Descrizione

The Othona Community in Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex was founded in 1946. It is a residential centre for people of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds to seek a common understanding in the cause of Peace. Othona has welcomed VAP volunteers since the early 1970's. Othona is a non- dogmatic Christian Community founded next to one of the oldest churches in the UK (654 AD). It fully involves non-Christians. It is an experimental community where work, worship, study and play are combined. Volunteers will be fully integrated in the life of the community.

Work

During summer we will be helping with the day to day running of the community, and interacting with guests and members, ongoing work to the grounds and gardens and creation of new facilities.

Partner

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Location

The Othona Community is situated near Bradwell-on-Sea on the east coast of Essex, next to a beautiful nature reserve. It is 5km from the nearest village. During the volunteers’ time there, there will be themed study weeks. Details of these events can be viewed on Othona's website when they become available (https://www.othonaessex.org.uk/). Outside their work duties volunteers are encouraged to join in these activities.

Accomodation

Volunteers will be camping and tents are NOT provided, therefore volunteers should bring their own tents and sleeping bags/mats. Food will be healthy and home-made. Vegetarian diets can be catered for.

Requirements

From 2025 onwards, all foreign national travelling to the UK need to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You cannot enter the UK without it. Please check the following link on how to apply for it: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel- authorisation-eta

Meeting point

London and Stansted airports and Southminster train station are the closest for arrivals and departures. The Othona Community is located at 100km northeast of London, approximately 3 hours by public transport.

Work

VOLUNTEER WORK: Volunteers will carry out environmental and sustainable conservation volunteering while learning hands on practice in carbon-negative food production and sustainability. Volunteers’ day to day task would include a range of skill based learning activities: Planting trees, growing vegetables, tree work. Volunteers will also be harvesting fruits and vegetables which are needed for the market, alongside the potential of some construction work to further enhance the volunteer’s skillset. Volunteers will be receiving an educational experience alongside the volunteering. Main volunteering tasks will include: • Berry Picking • Cleaning and weeding • Tending to plants • Looking after wildlife • Tree care • Education sessions with the host

Partner

PROJECT: Rock Farm is a therapeutic growing project open to everyone, restoring both the landscape and people through an innovative market garden model. We grow fruit and vegetables using regenerative, permaculture, and no dig principles, with absolutely zero pesticides or herbicides. We are at the cutting edge of embedding productive crops in a forest garden ecosystem, which sinks a large amount of carbon into the soil instead of emitting it and provides the backbone of our sustainability and therapeutic curricula. Retreats, camping, workshops and horticulture courses are also available at Rock Farm, especially for marginalised people. Rock Farm is part of One Church Brighton, an organisation with several social projects in and around the Brighton area. Rock Farm grows produce on six acres of community land in West Sussex, offering access to horticultural therapy and community gardening for a range of volunteers and vulnerable groups.

Location

Volunteers will plan cultural visits and leisure activities together with the group and the Concordia Leader. Activities might include: • Walk to local town Steyning • Takeaway Pizza • Games Night • Visit to Brighton • Farwell Party There are two farm shops within short walking distance if volunteers want to get any food/snacks – with a further two villages within an hour’s walk. The accommodation is on the South Downs walking trail, with many beautiful hikes available to the volunteers. The Concordia Leader will help volunteers make plans for their free time – but volunteers will be expected to contribute ideas and suggestions for activities. Volunteers will have the chance to visit the local area and go for hikes in the countryside. Visits to close-by sites will ensure that the group get the whole feeling of the area and learn about living in the British culture.

Accomodation

ACCOMMODATION & FOOD: Volunteers will stay in large style canvas tents throughout the project, 'this is an off-grid, sustainable style living and project so do pre plan and bring warm clothes and items to sleep to in. Rock farm will provide dry goods and fresh produce for two meals per day, plus one hot meal cooked together with the rock farm staff. All Volunteers are expected to get involved in the cooking process and washing up. IMPORTANT: – Even in the British Summertime it can be VERY COLD AT NIGHT – please ensure you bring enough warm clothes. Wet weather clothing and footwear is also strongly recommended, as the site can get muddy and even the summer can bring a rainy day. Volunteers will have access to two outdoor showers – these are outdoor showers, so you will need to bring flip-flops/sliders and a swimming costume – as these are carbon negative showers there will only be a certain amount of hot water per day – one of the tasks for the volunteers is to create the hot water system! Rock farm will provide a small furnished cabin in the camping area for use as a meeting and relaxing area. There are a four further buildings/cover for eating and cooking – including a pizza oven! The farm operates mostly off-grid, so all toilets are composting loos and there is a limited amount of solar-power for basic charging of phones. It is strongly recommended to bring a battery-pack for your phone, and to embrace having a break from your tech!

Meeting point

To be confirmed by Concordia

Notes:

ACCESSBILITY: Volunteers need to be able to work outdoors in various types of weather, walking on uneven ground is required.