L'ARCHE COMMUNITY, BELFAST

CODE: VAP-UK-LTV-01

PROJECT: 

L’Arche is an international federation of 140 communities across the world of people with and without learning disabilities. By ‘community’ we mean a group of people of different ages, creeds, capacities and social and ethnic backgrounds connected to one another through a belief that everyone, irrespective of their circumstances, can have a positive impact on the lives of others.

Within L’Arche Belfast, we are on a mission to build a world where everyone belongs by helping and encouraging one another to live full, empowered lives enriched with kindness, fun and joy. In particular, we seek every opportunity to celebrate the gifts and contributions of people with learning disabilities.

Currently, we offer supported living to 14 core members (adults with learning disabilities) spanning over 4 houses and also deliver outreach projects to 100 participants per week at our self-sustainable L’Arche Village and in various locations in our surrounding neighbourhood.

WORK:

L’Arche Belfast are actively looking for live-in assistants to join their thriving community. We need people who are willing to spend a year in Northern Ireland living either in their L’Arche houses alongside our core members or within their volunteer house. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience community life, deep friendships and really make a difference.

As a live-in assistant, you will provide hands-on assistance with daily tasks such as cleaning, cooking or personal care and can expect to also enjoy the little things like chatting over a lovely cup of tea.

You may also accompany core members to their activities such as gardening, cooking, art or yoga to name a few.

LOCATION: 

L’Arche Belfast community is based within the neighbourhood of South Belfast. This area of the city is an exciting neighbourhood with many restaurants, coffee shops, stores, and parks located in close walking distance. Belfast’s City Centre is also close by; there are many exciting festivals and events happening on a regular basis.

ACCOMMODATION and FOOD:

L’Arche Belfast have three supported living houses in which the core members live. These are known as the Ember, Hearth and Lantern. There is a volunteer room available in both the Ember and Hearth where you can truly experience living within community alongside core members. There is also a dedicated volunteer house known as the Ark which has five volunteer bedrooms.

Volunteers will have the option of cooking their own meals or joining the community meals in the houses.

TRAINING and SUPPORT:

Volunteers are provided with a four-week induction upon arrival led by the Volunteer Coordinator, community leader and house leaders. This is a time to get orientated in the surrounding area, complete a house induction, and shadow staff.

The Volunteer Coordinator conducts a monthly check in which provides an opportunity to discuss what is going well/what is not going well and to raise any issues. There is also a monthly dinner provided by L’Arche Belfast during which volunteers can choose a takeaway and meet with the Community Leader and Volunteer Coordinator for dinner at the Ark to catch up.

Volunteers are able to attend all training sessions that are also provided to staff such as medication handling, fire safety, first aid, food safety, manual handling and safeguarding. A certificate will be awarded after completion which volunteers can keep.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send your VEF to VAP. After that you will be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator of L'Arche who will let you know of the next steps.

FEE: Including administration fee to VAP and registration fee from the network.

POCKET MONEY: 

You will receive £180 GBP per month as pocket money.

DURATION:

L'Arche Belfast prefers volunteers willing to stay for 12 months but it is also possible to host volunteers for 6 months.

UK VISA COSTS:

Volunteers will need to apply for a Temporary Work – Charity Worker Visa. The application for this Visa costs £298 GBP which allows volunteers to stay for 12 months. L’Arche Belfast will pay for a Certificate of Sponsorship and will provide a supporting letter to be used in the Visa application.

If volunteers decide to stay for longer than 6 months they will have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which amounts to £1035 GBP.