"Pilsdon really gets under your skin; it is a whole way of life." Larry
Pilsdon is peaceful, calm and reflective and it
is also a place of warmth and friendship.
Most people who come and stay here find that with time and the routine
and friendships developed, they can move on to live more independent lives;
or they discover that living in community is the way of life for them.
This can take as long as seems mutually appropriate, whether months
or years.
Stays are usually between six months and two years, with a minority staying longer.
Its situation in the heart
of Dorset , provides some physical seclusion from everyday pressures. Its emphasis
on manual work, modest living and spirituality provides a degree of mental
separation from the pressures of normal life. Our experience gained since our founding in 1958 is that all these factors marry successfully to help people heal, rebuild
their lives and look forward to a brighter future.
Our 'Move-On' House for those ready for more - but not full - independence Pilsdon has a 'move-on house' in Dorchester . Here up to ten people live together, do voluntary work or paid part-time work, attend college courses. They share a meal in the evening, may use a communal sitting room or retire to a bed-sitting room.
Other Pilsdon guests move back to family or choose to live independently. A number of past guests are now in full- or part-time employment; one is working towards a university degree. One guest became a full-time volunteer at the L'Arche Community. Very many past guests and members of the Pilsdon Community return to visit us year after year, often staying over a holiday period. Others associated with Pilsdon from years ago and who live more locally remain friends and helpers and make more frequent visits.