L'Arche Belfast

General information

WHAT WE DO:
-Supported Living in a Vibrant Community Context-
We operate a supported living scheme consisting of two houses on the Ormeau Road which have become home to nine people with learning difficulties - the 'core members' of our community. Core members are supported in their day-to-day living by a team of support workers and live-in volunteers, who make L'Arche feel like 'home' rather than houses where a service is provided.

Root Soup -Catering for the Community-
This is our social enterprise. It started in 2010 and provides cookery and catering training to adults from diverse backgrounds and with diverse abilities. Participants are encouraged to develop their skills at their own pace, and to enjoy the fruits of their labour! Alongside our training programmes, Root Soup also runs a professional catering service which caters for weddings, private parties, corporate functions, and much more!

Green Buds -Gardening With A Heart-
Green Buds provides horticulture training and work experience for people who are often labelled as being 'in the margins' of society. Our group of gardeners works year-round to produce a variety of vegetables and fruit on a large allotment, and also helps friends and neighbours who may need a bit of assistance to look after their gardens. Our tea breaks have become a thing of legend...

In Other Words - Communication Through Art-
In Other words offers a space in which people from different backgrounds, with a variety of abilities, artistic interest and talent, to meet up and connect with each other in a spirit of friendship and creativity. The group has held exhibitions of their work at varies spectacular Belfast venues and has participated in local arts festivals.