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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 a 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

Published: 13th June, 2018

Updated: 10th June, 2019

Author: Joe Revell

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  • Why volunteer

    Why volunteer

    We are always interested in welcoming people who want to participate in the life of the community.

  • What is L'Arche

    What is L'Arche

    At L’Arche Edinburgh we celebrate people with learning disabilities and build circles of support around them. We go beyond basic needs to attend to people’s emotional and spiritual lives.

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  • Join us as an assistant

    Join us as an assistant

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

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    Shared living

    We have three houses in the Leith and Restalrig areas of Edinburgh where people with learning disabilities and assistants live together.

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    Community life

    What makes L’Arche different is the attention we pay to building relationships and creating a sense of belonging within our Communities.

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    Independent Living

    Four of our core members live in their own flats in Leith, with a team of assistants providing visiting and sleepover support to meet each person’s individual needs.

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    L'Arche is a collaboration of people's 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.

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Photo credit: L'Arche/Martin Albermann
L'Arche is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, No. 1055041.
L'Arche is registered as a charity in England and Wales, No. 264166, and in Scotland, No. SC038493.
Registered Office: 10 Briggate, Silsden, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD20 9JT