How your donations are changing lives
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Camphill Village Trust has been able to fund life-changing initiatives that support our community members. We again extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous and loyal supporters who have enabled us to raise an incredible £5.5m in 2023/24.
How we use your money to help the people we support
Donations and fundraised income help us to cover the full costs of providing our Green Care Programme of nature-based day activities. Local authority funding does not cover the cost of providing a life full of opportunity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters so that people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health problems can gain new experiences, grow in confidence and discover how they can make a difference in the world.
Charitable income is also used to fund our co-production work, enabling people we support to take control of their own life of opportunity and have their say in how our communities are run.
“I am happy to support the Trust because I feel my donations are put to excellent use.”
Our stories
See how your donations allow us to provide meaningful activities and nature-based opportunities to the people we support and how this impacts their lives...
Jenny's journey
Jenny, who has autism, moved into our Taurus Crafts community in Gloucestershire and has been with us for 20 years. Initially, she found schedules and making connections difficult. However, with the right support, Jenny was able to participate in meaningful work and embrace her passion for nature.
As a volunteer gardener at Taurus Crafts, Jenny gained daily access to nature, improving her mental and physical health, confidence, and wellbeing. Her work in the gardens has allowed her to develop personal skills and connect socially with others, transforming her life much like the gardens she tends.
“You have come into my life and have inspired me. You have encouraged me to explore and do more.” - Jenny, Taurus Crafts community
Alice's journey
Alice is one of the people we support in our Delrow community. She has been part of the Trust family for over four years now, regularly attending music sessions and benefitting from our beautiful, tranquil outdoor spaces.
Alice has a visual impairment, communicates non-verbally and uses a wheelchair, but her loved ones have seen the difference being able to access opportunities has made for Alice.
The opportunity to attend regular music sessions, which allow people to express emotions through rhythm, tone, and volume, has resulted in real improvement in Alice’s wellbeing and confidence too.
"From being someone who didn't enjoy socialising, that's now what Alice enjoys the most!"- Alice's mum
Sandra's journey
Sandra has been supported by the Trust for over 20 years and has been a familiar face at Ashfield Gardens in our Stourbridge community for the last five years. But she is still learning new skills and pushing herself to try new things.
Our work has always been rooted in nature, and the immersive environment of our social farms and gardens empowers individuals to care for both their own well-being and the world around them.
For Sandra, this connection with nature is transformative. Through her time at Ashfield Gardens, she’s found a space where she feels more connected to herself and the environment.
“I look forward to coming to Ashfield Gardens – to seeing the animals and being outside in the fresh air.” - Sandra, Stourbridge community
Being in a nurturing, outdoor setting has helped Sandra improve her overall health. Spending time with animals and engaging in gardening activities allows her to relax, de-stress, and stay active.
Esther's journey
Esther attends the cookery classes at Taurus Crafts and the support she’s received has been life changing. She’s gained confidence and skills she never thought possible.
“I wasn’t very confident before I first came here,” Esther shares, “but now I can make lovely meals, and things like pastry from scratch. I feel really proud of myself!” - Esther, Taurus Crafts
With the support of her tutor Amanda, Esther has thrived in a small, supportive group setting where she knows help is always available when she needs it. “Amanda’s a great teacher – friendly, helpful, and encouraging,” Esther adds.
We understand that people with a learning disability need extra time and the right support to learn new skills. That’s why we created Severnside Skills, a vocational training facility at our Taurus Crafts centre in Gloucester. Here, individuals can develop practical skills in customer service and food hygiene, working through accredited units at their own pace with the help of dedicated tutors who understand their unique needs.
Oliver's journey
Oliver has always been passionate about food and cooking. However, a mainstream course wouldn’t have allowed him to reach his full potential—it would have caused him severe anxiety, and he's certainly not alone in facing such challenges. Oliver is one of the people we support in our Taurus Crafts community and attended our Severnside Skills training facility.
Through the support and tailored guidance he receives at Severnside Skills, Oliver was able to achieve his AQA in catering. Since graduating, he has become a paid member of staff on the Food Prep team in the cafe at Taurus Crafts and is employed as a Retail Assistant in the Gift Store. He really showed everyone how far he's come with a cooking demo at the Forest Showcase Food Festival last year! With Severnside Skills’ support, Oliver was able to take the next steps toward fulfilling his ambitions in the culinary world.
"I feel like Severnside Skills has opened doors and I am now a fully paid member of staff at Taurus Crafts. It means I can hopefully become a chef, which has been my dream for 16 years. I'm boldly going where I haven't gone before!" - Oliver, Taurus Crafts
“I’ve supported the Trust for lots of years and have always been impressed by the love and care that motivates you, and the practicality of all you do.”
Co-production for a life of opportunity
Our co-production initiatives empower the people we support to take control of their own lives and actively shape their communities. By involving them in decision-making and offering opportunities for personal development, we ensure that the individuals we support have a voice in how our communities are run. This collaborative approach encourages independence, builds confidence, and helps create a life of opportunity tailored to their unique aspirations and needs.
We have six Life of Opportunity reviewers, who live in or are supported by our communities, that have joined our Co-production team as paid members of staff.
“[The life of opportunity reviewers] bring so much enthusiasm, visiting each other’s communities using their skills, insight and experience to help the Trust support every single person to have a life packed with opportunity.” - Phil, Co-production manager
Your support matters
These are just some examples of how you are helping to transform lives for people in our communities. You are helping people like Oliver, Alice, Sandra, Jenny, Esther, and many more, by providing the right tools, guidance, and a nurturing environment. You are helping individuals gain the confidence and skills they need to lead more independent, fulfilling lives. Together, we’re opening doors to new opportunities and brighter futures. Thank you.
“Everything to do with being a supporter is well managed. The staff I speak to are always helpful and friendly.”
