Jean Vanier, one of the world's leading proponents of independence for people with learning disabilities has been recognised for his lifetime work in this year's celebrated Beacon Awards.    Founder of the international community known as L'Arche, Vanier has set in place 130 communities in 30 countries across the globe having dedicated his life to counselling, encouraging and promoting people with learning disabilities to live a full and active life and helping them to contribute and participate in their communities.  Through these communities, thousands of disabled people have gained a tremendous sense of self-worth and independence going on to lead fuller, more fulfilling lives.

Vanier is one of the 16 recipients of the 2005/6 Beacon Prize, who were chosen for their exceptional philanthropic contribution through the giving of their time, money and skills in order to benefit specific charitable causes and all of whom join the ranks of previous winners such as Sir Bob Geldof, Jamie Oliver and environmentalist, Zac Goldsmith who have each been recognised for their charitable work through what has become known as the 'Nobel Prize of the charity world', first coined by Chancellor Gordon Brown.

Chair of the Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust, Martyn Lewis notes: "Jean Vanier has developed one of the definitive models of care and assistance of people with learning disabilities, bringing together communal groups of people of all ability levels to provide mutual support to each other. Through L'Arche, Vanier has raised the dignity and value of people with learning disabilities to create integrated communities which are sound, productive centres of excellence in the care, support and empowerment of disabled people". 

Vanier, who has spearheaded the introduction of nine L'Arche communities in the UK joins an impressive list of 2005/6 Beacon winners which feature the likes of Paul and Diana Lamplugh who are recognised for their work through the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, created after the disappearence of their daughter in 1986, working to establish a greater awareness of personal safety whilst addressing the issues of violence and aggression in society at large; homelessness campaigner John Bird, the founder of The Big Issue and Leah Pattison, the 'Angel of Nagpur' whose life has been devoted to working with lepers in central India.

The Prize Ceremony will take place in November 2006 where the winners will be inaugurated as Beacon Fellows, a community of Beacon Prize winners who together, champion charitable causes across the globe and nurture a wider culture of giving in the UK.  The ceremony will also see the overall Beacon Prize winner announced, receiving £30,000 to donate to the charitable cause of their choice. 

ENDS

For further information on the Beacon Prize, winners' biographies and photos of the 2005/6 award recipients or on The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust contact Victoria Walsh on 020 7861 8568 or email vwalsh@bell-pottinger.co.uk or Fintan Nicholls on 0207 203 8295 or email fintan.nicholls@beaconfellowship.org.uk