Learning for Life: Ross and Leah's Stories

Our Learning for Life Day Services at Camphill School Aberdeen provide a safe, supportive environment where young people with additional support needs and complex learning difficulties can develop skills and confidence as they prepare for adulthood. Each placement is individually tailored, offering meaningful learning opportunities that support independence, wellbeing, and personal growth.

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Ross's Story

Ross joined the Young Adult Day Placement when he turned 18, after previously attending the school day placement. He takes part in a variety of workshops and therapies, all designed around his individual needs and interests to provide meaningful work experience in a focused environment.

Hub Coordinator, Kasia Stopper, has been working alongside Ross since he joined Camphill School Aberdeen. She has seen first-hand the change in Ross “He found the transition from home to Camphill School Aberdeen hard. He used to arrive wrapped in a duvet and scarf 'full of his mum’s hugs’ and we used to sit together and communicate through an iPad all day. This continued for weeks until one day he took off his duvet and began talking to me.”  

Ross particularly enjoys the Art Workshop, where he stamps stickers for the takeaway cups and paper bags used in Murtle Market. Kasia Stopper said, “Ross is very efficient in the Art Workshop. He always works very hard and produces great work. Seeing him so settled and loving his time at Camphill makes me so happy. It’s a real full circle moment.”

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Leah's Story

Leah attends the day service twice a week. She started at Camphill School Aberdeen when she was 16 and transitioned to the day service programme when she turned 18. Leah spends much of her time working at Murtle Market, where she serves customers, makes coffees, and clears tables. Since starting at Murtle Market, Leah has gained a lot of confidence. She said, “I used to find it difficult speaking to people I didn’t know. I was quite shy, but now I’m confident. I’m proud that I have learned how to use the till.”

Reflecting on Leah’s progress, Kasia said, “One thing is for sure; Leah always has a smile on her face when she’s speaking to customers.”

Leah has also recently taken all the product images that will be used on Murtle Market’s e-commerce site this year. When she’s not working in the market, she enjoys making soup in the kitchen. Leah prepares the soups from scratch by washing, peeling, cooking, and blending the vegetables herself. The first soup she made from scratch was vegetable soup, which sold out at Murtle Market, a moment she was very proud of. Kasia says that Leah has excellent food hygiene standards and takes great care when making her soups.

In addition, Leah takes part in the Wood Workshop, where she has made a range of items sold in Murtle Market, including keyrings and noughts and crosses. She also enjoys creating personal items to take home, such as necklaces and a phone holder. Kasia said that Leah has made great progress since joining Camphill School Aberdeen four years ago, with a noticeable increase in her confidence and independence.

Ross and Leah are just two examples of the individuality, energy, and potential that each young person brings to our community. Their stories highlight the positive impact that our Learning for Life Day Placements have in supporting young people to build confidence, develop skills, and move towards greater independence.

We currently have spaces available within our day placement service. If you would like to learn more about how our Learning for Life Day Services could support a young person, please get in touch with us: admissionshub@crss.org.uk

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