L’Arche London

L’Arche is an international inter-faith organized founded by Templeton Prize Recipient, Jean Vanier, in August1964. Jean Vanier invited two men with intellectual disabilities to live with him, and they shared life in a small, loving and dignified home. This model community was an alternative to the often appalling institutional conditions in which many adults with intellectual disabilities lived.

Today L’Arche consists of more than 140 communities in 40 countries where individuals with intellectual disabilities and assistants share life and daytime activities together in family-like setting that are integrated into local neighbourhoods. These individuals teach us that good relationships matter more than anything else. They inspire us to a deeper gratitude for the many joys of living a simple life.

L’Arche London was founded in 1997 and currently has 3 homes for core members and assistants. These homes allow core members to share meals, make decisions, and celebrate the unique contribution that each individual has to offer.

In addition, L’Arche London offers day programs to more than 150 intellectually disabled individuals. In September 2017 we will be opening the Gathering Place which will facilitate daily day program activities such as adaptive cooking classes, Snoezelen room, visual arts/crafts, candle making, pottery, and our Music Club. These programs embrace individuals with intellectual disabilities creating a more inclusive community where barriers are removed allowing them to celebrate their gifts, and where diversity is valued and celebrated.