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

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.
Why volunteer

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

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
The Hive community café

A community space to eat, meet, and make friends.

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

Replace this with your content
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.