"You’re not just funding cooking classes – you’re opening doors, building confidence, and giving people with learning disabilities the chance to shine."
Clare Bond, Vocational Learning and Development Manager
From nervous to 'superstar' – how Henry found his confidence
The smell of cooked biscuits wafts through our Severnside Skills Kitchen as Henry, one of our trainees, carefully assembles his star shaped cookies.
Just a few months ago, he was shy and nervous about even holding a knife. Now, he proudly calls himself the “biggest superstar… ready for action.” He’s found joy in preparing food, working in the café, and being part of a team -he recently also helped us cater for the 30th anniversary celebration at Taurus Crafts.
Your donation today could help someone like Henry gain independence, self-belief, and even take their first steps towards employment.
More than learning – it’s about belonging
Ceri, who is deaf and autistic, joined us just nine months ago. She calls the Trust her “second home.”
At first, she found things challenging – but now, she beams with pride as she shows off her vegetable patch at Helios House. Every week, she cooks with her home-grown produce, and her dad tells us she’s “calmer, happier and more confident than ever.”
With your help, more people like Ceri can grow their skills, confidence and sense of pride.
Real skills. Real impact.
Howard just recently graduated with us at Severnside Skills. His biggest achievement? Learning how to organise himself.
Now, he volunteers in charity shops and cafés, keeps ingredient spreadsheets updated for our Jam Clan, and tells us, “Camphill Village Trust help a lot of people, and that seems worth maintaining.”
Your donation could help someone like Howard develop life skills that lead to real opportunities.
Why your gift matters
Our “campus of opportunity” provides tailored, practical learning for people with learning disabilities and autism – from knife safety to job coaching, customer service to growing veg from seed.
It can be difficult for people with special educational needs to find practical learning opportunities that are accessible and tailored to them, especially for those who are over the age of 25. It’s heartbreaking to see people ready and eager to learn turned away simply because of age or circumstance.
Your donation will:
- - Support training and life skills for people
- - Grow our bursary fund to help people who can’t afford to pay
- - Create lasting impact through meaningful work and personal pride
Together, we can build confidence and open doors.
When we see Henry grinning in the kitchen or Ceri handing over her freshly picked tomatoes, we’re reminded just how powerful this work is.