In people's words
Testimonials
The most useful description of the Community comes from the people who live here, work here and work alongside us.
Selected feedback
Feedback from residents, families, professionals and staff, drawn from our brochure, public testimonials and CQC inspection reports.
A former resident's story
A Community That Saved Me
A former member of the Community
“Without community, there is no liberation.”
Audre Lorde
I arrived in Hamelin having had a chaotic and dangerous five or so years in and out of psychiatric hospitals. My loving family needed me to be safe and start my own life, as well as lead a full life themselves.
I was welcomed warmly by staff and housemates alike, which made my life more bearable despite being paranoid, depressed and scared of everything. From there, I began to realise that not everyone was against me. The healing home-cooked food and relaxed nature of Hamelin gave me a good grounding.
The pubs in town began not to scare me so much and staff did not judge me when I felt in a panic. I enjoyed outdoor activities and have fond memories of long walks across Dartmoor and Canadian canoeing along the River Dart. The cooking workshops made me feel like myself again. I made use of the local Totnes swimming pool and cafe culture. My friendships grew with staff and housemates alike, and I began to drive to the cinema with friends. Then I got the confidence to reconnect with people I knew before I was ill. Having all this as a part of my story has been a gift, and I am truly privileged to have met so many kind and positive people through the process.
From my perspective, the Community of St Antony and St Elias is a safe, compassionate space where I felt able to stop. From there I felt able to gather my thoughts, and the people there helped me to realise that life is very much worth living.
The boat trips on the River Dart and the golf club dinner dances are things I still go to, to catch up with friends. I love to see how everyone is doing and tell them my news. I carry the Community around in my heart everywhere I go. As a group of people, you have all given me both roots to feel stable and wings to explore the world. My only limit is me now, and I am committed to fearlessly living my life to the full. I believe in myself and endeavour to push myself outside of my comfort zone to keep achieving my dreams. It is a privilege to continue to be part of the Community of St Antony and St Elias, which is so thriving and truly unique. Thank you!
Residents and former residents
A home that feels like home.
People who live here describe the difference that safety, patience, ordinary life and trusted relationships can make.
They accept me for who I am.
I'm as happy as can be.
Summary of feedback
A resident described the house as feeling like home, with staff who were friendly, patient and kind.
Summary of feedback
A resident described activities as varied and accessible, with opportunities to choose what to do and where to go.
Families and carers
Persistence, care and trust.
Relatives speak about persistence, communication, safety and seeing people regain confidence in their lives.
Summary of feedback
A relative described staff as persistent and compassionate, continuing to build a relationship when communication was difficult.
Summary of feedback
A family member said that physical activity and social connection had helped their relative to thrive after a period of very limited progress.
Professionals
A path back into community life.
External professionals describe a service that works patiently with complexity and keeps people connected to the wider community.
Summary of feedback
A consultant psychiatrist described the Community as making the long path towards social inclusion easier.
Summary of feedback
A CQC inspector noted that residents were involved in planning and reviews and took pride in directing their own care.
Staff
Work with meaning.
Staff feedback reflects the importance of teamwork, belonging and a culture where people are treated as equals.
It's like my other family.