Creative Learning with Purple Patch Arts

Interview with Megan Pickering by Natalie Tharraleos

What is Purple Patch Arts?

At Purple Patch Arts we facilitate creative, lifelong learning opportunities for learning-disabled and autistic adults across Yorkshire, including East Leeds.

In our Lifelong Learning Programmes, we do learning differently. Whether it’s dancing, painting, getting into nature, or dressing up, learning with Purple Patch Arts is always fun, creative and hands-on. Our team of specialists are committed to building safe, inclusive spaces, where everyone is welcome, free to be themselves and learn in their own way.

Every year, we support over 200 learning-disabled and autistic people across Yorkshire to thrive and grow in a safe and supportive community.

“It makes you happier when you’re learning at Purple Patch” – Purple Patch Arts Participant 2023

When was it set up?

Purple Patch Arts was set up in 2009, we work to a different theme each year, so participants can return year after year (and the vast majority do, with some having been with us for 14 years), allowing them to further develop their skills and learning, and to set and meet new goals. Our much-needed, valued service provides a long-term alternative to traditional day services and gives unique opportunities for learning that are so often denied to learning-disabled and autistic adults.

Who can enjoy what it offers?

Our Lifelong Learning Programmes are open to learning-disabled and autistic adults (18+) across Yorkshire, including Bradford, Doncaster, Halifax, Harrogate, Ilkley, Leeds and Skipton.

Does it have any bases in East Leeds?

Yes! During Term Time we run Programmes in LS9 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Get in touch if you would like to be involved!

What’s been a recent highlight?

Earlier this year our Purple Research Group, who are a team of researchers who also attend Purple Patch, were thrilled to receive funding from the Young Foundation’s Community Knowledge Fund. This funding was for an exciting project that aims to break down barriers for learning-disabled people to be meaningfully involved in research.

During the project, they learned about different types of research and identified what might stop learning-disabled people from being involved. They then came up with a list of recommendations about how research can be made accessible, which you can see on our website: https://purplepatcharts.org/research/

What are you aims and dreams?

We live in a world where learning isn’t open to everyone. Many learning-disabled and autistic people don’t have safe, supportive environments, where they are free to be themselves and learn in a way that suits them.

We think learning should be for everyone and our aim is to provide opportunities for learning-disabled and autistic people across Yorkshire to thrive through engagement with innovative, creative lifelong learning. 

Though we’re rooted in Yorkshire, we want to see learning-disabled and autistic people all over the world have access to creative and inclusive learning, and we think the Purple Patch approach could help us get there. We want to see a Purple Revolution in learning!

How can people get involved?

If you or your loved one is learning-disabled or autistic and in the Yorkshire area, then we’d love you to join our community!

Have a look at our website to find out more about our activities and programmes, or get in touch to see if it might be for you: https://purplepatcharts.org

info@purplepatcharts.org

07510330105