Community celebrates a landmark (From Gazette & Herald)

Community celebrates a landmark

A MALTON organisation supporting adults with learning disabilities and other special needs has celebrated its 30th birthday.

Malton's Croft Community has been helping to integrate people with learning disabilities into town life since 1976.

To celebrate the community's continuing success it held a special gathering of community members, friends and supporters at the weekend.

The Croft is one of 11 communities which make up the Camphill Village Trust, a national charity dedicated to improving the opportunities offered by society for adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems and other special needs. It takes its name from The Croft, in Old Malton, which was the first house to be acquired by the community. Since then it has expanded to include six households in different areas of Malton, Old Malton and Norton.

Today, 32 adults with learning disabilities are supported by The Croft Community. They share their home life, work life and social life with the community's support co-workers who carry the responsibility for the households and workplaces.

"As a Camphill centre, our community life is based on mutual support and respect," explained support co-worker Andy Paton. "All members of the community contribute in whatever way they can and receive the support they need in their daily lives and in expanding horizons and taking new steps to make the most of life's opportunities

"Today, much other provision for those with learning disabilities is based on the idea of service users and service providers. The Croft and other Camphill communities don't distinguish between people in that way because, given the opportunity, those with disabilities have much to contribute to the life of the community and the town."

This is particularly evident at the community's Kingfisher Cafe in Saville Street, Malton, which was redeveloped ito create a modern, stylish venue with a bistro atmosphere to provide a work and training environment for community members. Around 25 are involved - those with special needs and those who support them.

Other work opportunities include a weaving studio, craft workshop and candelabrium which produce high quality goods for sale. A two-acre organic market garden and orchard grows produce for the community's households and the cafe.

"We've developed from the handful of people who came from Botton Village to start The Croft into a thriving community of almost 70 people," said Andy Paton. "That wouldn't have been possible without the tremendous support and welcome given to us by the people of Malton, Norton and Ryedale, who have made us so at home here."

Updated: 15:31 Wednesday, March 08, 2006