Camphill St. Albans is an integrated urban community providing support and a thriving social network for over 20 adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems. We encourage independence in the wider community while offering a secure network of support that our community members can rely upon.
People are supported in working towards individual aims and coping with challenges in their lives in their own way and in their own time, whilst building relationships of mutual help, recognising each other's unique qualities and supporting each other.
We have become firmly established as an integral part of our local community and we work actively to promote community values, with close and ever growing links with the people of the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Camphill St Albans is a bridge from isolation to togetherness and we are committed to supporting individuals in all their needs - practical, social and spiritual. We support residents' participation in the shaping of our community, encouraging the expression of wishes and aspirations and allowing them to lead the way in determining the nature and direction of our community.
Accommodation and Support
All accommodation is close to the centre of St. Albans. We have two houses for shared living in small groups and a number of smaller houses and apartments for couples and single occupants. The type of accommodation offered is based on individual needs and wishes and it is possible to move from one type to another if needs change. Members of the co-worker support team are always close by, either living in the group houses or in neighbouring houses and flats, allowing residents to feel secure.
Each resident has a comprehensive personal plan to ensure appropriate support for their needs including housekeeping, menu planning, shopping, cooking, budgeting, keeping healthy, managing medication, social and leisure activities. The emphasis is on working towards greater independence in all life skills.
In the group houses all those who live there share responsibility for maintaining the household, with support from others.
We work closely with the local Community Learning Disabilities Team and Community Mental Health Team to ensure people's needs are fully met. From autumn 2009 we aim to be registered as a Domiciliary Care Agency.
Learning to Work
We provide a range of work and training opportunities including an art and design studio, weaving, glass and ceramics workshops. We run the Apt Creations Gallery with Café Apt and the Apt Boutique in the city centre, and our community gardening team maintains the gardens around our properties and offers a service to private customers. Day opportunities are available for non residents and we can support people seeking work experience in local businesses. 
We believe that a regular rhythm of meaningful work has a central place in everyone's life. Through our different work environments our residents develop greater confidence and self assurance in knowing that their work is recognised as a valuable contribution to the life of the community around them.
Read more about Apt Creations and social life at Camphill St Albans