The idea behind 'The Abundant Life Project'

The idea for ‘The Abundant Life Project’ has been part of Dartington’s thinking since the 1970s. It has become clear that this is something that many in our local community would also value – the idea coming up regularly at open meetings within the locality and the region, as well as amongst staff in Dartington’s full range of activities. It has strong resonances with the philosophy of Dartington’s founders, the Elmhirsts, who belived that ‘an abundant life is a happy life’. These ideas continue to find a modern expression, as exemplified here by Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst’s granddaughter and current Dartington trustee Kate Caddy:

“I guess the earliest roots of my thinking of a Dartington-style retirement complex started about 10 years ago, after talking to a few retired DHT employees about their desire for ‘something different’ to that which is available locally. Then around five years ago I became aware of a very successful set-up in Portugal which combined cottages, a public restaurant, place of worship and care.

Another probable trigger for the idea is my knowledge of and affection for Foxhole, having been a pupil there in the 60s, and my understanding that – despite its current limitations and dilapidations – the students and business tenants who have occupied it in recent times have also found that the site and its buildings encourage a particular, vibrant, dynamism.”

So – there are many who are keen to explore different ways of thinking about older age and, after a lengthy consultation process, which took place across the estate, locally, nationally and internationally – ‘The Abundant Life’ project has emerged as one of the key priories for the charity.

The idea for ‘The Abundant Life’ project was further developed when the Programme Director for Social Justice at Dartington Celia Atherton OBE, identified the lack of opportunities for older people in the county and region to maintain an active and creative life.

Celia Atherton said about this project “Dartington wants to set a precedent that encourages the chance for older people to have a happier retirement, with opportunities to become elders in their community – providing wisdom and experience where it is needed most. The project is ambitious but the very real need to improve opportunities for older people makes this a socially relevant and incredibly popular idea, which has already attracted considerable interest and support.”

Residents in the retirement community will receive first class support for life if and when they require it, and will be encouraged to fully engage with the work and philosophies of the Dartington charity – which seeks to nurture ideas to address some of the most pressing problems of our time.

Members of the Abundant Life Community will be given numerous opportunities to get involved with the work of the Dartington charity, including taking part in creative and social research projects on the estate, working in conservation teams and sharing their insights and learning by working in community education projects.

What will the Abundant Life Project look like…