Advent Appeal: Belonging in a time of loneliness

Adults with learning disabilities experience some of the worst forms of social marginalisation and loneliness. Many do not spend time with anyone who is not paid to be with them. Although the social care system meets the basic needs of people with learning disabilities, it does not meet one of the most important needs of all: to belong.

At L’Arche we build circles of support, and friendship, around people. We create places where everybody is made to feel loved and valued, and to live a life of meaningful participation and recognition in society.

In a world that can feel lonely and isolating for many, L’Arche communities are places where people with and without learning disabilities can experience belonging, joy and friendship. Please help us to continue in our mission.

Donate to our Advent Appeal

Advent Appeal: Stories of belonging

Richard's story: 'L’Arche is somewhere that people receive friendship support.'

Richard Keagan-Bull reflects on his life as somebody with a learning disability, living in the L'Arche London Community. He shares how people with learning disabilities can often become isolated and lonely. Read more

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. Read more

One year on: Laura and Amanda's story of transformation.

Last year's Advent Appeal told the story of Laura, the founding member of the Manchester Community. One year on Laura's mum, Amanda, reflects on how L’Arche has transformed hers, and Laura’s life. Read more

Latest

James' story

'You can’t make things perfect here. Instead you learn to use the imperfect things as gifts.’

House Leader, L'Arche Preston

£22,173 - £23,379 (40 hours a week). Offered as a permanent role.

Walking Together: Register your place

Will I get a map of the route?

Residential vacancies

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.

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, where persons with and without learning disabilities live together. Volunteers and care workers are providing support. They try to promote Jean Vanier philosophy. All faiths are welcomed.

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.

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. He created a Community where people with and without learning disabilities were living together.

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, and shows how people with learning disabilities and assistants / care workers that support them are living together.

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 interview: belonging in a time of loneliness.

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.