Hertfordshire-based Performance Group raise awareness around Learning Disabilities
The Purple All Stars are a group of adults with learning disabilities who dance, sing and perform to spread a message of inclusion
Last updated 23rd Jun 2024
Hertfordshire-based group The Purple All Stars are young adults with learning disabilities who perform across the county to raise awareness around issues they face like health accessibility and exclusion from everyday social situations.
The group sing, dance, and have even been known to paint! Their performances are met with adoring crowds and have become a huge source of confidence for many of the members.
Kate Harding runs the group and said they are “like one big family” highlighting how supportive the group have been of each other, especially when they suffered the recent bereavement of a member.
Issues faced by Adults with Learning Disabilities
The group have a strong health focus, producing songs about washing hands during the Covid Pandemic and a track about recognising sepsis that was recognised by NHS England.
It can sometimes be difficult for those with learning disabilities to understand the health issues that might come their way, says Kate.
The Purple All Stars also spread a message of inclusion, asking for people with learning disabilities to be treated equally and brought into groups and activities like any other individual.
This learning disabilities week they have released a new song ‘See Me’ on this theme.
Kate says that people with learning disabilities struggle to find a sense of belonging in the community “they’re quite often ignored. People stare… look… don’t have the mindset to say ‘hi’ or ‘how are you doing’.”
She hopes the future will see more support for people with learning disabilities, their carers, and nurses. “All of the things that make sure that people with learning disabilities have an active and healthy wellbeing and lifestyle.”
Support for the Purple All Stars
The group have received generous support from local communities, for which they are very grateful. This was particularly important when their bus was stolen early last year.
Not only did the group raise enough donations to buy a new bus but in the interim they were supported by Howard Ray Film Transport who provided them with busses usually used for film extras and crew at Warner Bros Studios.
The Purple All Stars are also supported by followers, friends and fans. When they enter the crowds after performances they’re inundated with messages of support and solidarity from other adults with learning disabilities who feel empowered by their shows.
The group’s new song ‘See Me’ is now available on Spotify.