The Camphill Movement began in the North-east of Scotland in 1940 and has grown into a worldwide network of 120+ independent communities and charities in 23 countries across Europe, North America, South America and Asia.

Founded by Austrian paediatrician and educator Dr Karl Konig and a group of colleagues who sought refuge in Scotland from Nazi persecution, the first Camphill community was established at Milltimber, on the western edge of Aberdeen. Together, they pioneered a new model of community life based on dignity, inclusion and the belief that every person has unique gifts and the potential to contribute. From the start, Camphill challenged attitudes towards disability by promoting meaningful relationships, shared living, education, work and opportunities for people of all abilities to lead fulfilling lives. More than 85 years later, those founding principles remain at the heart of the Camphill ethos today.

Today more than 700 people live, learn and work across the local Camphill communities in the North-east of Scotland. The values that inspired the first community continue to shape the work of our partner charities – Beannachar, Camphill School Aberdeen, Camphill Wellbeing Trust and Simeon Care for the Elderly – and the lives of the people they support every day.