FAQs for people interested in joining the core community at Othona Bradwell
The information below provides information about the role of the Core Community at Othona. It is intended for people who are considering applying to join the Core Community for a period of six months or more. More information about Othona and the work we do can be found in the Programme Leaflet and on the Othona websites.
Who comes to Othona?
There are many different people who come to be part of the community here at Othona. Roughly half of those people come to take part in one the themed weekends or weeks we run during the year. Some of these people have been members of the community for many years; others are new comers. In addition we host a number of groups who come to centre and run their own programmes. These include church groups, many of whom come from the south and east of England. We also welcome a number of school groups during the summer term and run activity weeks for them.
At Othona, members of the core community, volunteers and visitors are all part of the community. People come for many reasons but they all experience simple, back to basics living and the chance to share life together in community. Everyone who comes to the centre enters into life here and shares in daily tasks such as washing up, assisting with cooking and cleaning.
As a member of the core community, what would my role be?
As a member of the core, you are part of a small group of people who share life together at Othona. We live and work together to welcome people from all walks of life to the centre, offering hospitality and openness for whatever length of time they are with us.
Our aim is to provide an accepting and safe environment for all who stay at Othona, but the nature of our work varies depending on the people visiting and the focus of the week. During themed weeks we share in the daily life of those visiting the centre - working together, sharing time in chapel, taking part in and sometimes leading activities and coming together for social activities. Visiting groups are also involved in day to day tasks but usually run their own programme of activities while we provide and share meals with them.
In addition we each also have specific areas for which we are responsible, including maintenance of the building and site; office management; catering and; maintenance of the grounds and gardening.
What is day to day life like for a member of the core community?
Varied! Othona Bradwell’s remoteness is one of its greatest attractions and here you are never more than five minutes walk from the quiet of the beach and the sea wall. But in contrast, the centre itself can be a hugely busy place with large groups of sixty plus people living together.
As members of the core community we share our lives together, whether we have a group visiting at the time or not. Each day we share our meals together, as well as working independently in our own areas. In the evenings when we have visitors staying we often join in with the evening’s entertainment and when there are no groups visiting we usually have that time to ourselves or sometimes go out together for a meal.
What are the arrangements for time off and holidays?
Part of the task of building community life is looking after our individual needs and making sure members of the core community have a fulfilling life outside as well as within the Othona community. This means making sure you have sufficient time off to follow your own leisure pursuits, and honour family commitments and friendships.
One of the great attractions of Othona is that it is far from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The centre is two miles from the nearest bus route and buses are infrequent. There is however a community car which is used for shopping and other daily tasks but is also available for personal use by members of the core community subject to the requirements of the centre.
All members of the core community get two days off per week and where it is possible these days can be taken together. In addition all members of the core community are entitled to 22 days paid holiday per year.
As a member of the core community what would I be paid?
Members of the core community receive full board and lodging and are paid a modest weekly wage of between £40 - £100.
What accommodation is available for members of the core community?
Medlar Corner is the shared home of our Warden and staff. It is a simple chalet-style house with bedrooms, living and kitchen space, bathroom, shower and TV and wifi connection. Each member of the core community has a private room within Medlar Corner, and share the facilities of the house.
What are the arrangements for management and support of members of the core community?
Members of the core community are line managed by the warden. Living and working at Othona is a unique opportunity for you to explore your own needs and gifts in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. It is inevitably an experience that will challenge and stretch you. It will also help you develop a wide range of skills and training and development are offered as appropriate.
