Taurus Crafts - Vision

Taurus is a social enterprise and  also a training and trading centre for the Camphill Village Trust.

Taurus Crafts aims to be a successful community enterprise. We wish to integrate people whose needs are not well met through mainstream education and training. Taurus Crafts offers work experience and skills training to enable confidence building and greater independence.

Together we want to make a contribution to the economic,
social and cultural fabric of the Forest of Dean.

Taurus Crafts, based on a thriving art and craft visitor centre at Lydney, Gloucestershire, creates new and exciting opportunities for people with learning and physical disabilities and mental health problems through work, work experience and vocational training, including gaining recognised qualifications. It develops individuals’ confidence and promotes greater self-reliance and integration into the wider community.

Both day and residential placements are available with accommodation in Lydney in an extended-family environment or supported-living apartments.

Like all Camphill initiatives, Taurus isn’t simply a place for work. It provides an environment in which everyone is valued, and is an integral part of the wider community with links to individuals, groups and organisations locally, nationally and in other parts of the world.

Social and cultural life

The Taurus Crafts Centre is firmly established as a valued part of the local community and is the cultural focus for those who run it, the employed staff, trainees, customers and friends.

Numerous events throughout the year are aimed at involving the local community and visitors in a wide range of activities, from a Christmas tree decorating competition for schools to cookery and food demonstrations, story telling, readings and musical events. Taurus plays an important role each year in the Forest of Dean Open Studios’ programme, as a starting point for visits to local art and craft workshops and hosting the closing event, usually accompanied by a dramatic fire sculpture.

Residents are also involved in many other social activities taking place in Lydney and the surrounding Forest of Dean area, and there are close links with the Camphill Grange and Oaklands Park Communities at nearby Newnham-on-Severn.