We recognise the importance of ‘creating community together’ by valuing and supporting each other to achieve our full potential.
Our Purpose
The Lantern Community is a registered charity, providing supported living for adults with learning disabilities. We are situated on the Dorset/Hampshire border, just fifteen minutes’ walk from the nearest town of Ringwood, which has a great variety of shops and recreational facilities. We are on a direct bus route to nearby towns including Bournemouth, Poole and the medieval city of Salisbury.
We are close to the beautiful New Forest National Park and the stunning Jurassic coastline offering visits to both natural and historic interests locally.
How We Help
The Lantern Community offers adults with diverse learning abilities the possibility of sharing life with others in a unique community environment. We ensure we embrace differences and diversity.
The Lantern Community, inspired by Camphill principles, creates opportunities to realise the potential of each individual. An integrated cultural, social, domestic and working life enables every person to be an active participant.
The Lantern Community is a home to 53 companions in our 12 houses. We are a multifaceted organisation, with a number of activities and departments. We can offer:
Personal Care services to meet the care needs of adults with different abilities who live in or near the Lantern community Estate or who use the Day services on the estate.
The provision of Housing for adults with different abilities who chose to live within a social community.
The provision of support services to assist in developing the adults with different abilities independence and enabling them to maintain their tenancy.
Meaningful day activities, which create opportunities for work experience, lifelong learning, artistic and educational development.
Community living
Celebrating the Seasons
“Tradition is to nurture the flame, not to worship the ashes.”
At the heart of Camphill Community life is the celebration of festivals throughout the year. These shared moments give rhythm to community life and help us celebrate each other, the seasons, the natural world and the values on which the community was built: care for the earth, care for each other, and respect for the spirit in every human being.
The four main festivals traditionally celebrated are Christmas, Easter, St John’s and Michaelmas, each closely connected with the changing seasons. While Christian festivals provide the focus for many of our traditions, we also recognise and welcome the diverse religious, spiritual and cultural backgrounds of the people who live, work and learn with us.
Festivals offer a pause in the flow of daily life. Through preparing, creating and celebrating together, people can reconnect with one another and with what feels meaningful to them, whatever their beliefs. Creative and artistic activities are woven into community life throughout the year, reflecting the seasons and the world around us.
Routine, rhythm and structure are important parts of life at The Lantern Community. They provide security, predictability and a sense of orientation, helping people build confidence, develop skills and feel more in control of daily life. For some Companions, festivals are also a meaningful way to place themselves within the year.
As we honour seasonal traditions, we also look for ways to celebrate that feel relevant, inclusive and meaningful today.