DELROW COMMUNITY assists those with mental health problems, learning disabilities and other special needs to rediscover their self-confidence and find new directions in life.
We support adults of all ages in building new lives through education, therapies, counselling, and work. In addition to residential opportunities, we also provide day places for people living in the area.
Those coming to Delrow benefit from the regular rhythm to the daily, weekly, monthly and yearly life in our community. The celebration of the Christian festivals provides focal points in the different seasons of the year. Our interdependent Camphill community life helps people grow and develop by contributing what they can to the life of our community and supporting each other.
Homelife
The houses at Delrow include households and flats in Delrow House itself; purpose-built houses and apartments in the grounds; and houses and cottages in the adjacent lanes. All offer a comfortable home life, with everyone sharing in the everyday life of their household. The daily interactions between people at home and their interdependence helps to build confidence and social skills, assisting individuals towards an appropriate degree of independence.
Accommodation includes several small units providing opportunities to try a more self-reliant lifestyle while remaining within our community and benefiting from its support. This greater independence provides an important stepping-stone towards supported living elsewhere.
Weekly programme
The week at Delrow divides into two college days, three workshop days and weekends. Most residents attend the college, and each year a theme is followed through the year.
The college programme includes a morning lecture, eurythmy, speech, drama, painting, clay modelling, writing and music. Some community members also attend courses at nearby colleges to attain formal qualifications.
In our craft workshops, work is educational and therapeutic. It encourages learning new skills, working individually and with others and achieving goals. It gives a sense of belonging, with everything that each person does being valued by our community.
The workshops include basketry, needlecraft, pottery, woodwork and weaving.
Rose Court - a recent development - includes our pottery, bakery and community store. Bakery produce is freshly made for our households and our store provides groceries and household goods.
There is also land work - growing fruit, vegetables and flowers and maintaining a pleasing environment in which to live. We follow organic and biodynamic principles.
We also offer therapy programmes including art therapy, counselling, eurythmy, drama, massage and speech therapy.
Social and cultural life
A busy and varied social and cultural life is an important part of our provision. Activities are organised for groups and our whole community. They include music, dancing, social evenings, films and videos. Our magnificent hall means musicians and actors are always willing to perform here and our situation on the outskirts of London gives us easy access to its cultural activities.
Each year, almost everyone in our community is involved in drama or musical productions, bringing hidden talents to the fore and building confidence. Individuals are also encouraged to pursue and develop their own interests and be involved in the local community.
Contact
Delrow College, Hilfield Lane, Aldenham, Watford, Herts WD25 8DJ.
Telephone: 01923 856006 Fax: 01923 858035
Contact us by email
