CAMPHILL HOUSES, in the busy town of Stourbridge, assists adults with learning disabilities and other special needs with a supported living programme enabling individuals to find their directions in life and an appropriate degree of self-reliance.
We support community members in developing confidence and integrating into the life of the town. We help them find the home environment, training, work and social life that suit their needs.
Home environment
We have four community houses close to the centre of Stourbridge, and one just outside the town, where the households include community members with disabilities and our support co-workers and their families.
Those wanting greater independence can try parallel living in an individual or shared flat or house with support co-workers living next door. Others have independent accommodation, knowing that support is always available nearby. This might include visiting one of our community houses for a meal, help with money and budgeting, or whatever other support is needed.
We aim to achieve home environments which take account of each person’s special circumstances, where they can relax and be themselves, providing the confidence needed to manage in the world outside.
Education, training & work opportunities
Stourbridge has excellent facilities for education and training, and we support community members in developing the skills they need to express their individuality. These include key skills for independence such as numeracy, literacy, learning to cook and to do laundry, as well as gaining recognised qualifications.
While many aspire to full-time employment, most find that today’s job market is very difficult. So we have created two enterprises which involve resident community members, day placements and other vulnerable people. 
They help staff our successful Cockleshell Craft Centre in Worcester Street, where the public can try their hand at pottery painting either as an individual, family or group activity, as well as buy cards and other craft gift items. Just outside Stourbridge, our organic horticultural project at Ashfield Gardens provides opportunities for training and work experience, growing quality produce for sale through an organic food company.
Community members also work on a paid or voluntary basis with jobs including a school dinner assistant, day nursery assistants, carer for elderly people, charity shop assistants and clinic catering assistant. There is also domestic and maintenance work within our own properties.
Social and cultural life
For those living in the town, the shops, cinema, library, churches, cafes and pubs are all within walking distance. Some community members are involved in local groups, such as photography, rambling, folk dancing and drama, while those who are older can enjoy meeting their contemporaries at Age Concern lunches and other activities.
The leisure centre offers archery, swimming, yoga and snooker, and some community members regularly enjoy horse riding.
Further afield there Birmingham and Worcester, and there are plenty of venues in the surrounding area for day trips. Many in our community are members of the various churches in Stourbridge and we get together regularly as a community for our own celebrations of the Christian festivals.
Volunteering opportunities
To find out more about opportunities for volunteers, click here.
Contact
Camphill Houses Stourbridge, 19 South Road,
Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 3YA.
Telephone: 01384 441505 Fax: 01384 372122
Contact us by email
