What is a Lifelong Learning Programme?

Our Lifelong Learning Programmes are for adults with learning disabilities, complex needs and autism. Our specialist staff use creative methods such as art, drama, music, movement and multi-sensory activity to make learning fun and accessible, exploring a wide range of different topics based on a yearly theme.

Our theme for 2019/20 is Mystery; we’re looking at all sorts of mysterious things including the mysteries of the human body, the mysteries of space and mysterious places!

Coronavirus Response

We know how important it is for people to stay active, engaged and stimulated while our Lifelong Learning Programmes are closed. With that in mind, we’ll be posting daily activities on our website, in line with our weekly theme; you can do them all at home, using resources that you should be able to find around the house and garden. Please visit our Daily Activities page to take part!

We also have a number of resources that are available to people who attend our Lifelong Learning Programmes; please get in touch for information on how to access them.

Why come to a Purple Patch programme?

They’re educational

We provide access to affordable, meaningful learning opportunities that are fun, exciting and engaging to people with a wide range of learning disabilities, complex needs and autism.

They’re inclusive

Our innovative approach means that our highly skilled staff can work with a sense of adventure, adapting to the needs of our participants and creating environments where people can thrive.

They’re life-enhancing

We support participants to express themselves creatively, to develop their confidence, independence, communication and social skills, to improve their mental and physical wellbeing and to challenge themselves and the preconceptions of others.

Useful information

Lifelong Learning Programmes run from 10am – 3pm during term time. The day is broken up into three one-hour sessions, with regular breaks built in to encourage social interaction. Our programmes cost £40 per day and are usually funded through people’s personal budgets. Participants sign up for the academic year, and we have a four-week notice period to allow us to fill a space if anyone leaves us.

You can download our 2019/20 term dates here.

We also run a residential weekend twice a year at The Beamsley Project, which is open to anyone who attends our Lifelong Learning Programmes. Beamsley is a great opportunity for people from different Purple Patch groups to come together, socialise, learn and get creative – and it’s also where we decide on our our new theme each year!

Locations

Our programmes run in community venues across Yorkshire in the following locations:

Monday

Bradford

Tuesday

Ilkley
Leeds

Wednesday

Headingley
Doncaster

Thursday

Burley
Skipton
Leeds

Friday

Harrogate
Halifax
Skipton

A map showing the locations of Lifelong Learning Programmes in Yorkshire

All of our locations are accessible, with some offering changing places toilets. Please contact us to discuss specific requirements.

How to join

We offer two free taster sessions so that people can find out if Purple Patch is right for them.

If you, or somebody you know, might like to come to Purple Patch then please get in touch with our Programmes Team. We will work with you to identify access needs, find out a bit about you, and discuss the best programme for you to try.

Frequently asked questions

Here’s some answers to questions that we get asked a lot! If you have any other questions, then please get in touch.

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1. Is your learning accredited?

We don’t offer accredited learning as we believe that everyone should be able to learn at their own pace, in their own way. We create individual portfolios at the end of the year which show people’s progress, and have a celebration event at each programme on the last day of the summer term.

2. How do you choose your theme?

All of our participants and staff vote on the new theme in our programmes and on our residential weekend in July (once we’ve narrowed it down to some sensible options – a year on cats might be a little tricky!)

3. Do you offer bursaries?

We have a limited number of bursary places available for people who aren’t in a position to pay to attend our programmes. We can discuss how to apply for this when you contact us.

4. Do you provide lunch?

We don’t provide lunch; most people bring a packed lunch with them, and some venues have kitchen facilities or cafes that you can use. We do provide hot and cold drinks throughout the day though!

5. Do you provide personal care?

We aren’t able to provide personal care, but you’re very welcome to bring someone with you to support you in any way you need.

6. Do you provide transport?

We don’t provide transport; you’ll need to make your own arrangements for getting to and from our programmes.