Tenebrae Prayer Evening

If the idea of a Boogie Night is a bit too much in the last week of Lent how about a quiet night of gentle reflection? Come and join us on Wednesday 4th April.

John O'Brien workshop organised by Paradigm

On Friday March 2nd several of us from L'Arche Communities around the UK joined other organisations for workshop led by John O'Brien entitled 'Reconnecting Hearts and Minds'. It was organised by Paradigm and there was a really good turn out and a genuine 'buzz' of enthusiasm and desire to bring about change.

One of the issues that came up was how regulations and policies - whether imposed from Local Authorities, National bodies, like Supporting People or self-imposed by organisations trying to do the right thing - sometimes get in the way of good care instead of helping. Why does this happen and why do we do it to ourselves?

Much of the time the reason is that we feel we need to 'protect' people above all other considerations. Now of course we do need to keep people safe but not at the expense of having a life!

Lot's more discussion to be had but at least debate is being sparked. Comments please!

Oh, and a bit surreally, our kid turned up and had his picture taken with everyone. Not sure John O'Brien knew what to make of him! But it's good for our website! We are doing the Manchester Marathon together (what was I thinking?) to raise money for L'Arche Manchester so watch this space!

Easter Boogie Night!

Progress Update March 2012

Crickey. Can't believe so long has passed since the last update. So much has moved on it is difficult to know where to start. The house has been purchased and work has started on stripping out prior to building work proper starting. And I really mean stripping out. All the plaster is off the walls, doorways and floorboards have been removed, most of the plasterboard ceilings pulled down. It is just the brick shell of the house still standing. All very messy, but very exciting too.

Discussions are on going with the Local Authority to identify the right people to move in and we are starting to recruit our first assistants. Finding the right people is absolutely vital. You can have the best policies, ethos, facilities, in the perfect setting and if you haven't got the quality of people you're wasting your time! So if you think you've got what it takes or if you know someone who you think may suit working in L'Arche let me know!

If all goes well we will be opening the doors in September 2012 so there's lot's to be getting on with.

I am just putting the finishing touches to the website now so that will be up and running in the next week or two and we are also putting out a newsletter to bring people up to date. So watch your inboxes!