Welcome to Beannachar's Web Site
A Camphill Community providing Training for Young Adults with Special Needs
(Last updated April 2008)
A Day at Beannachar
A video by Martin Saalfrank and Micheal Traub
FOR DAY, AS WELL AS RESIDENTIAL CARE STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
We are looking for individuals and families to join us and to help carry the community into the future.
Specifically, our current needs are for:
1. A gardener to run our bio-dynamic garden, growing vegetables, fruit, flowers and herbs, together with a team of co-workers and students.
2. A workshop leader for our communal laundry, leading a team of students together with a co-worker.
3. House co-ordinators to take responsibility for one of our house communities.
PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ELISABETH PHETHEAN
ON 01224 869138 OR BY E-MAIL (SEE CONTACTS)
Don't go without checking out our Picture Gallery
Our aim is to create a therapeutic integrated environment, within which the young person can find the support and guidance they need to develop their full potential in maturing from adolescence to adulthood.
Beannachar is situated in countryside on the edge of Aberdeen, two miles from the city centre. There is a large 19th century house, comprising two house communities (Sycamore and Silver Birch) and a purpose-built house, Rose. Further buildings provide workshops for weaving, wood work, candle making, laundry and herb processing, and also additional co-worker accommodation (Rowan and Juniper). A large walled garden, a small farm, a playing field and extensive woodland make up the thirty acres of ground.
We are a community of approximately 70 people: 22 students (residents, who are usually between 17 and 30 years old and stay for periods of between 2 and 10 years); 10 day students, 15 long-term co-workers & employees; 12 shorter-term co-workers and 10 children. Some of the employed people help to run the houses.
Anthroposophy, as pioneered by Rudolf Steiner, serves as a source of constant
inspiration in the way in which we try to live and work together. It provides
a foundation for the care taken in every aspect of our common life, in our
mutual relationships and in our environment. It helps us to perceive each member
of the community, in every situation and in every encounter, as an individual
on a path of learning, and at the same time to recognise and respect that
person's freedom, dignity and right to choose. The concern for individual
development is balanced by an understanding of the needs and rights of
other members, and of the possibilities of the community as a whole.
By balancing the elements of work, home life, personal development, social and cultural interaction within Beannachar and in the local surroundings, we attempt to live a meaningful, wholesome and fulfilling life together. The rhythms of the day, the week and the year alternate times of rest with activity, quieter times with high moments, and this can be seen to provide meaning and a sense of security for all members of the community.
Mission Statement of the Association of Camphill Communities
The Camphill movement, which was founded in 1940, works to create communities in which vulnerable children and adults, many with learning disabilities, can live, learn and work with others in healthy social relationships based on mutual care and respect. Camphill is inspired by Christian-based ideals as articulated by Rudolf Steiner, and is based on the acceptance of the spiritual uniqueness of each human being, regardless of disability or religious or racial background.
More information here: What is Camphill?
For contact details see contacts
Herb Workshop
The Beannachar Herb Workshop creates a variety of herbal Anthroposophical products from herbs grown in our organic biodynamic herb garden.
If you are interested in obtaining details of our lotions, ointments, creams, tinctures, elixirs or herbal teas please contact Richard by following this link contacts or phone or fax at 01224 869251.
For more information, click on the link below:
Herb Workshop
Beannachar Camphill Community
South Deeside Road
Banchory-Devenick,
Aberdeen, AB12 5YL
Beannachar is a member of the Association of Camphill Communities