Spending a period of time as a voluntary co-worker at Lothlorien Community is an exciting opportunity in a challenging but rewarding environment.
Lothlorien has developed an innovative alternative to mainstream approaches by providing the opportunity for people with mental health problems to develop their potential through living alongside people who are relatively well, in an atmosphere of friendship, acceptance and mutual support. We aim to break down the distinction which frequently exists between those seen as ‘well’ and those seen as ‘unwell.’ Co-workers play a key role in this process by helping to create a culture of mutual support which facilitates residents in developing their strengths and allows them to see themselves as having something to offer as well as having something to gain from community life.
Co-workers live at Lothlorien and along with all community members, participate in a wide variety of daily tasks from domestic chores such as cooking and cleaning to working in the vegetable gardens and grounds.
It is not essential that co-workers have any special practical skills; however those who do are encouraged to use them in ways that benefit the community.
Although distinctions between co-workers and residents are minimised, the co-workers have a key role to play in the community in helping to create a positive atmosphere. It is hoped that through the co-workers’ energy and example, everyone will be encouraged to participate to the best of their ability. As their role is essentially that of befriender, co-workers can also be involved supporting people at times of distress.
We have a strong commitment to supporting co-workers to get the most out of the experience at Lothlorien through weekly group supervision and regular individual supervision. There are also opportunities for training such as Nonviolent communication, Mental Health First Aid, Fire Warden or First Aid courses.
Core Group members are available on call outside of their working hours and will come in if there is an emergency or if there is something important to attend to.
What you can gain
Volunteering at Lothlorien offers a valuable opportunity for personal growth. It provides practical experience for those who want to apply for entry into professional training in areas such as social work or counselling. It can also provide useful post-qualifying experience after completing a professional qualification.
Many co-workers come having already had professional experience in the social care field but are drawn to Lothlorien in order to experience an alternative way of supporting people through living in a community and working together from a set of shared values.
Some people also come to learn about the therapeutic use of horticulture. Others may want to take a new direction in life or want time out from their normal career.
Prior to applying, it is helpful to have had some experience, either paid or voluntary, in the social care field and practice in compassionate communication. It can also be helpful to have some experience of meditation, mindfulness, contemplation, or other areas of personal development which leads to an increased self-awareness and ability to be present with others in a genuine and calm way.
Terms and Conditions
We require a minimum commitment of 6 months, although ideally we would like co-workers to stay for at least one year to ensure continuity and stability within the community.
We welcome applications from people of all ages over 21. We like to have a mixture of ages in the co-worker team and we have had people ranging from their early 20s to late 60s.
Co-workers receive free room and board. We can also cover some of the expenses related to study time away from the community.
What we are looking for
In selecting co-workers, we are looking for people who are:
- concerned for others: able to take an active interest in the welfare of others
- open-minded: willing to respect everyone in the community for who they are
- enthusiastic: have a positive attitude
- mature: robust enough to handle what can be an emotionally demanding role
- responsible: can support the community’s values, as well as its structures and routines
- open to learning: being prepared to look at one’s own values and ways of relating to others
- able to work in a team: it is vital that co-workers are committed to working as part of a mutually supportive team
We ask that all applicants:
- have a full clean driving licence
- have Right to Work in the UK
- have savings for any expenses other than food and board for the duration of their time at Lothlorien
- familiarise themselves with the Nonviolent Communication method. Links to principle and training can be found here https://nvc-uk.com/
The commitment expected from co-workers is not like that of a 9 to 5 job and it is expected, while recognising that everyone needs time on their own, that co-workers will spend time with the community in leisure as well as work times.
Due to the nature of the role, we feel it is beneficial that co-workers take regular time away from Lothlorien.
All co-workers are required to go through enhanced criminal records disclosure through Disclosure Scotland.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining the community, the first step is to complete an application form.
If you are selected for interview, we then arrange a visit which will enable both you and the Community to see if Lothlorien is the right place.
After the visit there is a community consultation and everyone is involved in the decision to invite new co-workers to join.
You can download a printable application below:
Email: Manager Lucy Morgan lucy@lothlorien.tc or Deputy Manager Hayley Bain hayley@lothlorien.tc
Telephone: 01644 440602 (Mon to Fri, 9am – 5pm)