Parents' views
Duncan Roscoe
“Duncan became a day student at first, travelling from home each day to work in the workshops and spending his lunch break in one of the houses where he could make friends with the other students and co-workers. Duncan was a very anxious young man who found it very difficult to socialise. He stretched the workshop leaders’ creativity thinking up ways to get him through the door of the workshop each day but gradually, with inordinate patience on behalf of the staff, Duncan did begin to be more co-operative and communicative.”
After one year, Duncan became a full time resident of Juniper House and looking back, this was probably a turning point for Duncan. He had a room of his own with all his possessions and, living alongside co-workers who came from all over the world he is experiencing, first hand, different cultures, notably eating many different foods – unbelievable! In Juniper he takes his share of chores by helping with the cooking and being responsible for the recycling bins. He works in the Bakery, Pottery and Craft workshops through the week. In his spare time his favourite pass time is going out on his trike cycling around the grounds of the estate.
Three years on, Duncan has made huge strides. He has gained so much confidence; he is now a member of the Student Representative Council where he represents his house, taking information back to his housemates. He takes part in and enjoys many of the celebrations and parties held throughout the year at Camphill Blair Drummond. He comes home for weekend visits on a regular basis and there are close links between home and community with plenty of opportunity for family involvement. Camphill Blair Drummond has provided a great and unique environment for Duncan to live and work in, enabling him to become more independent and allowing him to have a purposeful, happy life.” – Mrs Roscoe