PHOENIX COHOUSING LEWES
COMMUNITY
SHARED SPACES
The cohousing community will have a number of shared spaces, including a communal kitchen, a multipurpose common area and a garden. These areas will provide opportunities for residents to meet and socialise, as well as for regular activities such as shared meals, film screenings and celebrations. One of the big advantages of a cohousing community is the ample opportunity for skill-sharing between residents. This might take the form of yoga classes, carpentry, or vegetable gardening, for example.
DECISION-MAKING
We have been meeting fortnightly on Wednesday evenings since October 2022. The purpose of these meetings is to come together as a cohesive group, set milestones, discuss our progress and make decisions. All decisions are made using sociocracy where everyone participates and all are listened to. Key decisions are made by consent in a collaborative way.
We also meet one Saturday morning a month for a more casual meeting where we discuss specific topics, receive training and get to know each other better.
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
As we work together to make the cohousing a reality, every member is part of at least one working circle. These circles are responsible for researching, discussing and creating proposals and actions in their particular area. At present, the circles are legal, finance, external communications, design, group dynamics, social and fundraising, Once the cohousing community is established, each member will take on a specific role (for example, press, liaising with maintenance, visitors, guest spaces, organising shared meals and activities, working in garden areas etc). There are many different ways in which members can contribute to and share responsibility for the running of the overall community, so everyone is encouraged to bring their unique skills and specialities, or to work within an area in which they would like to gain more knowledge.
MUTUAL SUPPORT
We are an intentional community, so although everyone will have their own private accommodation and their own front door, there will also be many ways in which we can look out for each other. From lending books, fixing things and helping with childcare, to giving lifts and cooking for someone who is unwell, we can help each other out through all the ups and downs of life.
As we work through the process of creating the community, we take care to understand and help when someone needs extra support or where life circumstances have created some difficulties for any member.
WELLBEING
In a society where many people experience loneliness and lead sedentary lives, living in a cohousing community has been shown to have many benefits for residents in terms of mental and physical health. The support, the sense of community and the ease with which members can join in activities, from gardening and exercise to cooking and book clubs, encourages an active, sociable and healthy lifestyle. For some residents, living in the cohousing community will also mark the end of living with housing insecurity, the toll of which has many known detrimental effects on mental health.