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L'Arche London
We're L'Arche, an international movement of communities for people with and without learning disabilities. L'Arche London, based in West Norwood, is made up of about 100 people with and without learning disabilities, some of whom live in our community houses and others who participate in our workshops or drama group. Joy, openness, and relationship is at the heart of our shared…
Description

Our drama group puts on regular plays in theatres across London. The most recent performance was 'Aladdin and the Magical Lamp' at the South London Theatre in mid-December, which sold out very quickly! Drama volunteers can either perform in the plays alongside members with learning disabilities or help out backstage with preparing props, costumes, lighting, and music.

Put simply, the plays are so much fun. They're raucous, unpredictable, and really well coordinated by our very talented director, Laura. This is a great opportunity to have fun, get to know kind and interesting people who see the world differently to you, and embrace your inner child.

This is an experience that will not only boost your CV, but also your confidence, and will grow you as a person. You'll develop your stagecraft skills (making costumes, acting, staging, etc.).

Being friends with people with learning disabilities changes the way you see the world. You will learn to be more attentive to the world around you and be more open to difference.

You will learn to communicate more accessibly and there will be chances to have training in sign language.

Duties

There are lots of opportunities for people with different skills and comfort levels. For those who love performing, you could act, sing, dance, or play instruments. For those who prefer to be backstage, we need producers, lights and sound technicians, and costume/prop designers.

Who will the volunteers be working with?
The volunteers will be supported by the Volunteer Coordinator but on a day to day basis they will work with the members with learning disabilities and the assistants who support our members. In the drama group, you'll also be working with other volunteers.
Training
All volunteers receive a foundational level of training in health and safety and accompanying people with learning disabilities. There will be opportunities to receive additional training in first aid, sign language, autism, and health and safety.

Time commitment

This is quite a flexible commitment; for most of the year it's quieter, but around the time of the plays rehearsals are much more regular. We put on about two plays a year.

This organisation is one of our community partner organisations.

Like all volunteer recruiters we work with, they have signed up to our service standards, agreeing to abide by our policy on partnership working to keep you safe and supported whilst you volunteer.

You’ll never be out of pocket for volunteering through us – with in-London travel expenses to and from your volunteering guaranteed.

In addition, the team here at Students’ Union UCL Volunteering Service is here to support you throughout your volunteering journey – you can get in touch with us at any time.