Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Contact us
  • Accessibility
  • Newsletter
  • Search
L'Arche-Kent
Menu
  • About us
    • What is L'Arche
    • L'Arche in Kent
    • History and spirituality
      • History of L'Arche
      • Thérèse Vanier
      • Henri Nouwen
    • Contact us
  • Support and services
    • Community life
    • Services we offer
      • Shared living
      • Day activities
      • Supported living
  • Join our team
    • Join us as an assistant
    • What we value
    • Ramil's story
    • Life in Canterbury and Kent
    • Vacancies
    • Embracing difference
  • Volunteering
    • Why volunteer
    • Volunteering opportunities
  • Get involved
    • Walking Together
    • Why we need your help
    • Donate now
    • Leave a legacy
    • Fundraise for us
      • Set up a fundraising page
    • Book a speaker
    • Pray For Us
  • Donate
  • Admin
    • Log in
    • Contact us
    • Accessibility
    • Newsletter
    • Search
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • History of L'Arche

History of L'Arche

L'Arche was founded in France in 1964 by the Canadian Jean Vanier* (1929-2019). Vanier invited two men living in an overcrowded institution for people with learning disabilities, Raphaël Simi and Philippe Seux, to set up home with him in a small house in the village of Trosly-Breuil (northern France). They were soon joined by other people with and without disabilities.

Together, they developed L’Arche’s distinctive model of community life which, from 1969, would extend across France and around the world.

Today L’Arche is present in thirty-eight countries on five continents, with one hundred and fifty-three communities, eleven of which are in the United Kingdom.

 

*In 2020, L'Arche discovered, after a thorough and independent investigation, that Jean Vanier had exercised a spiritual and psychological hold on several non-disabled adult women for many years, leading to inappropriate sexual relationships initiated by him. L'Arche publicised and condemned these actions. 

Published: 7th June, 2021

Author: Chris Asprey

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Support Assistant

    Support Assistant

  • History of L'Arche

    History of L'Arche

    L'Arche was founded in France and is now present in 38 countries worldwide. There are eleven L'Arche Communities in the UK

  • The Harbour House

    We have exciting plans to develop the Harbour house, and we’d love you to get involved.

  • L'Arche Kent Walking Together resources

Most read

  • Support Assistant

    Support Assistant

  • What is L'Arche

    What is L'Arche

    At L’Arche Kent 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.

  • Volunteering opportunities

    Volunteering opportunities

    We always welcome people to join L'Arche Kent in a volunteering or friendship capacity.

  • Contact us

  • L'Arche in Kent

    L'Arche in Kent

    Replace this with your content

  • Vacancies

    Vacancies

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

  • Supported living

    Supported living

    We have four supported living houses in and around the city of Canterbury.

  • Join us as an assistant

    Join us as an assistant

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

  • Shared living

    Shared living

    L’Arche Kent has two homes in Canterbury where eleven core members share a home with live-in assistants.

  • Day activities

    Day activities

    At L’Arche Kent we have our very own brewery, as well as a popular gardening project, and craft studio.

Arche UK has signed up to the The Driving Up Quality Code See our latest inspection reports from Care Quality Commission

Sign up for our newsletter

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address (e.g. [email protected])

Connect with us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Useful links

  • Login
  • Logout
  • Manager
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

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