People, interested to join Camphill and work and live in a Camphill Community call themselves Co-worker. However, there is often a variety of life experience, qualifications, commitment and the ability to carry responsibilities. Therefore, in a Camphill Community, live and work so called Co-workers (often in the age group around 20) and House-coordinators side by side and contribute to the well-being of the community according to their abilities.

If you are interested in volunteering, we suggest that you read this information and then contact us. We will then send you an application form.

Co-worker information

Living Together

You will be part of a "house community", where you will live together with adults with special needs, long-term co-workers (so called House-coordinators) and their children. During the week, you will help in the house or workshop, or on the land and you will be asked to contribute to the community in a variety of ways. Everyone is expected to share the necessary cooking, cleaning and house tasks in their own house community. During the weekend, you will spend time together with your house community both at home and going for outings. Participation in community activities such as festivals, concerts, activity groups, events and talks
in the hall also constitute an important part
of your experience with us.

• To have a genuine interest in living with people with special needs.
• To be able to cope with long working hours and challenges.
• To be tolerant and flexible.
• To show an active interest in overcoming difficulties in yourself as well as others.
• To be able to work in a team as well as independently.
• To be able to communicate in English.
• To be open-minded and accept guidance.
• To be enthusiastic and willing to learn

The work is done on a voluntary basis and co-workers receive board, lodging and pocket money (about £80 a month). A basic principal of the community is that no one is paid for their work- each person gives the benefit of their work to the community and the community in return meets their needs. Co-workers are responsible for their fares to and from Mourne Grange.

Workshops

The needs of the community will determine where you will be asked to work. Some individual preferences can be catered for but it is part of the Camphill approach to do what is needed.
See also workshop info.

Length of stay

Our greatest needs are for these people who can come for a year or longer. This provides stability, continuity, and security for our residents. It also enables you to experience how life in Mourne Grange changes with the seasons and festivals and gives you an opportunity to become more deeply involved and take responsibility in the workplace and house.

Free time

Co-workers have one free day a week and are asked to be available at all other times, according to a reasonable daily routine and the needs of the individual house community. There are many different things to do on your day off - going to Belfast, Dublin or other towns in the nearer surrounding. As we are situated in a lovely rural area, these outings depend also on the available bus-connections. Walking in the Mountains or going to the beach have proved to be popular. In the shared life of the community, we are dependent upon each other in many ways- so holidays have to be arranged in agreement with those you live and work with. The Community provides also a Computer for the young co-worker.

Foundation course

All new co-workers attend the Induction and Foundation courses. These offer a better understanding of our way of life and the wider aspects of Anthroposophy, the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, on which the ethos of Camphill is based. The course will also teach you the skills you need to take care of the residents.
A very important aspect of our Community is our Spiritual and Cultural life. We do not encourage the use of televisions, but evenings and weekends are full of different activities. Everyone is encouraged to be in a play, join the choir or band, show a film, or help to lead arts and crafts or sporting activities.

Health Needs

Basic health needs and emergency treatment for co-workers are covered by the National Health Service but there is no pension scheme. Please have a dental check up, get new glasses, and see to any other medical needs before your arrival. If you are an E.U. citizen, please obtain the form from your country, which allows you reciprocal medical treatment if you are coming for two months or less. As part of your application we will need to be informed of any physical or mental, health problems, any police record and if you have a current or previous problem related to drugs or alcohol. We will also need names of two people you have known for at least two years or more. They should not be family members or intimate friends. We will contact them for references regarding your character and your work or school experiences.

Challenge or "Real life Experience"

When you are here, you will be part of a group of people attempting to live a very special kind of community life. There are many nationalities; people with various qualities, strengths as well as problems and weaknesses. It is not an easy life. You will be busy throughout the day and some evenings as well; the new challenges can be intense and demanding. Most people who come find that as well as struggles and failures they meet interesting and rewarding experiences, learn skills and grow within themselves. However, as hard as it sounds, our life here is in many ways very fulfilling.
Camphill is a Christian community based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner. This does not mean that you need to be a practising Christian, or have knowledge of Anthroposophy. What we ask is that you come with an open heart and mind and a willingness to understand that life in a community needs some considerable give and take to create a harmonious wholeness. This means accompanying our residents to services, taking part in the festivals and participating in the daily and weekly household observances. With enthusiasm and humour, we can all learn a great deal from each other and from life together, resulting not in a certificate, but a real life experience!

House-Coordinator

For everyone, interested in becoming a House-Coordinator apply the same ideas as stated above. As the group of people, committing themselves for a longer period of time and carrying more responsibility for the wellbeing of the whole Community, House-Coordinators are expected to be responsible for:

• The running of a House community and/or a Workshop according to the needs of the Community.
• Upholding the aims, principles and standards of Camphill Community Mourne Grange as agreed by the group of long term co-workers.
• The safety and well-being of everyone in the Community.
• The physical and emotional health, as well as the spiritual integrity of the residents.
• To improve skills and attend trainings and to have a genuine interest and openness for Anthroposophy.
• To understand and accept, that we are a Christian based Community.
• To work with the present legislations …

Some House communities are run by a couple, living together with their children under one roof with residents and one or two young Co-workers, others are run by a single House-Coordinator or a couple without children.
If you wish to live in our Camphill Community as a House-Coordinator, please contact us.