L'Arche Kent

We are a Community of around 120 people, based in the historic city of Canterbury, South East of England. 

Canterbury is vibrant, friendly and easily accessible from the continental Europe with excellent transport links to London. We have everything that a big city has to offer – cinemas, cafes, theatres, galleries – as well as seaside and beautiful countryside. Over more than fifty years, we have built deep links with our neighbours, local churches and other community groups. You can’t walk through the centre of Canterbury without meeting someone from L’Arche along the way!

Our Community includes around 30 people with learning disabilities, who we support at home. Some choose to live in their own flat, others prefer to share their home with one or more housemates who have a learning disability and perhaps with L'Arche assistants as well.

Community traditions like the annual four-day Pilgrimage walk or Valentine’s Day party are at the centre of our Community life. Our wide-ranging programme of activities, including card-making, beer-making and horticulture, nurtures and celebrates creativity, while promoting independence and entrepreneurial abilities. We also run a weekly Book Club at the local library using Books Beyond Words resources.