Purple Patch Arts, a celebrated charity based in Beeston, is marking its 15th anniversary of empowering learning-disabled adults and young people through innovative learning experiences. To celebrate this milestone, they’re hosting a free event showcasing their successful methodology, The Purple Patch Approach.
“It makes you happier when you’re learning at Purple Patch,” says a participant in the charity’s Lifelong Learning Programme, highlighting the programme’s positive impact.
The Purple Patch Approach utilises creative activities like drama, dance, music, literature, and visual arts to make learning accessible, engaging, and joyful for their participants. Each year, the charity supports over 200 learning-disabled people across Yorkshire, fostering their growth and development within a welcoming community. Recent research by Dr. Melissa Kirby, conducted in collaboration with Purple Patch Arts’ participants, provides evidence of the approach’s effectiveness.
“The Purple Patch Approach facilitates a range of positive outcomes for participants, including inclusive learning experiences, new social connections, personal growth, opportunities for advocacy and enhanced wellbeing.” – Dr. Melissa Kirby
Believing that creative and inclusive learning should be available to everyone, Purple Patch Arts is hosting a free event to share The Purple Patch Approach with people who currently work with learning-disabled adults and those who would like to in the future. Attendees will gain practical skills, boost their confidence in creating inclusive environments, and learn how to inspire and engage learning-disabled people.
“Over the past 15 years, we’ve witnessed firsthand the inequities faced by learning-disabled people. Our mission at Purple Patch Arts is to create a world where everyone can thrive through access to creative learning environments. By sharing our innovative Purple Patch Approach, we aim to empower others to make a positive impact on the lives of those they work with.” – Fran Rodgers, CEO of Purple Patch Arts
The Purple Patch Approach: How to Use Arts-Based Methods to Involve, Inspire, and Engage Learning-Disabled People will take place on October 16, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Archive in Leeds. Free tickets can be booked on Ticket Source here.
To learn more about Purple Patch Arts and their work, visit their website at purplepatcharts.org/about-us.
This post is based on a press release issued by Purple Patch Arts
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