What is a L'Arche Assistant?
The main route to working in a L'Arche community is by becoming a live-in assistant. This is someone who shares a home with people who have learning disabilities and other assistants; a home which reflects values of personal dignity, celebration and honest relationships.
A live-in L'Arche assistant will support people with learning disabilities to take part in community life, to cook, clean and run a household, perhaps go to work, have a social life, see friends and family and sometimes with their personal care.
Not all assistant roles are live-in. Each community is different and has developed services that are particular to the needs of the people it supports. Some people with disabilities are helped to live in their own flats, supported by a network of relationships. Some communities offer day provision. Different services require different skills and need different types of assistants.
Live-in or live-out, the role of a L'Arche sssistant is complex, challenging and ultimately very rewarding. Find out about the challenges of becoming an assistant.
