Jean Vanier

L’Arche was founded by Jean Vanier in 1964. The son of a former Governor General of Canada, Vanier served during World War II with the Royal Navy and then with the Royal Canadian Navy. In 1950, he left the navy to study philosophy and theology, and began to teach.

In 1964, Jean became aware of the plight of thousands of people with learning disabilities who were institutionalised in France. In that same year he took the radical step of inviting two men, Raphael Simi and Philippe Seux, to leave the institution where they lived and share their lives with him. Together they began L’Arche in a small house in Trosly-Breuil, France.

In 1968 the first L’Arche community in Canada opened. Gradually, more communities were founded around the world by people inspired by Jean's work. Jean remained the leader of the Trosly-Breuil Community until 1981 and he lives there to this day.

He has been, and remains, an inspiring teacher. His life is testament to a radically different way of living and being in the world.

Jean’s awards include the French Legion of Honour, Companion of the Order of Canada, the Rabbi Gunther Plaut Humanitarian Award 2001, the International Paul VI Award, and the Templeton Prize. He has furthermore been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Jean Vanier, and those who came to share his vision, learnt two important truths in the early years, which remain at the heart of L’Arche today. People with learning disabilities have a great deal to contribute to society and, by living in intentional community with people with and without learning disabilities - living with diversity and difference - we open ourselves up to be challenged and to grow.

Jean Vanier’s books include Life’s Great Questions, Becoming Human, Community and Growth, Befriending the Stranger and From Brokenness to Community.

Latest

House Leader

£19,570 - £20,634 (40 hours a week). Offered as a permanent role
Hopegoblin Ceilidh Band at St Paul's Church Hall

Join us at St Paul's Church Hall on Friday 19th October from 7.30-10.30 for a live Ceilidh band! Tickets are £5 on the door. Bring your own booze and food to share
Our impact: Amanda's story

Amanda’s daughter, Laura, is the founding core member of the L’Arche Manchester community. In this piece, Amanda reflects on the challenges of caring for a child with a learning disability and how L’Arche has transformed hers, and Laura’s life.
Bella's story

Bella was a volunteer in the Hive community Kitchen with L’Arche Manchester. She came to L’Arche from her home country of Indonesia with the Vincentians. Here she learnt about patience, vulnerability and the preciousness of people with and without learning disabilities.

What is L'Arche

At L’Arche Manchester 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.
Join us as an assistant

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

Bella was a volunteer in the Hive community Kitchen with L’Arche Manchester. She came to L’Arche from her home country of Indonesia with the Vincentians. Here she learnt about patience, vulnerability and the preciousness of people with and without learning disabilities.
Community life

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

Our houses in South Manchester provide accommodation to people with learning disabilities and live-in assistants.
L'Arche in Manchester

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Day activities

L’Arche Manchester offers day activities three days a week (Monday-Wednesday) for people with learning disabilities.
Our impact: Amanda's story

Amanda’s daughter, Laura, is the founding core member of the L’Arche Manchester community. In this piece, Amanda reflects on the challenges of caring for a child with a learning disability and how L’Arche has transformed hers, and Laura’s life.
Why volunteer

We are always welcoming of people who wish to join L'Arche Manchester as either volunteers or friends.
Life in Manchester

Often referred to as the ‘capital of the north,’ Manchester is a dynamic, culturally rich, and diverse city. It may rain more than most other UK cities, but we don’t let that dampen our spirits. It is a city renowned for its music, arts and culture. With a long campaigning history, it was the birthplace of the Suffragette Emily Pankhurst, and is known for its thriving LGBTQ+ community.