Pembroke College Cambridge

Volunteering Week Part 1: Lyn’s House

LogoThis week is student volunteering week, so we're showcasing student volunteers and giving current students examples of ways they can give their time.  Part 1 is by Katharine Griffiths (2012), who has an unusual home in Lyn's House

L’Arche is an international organisation where people with and without learning disabilities live together as a community. The Lyn's House is project inspired by the L’Arche communities and the vision of Jean Vanier, who founded L’Arche in response to the widespread suffering and institutionalisation of people with learning disabilities in society. In 1964, Vanier invited two men with disabilities, Raphael and Philippe, to live with him. From this first house, L’Arche has become an international organisation where people with and without learning disabilities live together, with an emphasis on building mutual relationships, and recognising the equality and vulnerability of all. Vanier believes that a) 'people with learning disabilities have a great deal to contribute to society' and b) 'by living in intentional communities with people with and without learning disabilities, living with diversity and difference, we open ourselves up to be challenged and grow.' Vanier's vision comes from his Christian faith but L’Arche itself has grown to include people with different or no religious beliefs. Lyn's house is slightly different in that we don't live with the members of the community that have learning difficulties, we instead invite them round for meals 2-3 times a week on rotation, with each person visiting every fortnight, allowing us to have smaller groups of people at dinner and focus on building deeper friendships than is possible at the once monthly tea parties, which are a chance for the wider community to spend time all together.

I initially got involved when I was looking for a place to stay in Cambridge after I'd graduated last June. I knew Suzie, one of the residents, through Pembroke College Chapel Choir. I'd been round for dinner at Lyn's house once or twice and thought it was great - a 'real' house with a dining table and sofas! Suzie had briefly explained the project but I had delved no further into what it meant and the work it did. I mentioned my housing predicament whilst we were away on our tour in Croatia. We got chatting and she very kindly explained in more detail the ethos of the project, and how they were looking for someone to fill an empty space. The timing seemed ideal, and from hearing Suzie speak about the joy she got from being in the community at Lyn's House I thought it might be a really good idea to at least give it a try.

I've been in the house 5 months or so now - and I cannot deny that it has profoundly changed the way I think, act and define what 'normal' is. There was a lot to learn; about how to best build a loving community to invite people into, about how to make the space in myself to really receive and get to know each of our guests, and just generally how to live harmoniously with each other. Sometimes after a long day at work the thought of hosting a meal can be quite daunting, yet I always end the evening feeling so energised and so nourished. In this sense, living at Lyn's house can seem like there's a lot of work to do, but you always get out so much more than you put in.

One of the main aims of L'Arche, and Lyn's house, is to support people with learning difficulties in the community. It gives them a safe environment to develop friendships with different types of people who aren't their carers or family. We hope this shows them and others that they are valuable people, real friends, and welcome in society. However, it became clear to me very early on that the benefits flow in both directions; like with any friendships the ones I've developed here at Lyn's house never fail to energise, inspire and (at times) entertain me, enriching my life a great deal.

The Lyn's house community also extends to a group of 12 very dedicated volunteers who regularly join the meals we host, often cooking and leading prayer or reflection. They are absolutely indispensable to the running of this project. This is an obvious way for people to get involved - a handful of other Pembroke students have been volunteering this past year. Even if you’re not able to make a regular commitment, we are always extremely happy to see new people at our monthly tea parties. These are a good opportunity to meet the whole community (and to enjoy the always abundant supply of cake!). If you are interested please do not hesitate to get in touch:lynshouse.cam@gmail.com.

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