity.
Four Meadows Neighbourhood
The Four Meadows Location consists of 6 houses, and adults with support needs share their homes with 2 or 3 live-in volunteer support workers in each house. Others join the houses during the day to provide and coordinate support and assist life-sharing in the houses. We believe everyone’s contribution is valued, so all have tasks and responsibilities in the house and the Community. We have a strong work ethic, but we also have time for lots of fun together.
