Join us as an assistant

In a world that rewards success and winning, L'Arche Communities are places where people can take time to explore who they are, not just what they can do. They are places of welcome where people are transformed by the experience of community, relationship, disability and difference.

'Quite simply being part of L'Arche is being loved for who you are.'

Archana, L'Arche London Assistant

Whatever your stage of life, whatever your background and experience, L'Arche has something to offer, and so do you.

People choose to join L'Arche as a support worker for people with learning disabilities (we say 'assistants') for a variety of reasons. Some are mature individuals wanting to give their lives new meaning. Some come to L'Arche to learn or develop new skills and attitudes to people with learning disabilities. Others may be professionals seeking a new context and deeper meaning within which to practice their chosen career.

'Living in L'Arche is like holding a mirror up to yourself and seeing the very best and sometimes the very worst of yourself reflected back.'

Amy, L'Arche Manchester Assistant

There are two ways to work in a L’Arche Community, either as a residential assistant or non-residential assistant.

We are ecumenical Christian communities that welcome people of all faiths and none. If you are hoping to develop your spiritual life there will be opportunities through regular reflection, prayer, retreats and pilgrimages. Whoever you are, in return for the gifts you'll bring, you will discover a very simple and honest joy in the relationships you build with other people, both with and without learning disabilities.

L'Arche is unique, with faith and inclusive community values at our heart. We are a high quality care and support provider, regulated by the Care Quality Commission in England & Wales and the Care Inspectorate in Scotland. Excellence in care and a commitment to living in community are essential.

For more information about applying to become an assistant, follow the links below:

Residential assistants

Non-residential assistants

Latest

L’Arche statement following the recent BBC Panorama documentary and the release of the CQC report into the detainment of people with learning disabilities

The Panorama programme aired by the BBC on Wednesday 22nd May showing the abuse of people with learning disabilities, and the recently published CQC report revealing the detainment of people with learning disabilities and autism in ATUs (Assessment and Treatment Units), once again reveals the appalling mistreatment and abuse experienced by some of society’s most vulnerable people.
Jean Vanier: a personal reflection

By Chris Bemrose
‘The light in me bows to, and honours, the light in you.’

Reflections from L’Arche Kolkata.
‘God is in the heart.’

Reflections from L’Arche Asansol, India.

Announcing the death of Jean Vanier, founder of L'Arche.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Jean Vanier, our founder. Jean died on the 7 May in the Maison Médicale Jeanne Garnier in Paris.
What we do

In a world that values winning, L’Arche Communities are places where people with and without learning disabilities can discover who they are and not just what they can do.
Kolkata and Lithuania

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Donate now

L'Arche is a collaboration of gifts, expertise, resources and time. We bring people together who are not prepared to accept the status quo but instead are inspired to want more for people with learning disabilities, and for society. Please help us to transform lives today.

Residential vacancies

L'Arche live-in assistants live and work in our Communities with and alongside people with learning disabilities. Apply here.
Join us as an assistant

Spend a year as an assistant and we will give you an experience of difference that will change your life.
L'Arche in the UK

There are twelve L’Arche Communities based across the UK.
What we do

In a world that values winning, L’Arche Communities are places where people with and without learning disabilities can discover who they are and not just what they can do.
Statement from L'Arche, following the verdict at the inquest into the death of Joe Ulleri

Speaking outside the Coroner’s Court in Manchester, Kevin Coogan, Community Leader of L’Arche Manchester, read out the following statement on behalf of L’Arche.
L’Arche statement following the recent BBC Panorama documentary and the release of the CQC report into the detainment of people with learning disabilities

The Panorama programme aired by the BBC on Wednesday 22nd May showing the abuse of people with learning disabilities, and the recently published CQC report revealing the detainment of people with learning disabilities and autism in ATUs (Assessment and Treatment Units), once again reveals the appalling mistreatment and abuse experienced by some of society’s most vulnerable people.
Jean Vanier: Biography

Jean Vanier founded L'Arche in 1964, after becoming aware of the plight of thousands of people with learning disabilities who were institutionalised in France. He was an inspiring teacher whose life was testament to a radically different way of living and being in the world.
Summer in the Forest

Summer in the Forest is a full-length feature film about our founder Jean Vanier and the L’Arche communities in Trosly, France and Bethlehem. It tells how two L’Arche communities, though quite different from those in the UK, share our common values.
Jean Vanier interview: belonging in a time of loneliness.

We interviewed Jean Vanier, the founder of L'Arche, at his home in the L'Arche Trosly Community in France. Listen to Jean as he reflects on ageing and fragility, loss and loneliness, and the mystery that compels people to L'Arche.
Supported living

While some individuals wish to live in a home with other people, others prefer to be supported to live independently. At L’Arche we help people to choose a way of life that feels right for them, and for their families.