L'Arche globally

L’Arche International is a Federation working in 38 countries worldwide, made up of 156 Communities and 26 community projects.

L’Arche is a living witness to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the world, with each Community seeking to embody L’Arche’s values, rooted in the Christian tradition, within the diversity of local customs and religious expressions. They are all built on mutual relationships between people with and without disability, and are driven by the vision for a world where everyone belongs.

L'Arche was founded in France in 1964 by the Canadian Jean Vanier* (1929-2019).

Vanier invited two men living in an overcrowded institution for people with learning disabilities, Raphaël Simi and Philippe Seux, to set up a home with him in a small house in the village of Trosly-Breuil (northern France). They were soon joined by other people with and without disabilities.

Together, they developed L’Arche’s distinctive model of community life which, from 1969, would extend across France and around the world.

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*In 2020, L'Arche discovered, after a thorough and independent investigation, that Jean Vanier had exercised a spiritual and psychological hold on several non-disabled adult women for many years, leading to inappropriate sexual relationships initiated by him. L'Arche publicised and condemned these actions.

Latest

Community Leader (Director), L'Arche Bognor Regis

L'Arche Bognor Regis is looking for a full-time Community Leader to lead a dynamic intentional community of people with and without learning disabilities. Salary £44,345pa. The closing date for applications is 9 am on 6th June.
Day Services Support assistant, L'Arche London

A full-time role for someone passionate about supporting adults with learning disabilities to develop their creative skills. Closing date 10 am on Tuesday 7th June 2022
"It’s a miracle I’m here"

Igor had to leave Donbas in Ukraine which is now being bombed by the Russians. But he found peace, respect and sincere love in the L'Arche Poznan Community in Poland where he is now.
Support Worker, L'Arche Preston

Full-time and part-time permanent positions available with hours varying between 25 to 40 per week. Starting salary £10.00 per hour.

L'Arche in the UK

Each of the 11 Communities celebrate people with learning disability and foster circles of support around them, focusing on building relationships and creating a culture of belonging.

Live-In Assistants at L'Arche

Life as a live-in assistant at L'Arche is so much more than a care role. It's an experience that will shape you through life in an intentional community of people with and without learning disabilities. Apply today and start your journey of a lifetime.
International Applicants

The Youth Mobility Scheme is an option to consider for anyone who wishes to travel to the UK to work for L'Arche. If you are not eligible for this visa, you can apply for the Tier 5 Temporary Charity Worker visa. Read here for more information and to find out if you're eligible.
L'Arche in the UK

Each of the 11 Communities celebrate people with learning disability and foster circles of support around them, focusing on building relationships and creating a culture of belonging.
Live-in assistants

L'Arche live-in assistants live and work in our Communities with and alongside people with learning disabilities. They provide them care and support. Apply here.
Applicants from the UK
Diary of a new assistant: Monika

Monika joined L'Arche Edinburgh in June, during the first Scottish lockdown. Here, she journals her first few months as a new assistant in community.
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.
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.
Shared living

Across our eleven Communities in the UK we offer a range of high quality, person-centred residential support to more than two hundred individuals with learning disabilities.
Community life

What makes L’Arche different is the attention we pay to building relationships between people with and without learning disabilities and creating a sense of belonging within our Communities.