Maria, Tracy, Ross and Katriona, members of L’Arche Belfast are pictured at the main entrance to Queen’s
University Belfast. Photo: Molly Campbell The Catholic chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has partnered with L’Arche Belfast to provide them with shelter and space for their activities over the winter months.
L’Arche Belfast is part of a worldwide organisation which seeks to provide support for those with intellectual disabilities.
With the arrival of Covid-19 in Ireland in March and the ensuing lockdown, those who benefit from L’Arche’s support struggled greatly with the upheaval as services moved online.
QUB has provided space for them for autumn and the coming winter, which enabled L’Arche to continue its outreach programmes in a suitable setting.
Commenting on the development on behalf of L’Arche, project manager Alison Pettigrew said: “Our projects put an emphasis on the idea that all people have something meaningful to contribute to the community. Our programmes encourage participation from other marginalised groups in society, such as individuals who are homeless.”
Chaplain in QUB, Fr Dominic McGrattan, said, “Chaplaincy is happy to provide L’Arche with a home for the winter months and to welcome young adults who might otherwise struggle to access third level services to be part of an inclusive university family which values everyone.
“I expect that we have much to learn from the members of L’Arche. Our university students are an impressive bunch, committed to service and care for others. I have every confidence they will be keen to get involved and volunteer.”