OAKLANDS PARK is a busy rural community on the edge of the Forest of Dean. We offer opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and other special needs to live and work in delightful surroundings, where their contributions to the life of our community are valued.
Our life is based on the land on which we live and the recently developed cafe, art gallery, weaving studio and bookshop – The George – in the village of Newnham-on-Severn.
Home life
Our community of around 100 people includes about 50 with special needs. We offer supported living in a total of nine households with five of them in the converted Victorian mansion, which also houses a library, games room, meeting room, health centre, hall and coffee bar. In three households most of the accommodation is on the ground floor to provide easy access for those who are less mobile.
Those who manage our households are mostly couples with families, living with those they support.
Work, training and education
Our 150-acre farm, 8-acre market garden, wood workshop and The George provide our daily work. We have cattle, sheep, poultry, cereals and potatoes and grow vegetables, fruit and flowers for our own use and for an organic box scheme supplying fresh produce to around 80 local families. We follow biodynamic principles to produce quality food without chemicals and artificial fertilisers.
In addition to work and training for those with special needs, we offer apprenticeships in biodynamic agriculture and horticulture as part of Severn Valley Land Training. Our apprentices from Britain and abroad broaden our outlook and bring insights into different cultures.
Every day, members of our community go to Newnham to work in the cafe and weaving studio at The George. This new enterprise has been developed to increase our involvement the village and surrounding area. It opens up new choices by providing new ways of living, working and integrating with those who live around us.
Social and cultural life
Socialising is an important part of life, whether just visiting friends or taking part in organised activities. These include includes rounders, football and volleyball in the summer, our weekly coffee bar evening, film nights, and drama and music with our neighbours at the Grange Community. There’s swimming at the local pool, horse riding, the local gym, bike rides, walks and picnics. It is a pleasant walk into Newnham and we can get the bus to Gloucester, Lydney and Chepstow. Those who are more able help others in our Community by accompanying them.
Our spiritual life includes non-denominational services in our Christian Community church. And our whole community comes together to celebrate the Christian festivals, usually with music and drama productions.
Contact
Oaklands Park, Newnham-on-Severn, Gloucestershire GL14 1EF
Telephone: 01594 516551 Fax: 01594 516821
Contact us by email
