Who we are
Purple Patch Arts exists to provide innovative, inclusive, creative learning opportunities that improve the lives of learning-disabled and autistic adults by expanding their understanding of, and engagement with, the world.
What we do
We pioneer creative, lifelong learning opportunities for learning-disabled and autistic adults across Yorkshire.
We support learning-disabled and autistic people to engage with new experiences and reach their full potential.
Our experienced staff provide inclusive, fun, informal learning opportunities that are designed to be accessible to all.
How we do it
We believe that learning should be creative, joyful and full of magic.
At Purple Patch Arts, we do learning differently. Our ‘Purple Patch Approach’ to learning uses creative activities like drama, dance, music, literature and visual arts to explore ideas, themes and topics in ways which are accessible, imaginative and lots of fun!
Read more about our approach, and why we use it, here.
Why we do it
Learning-disabled and autistic people have the right to thrive, and we should all have an equal chance to learn, grow and reach our full potential. 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. Our innovative approach means that we can work with a sense of adventure, adapting to the needs of our participants and creating environments where people can thrive.
Every year, we support over 200 learning-disabled and autistic people across Yorkshire to thrive and grow in a safe and supportive community. We make magic together. We see the impact of our work on a daily basis, in the increased wellbeing, confidence and independence of our participants, and the ripple effects that has for their families, carers and wider communities.
You can read more about our impact on our Programmes and Projects pages.
Activity Reports
There’s lots of information about what we get up to in our Activity Reports.
What are you looking for?
Vision, Mission and Values
Our vision is a world where learning-disabled and autistic people are empowered to reach their potential.
Our mission is to provide opportunities for learning-disabled and autistic people across Yorkshire to thrive through engagement with innovative, creative lifelong learning.
We are a value-led organisation, so whatever we do, we do it with humanity, passion, creativity and authenticity. We know that our work is helping to bring about a world where learning-disabled and autistic people are empowered to thrive. We take our values seriously, but don’t worry, we don’t take ourselves too seriously!
Humanity
We treat people with compassion and respect. We believe in people’s abilities and value the contributions of everyone equally. We work flexibly, tailor our approach to every individual and build safe and supportive communities where people are free to be themselves.
Creativity
We’re not afraid to do things differently. We’re inquisitive and open-minded. We love experimenting, learning, and coming up with new and innovative approaches. We’re experts at thinking on our feet, being imaginative and looking at things from a fresh perspective.
Passion
We believe in our vision, and understand how our day-to-day work gets us closer to the world we want to see. We bring enthusiasm, joy and a sprinkling of magic to work. We don’t settle, and are constantly striving to find better ways of doing what we do.
Authenticity
We’re motivated by a deep passion and belief in the impact of our work. We’re honest and genuine. We build real, long-lasting relationships with our participants, families and carers. We do what we say we will and own up to mistakes when we make them.
Resources
We have a number of resources and activities that are available to anyone for free!
