Volunteer at L'Arche Highland

What we do

L’Arche Highland is a community for people with and without learning disabilities. We work to support individuals to achieve their fullest potential in a vibrant, caring environment based on principles of mutual relationship, shared life, and spirituality. Members with learning disabilities are known as ‘core members’ because they are at the heart of everything we do. Our community is made up for four residential houses in Inverness, four busy and fun-filled workshops (gardening, woodwork, candle-making and life skills), and our beautiful grounds and gardens. 

Core members are supported to achieve greater independence while also taking part in a thriving community life, whether through regular gatherings, celebrations, or participation in the wider community.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life to fulfil a variety of roles within our residential houses and workshops. You don’t need any special skills, or experience of working with learning disabilities – just to be caring, good at building relationships and willing to learn. Your role could involve:

•    Befriending individuals
•    Driving
•    Helping out with community events and gatherings
•    Gardening
•    Creative work such as art, music, or drama
•    Assisting in our woodwork, candles or life skills workshops
•    …and much more.

As a volunteer with L’Arche, you will be celebrated as someone with a vital contribution to our community life. We will support you to find a role that suits your unique talents, skills and interests. We will work to maximise opportunities for you to develop lasting and meaningful connections within our community, whether with core members, fellow volunteers, or assistants.

For further details about what we have on offer, or to apply, please contact Haroun Hameed, Volunteer Coordinator, at haroun.hameed@larche.org.uk. We really appreciate your interest.

At every stage of your journey as a volunteer, you will receive support and guidance to enable you to give full creative input to our community. We will support you to complete basic training to protect yourself and others in your work with vulnerable adults. We will provide further opportunities for training in line with your role, should you wish to engage further. All training will be tailored and will offer meaningful skills for future employment or volunteering in the sector.

Must be over 16