A 20-YEAR dream has today come true for volunteers who have worked tirelessly to open a unique home for people with learning difficulties in Ipswich.The L'Arche home in Warrington Road has welcomed its first tenant who will eventually be one of six living independently in the specially-adapted home, alongside a team of carers.
A 20-YEAR dream has today come true for volunteers who have worked tirelessly to open a unique home for people with learning difficulties in Ipswich.
The L'Arche home in Warrington Road has welcomed its first tenant who will eventually be one of six living independently in the specially-adapted home, alongside a team of carers.
The home is the only one of its kind in East Anglia, and one of only eight across the UK, and is the culmination of years of planning, fundraising and hard work.
Two years ago, volunteers got the green light to create a L'Arche community in Suffolk, prompting a fundraising drive which reaped a staggering £350,000.
Once the house was secured, a major refurbishment and extension project took place.
Caireen Piper, house leader, said more than 40 people applied for rooms at the house.
She continued: “Along with our first tenant, we have chosen four candidates and are in the process of choosing the final two residents.
“Those living here will receive support and help with their daily activities as well as receiving guidance on their future aspirations.
“For some, the house may end up being their home for life, but for others it will act as a stepping stone.”
L'Arche is a national charity which aims to promote the independence of people with learning disabilities while helping to support and nurture their talents.
Flushed with the success of their first house, the Ipswich branch is already turning its thoughts to opening more L'Arche homes in the town.
Stephen Serpell, L'Arche committee member, said: “We are really delighted to be welcoming our first resident.
“The idea of having a L'Arche community in Ipswich goes back a long, long way so this is the realisation of a dream.
“It's a dream a lot of people have held for many years.”
What do you think of L'Arche's achievements? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
Weblink: www.larcheipswich.co.uk
Fast Facts:
L'Arche is an international charity that provides homes for people with learning disabilities
It has a network of more than 110 communities in 30 countries worldwide and eight in the UK
Community life together in L'Arche homes revolves around sharing daily needs, difficulties and celebration
L'Arche first arrived in the UK n 1974
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