The Purple All Stars have released a new song with a powerful message about inclusion to mark Learning Disability Week from June 17 to 23.
The Hertfordshire-based performing arts group for adults with learning disabilities helped to write the lyrics to the song 'See Me' about being seen, heard and valued. It ties in with this week’s theme of 'Do you see me?'.
The lyrics include: "Don’t turn your face or cross the street; don’t frown or stare when our eyes should meet. We need the same things as you: to feel included. We have the same rights as you; we are equal."
The Purple All Stars have also released a video on YouTube to go with the song.
Jonny Pitcher, a professional musician from Hitchin, was the vocalist and composer of 'See Me'.
He has written scores for TV documentaries, which have gone on to win BAFTA awards, as well as films, plays, video games and TV dramas, among them BBC’s Call of Duty.
Kate Harding, creative care co-ordinator at Hertfordshire County Council, who leads the group and also helped write the lyrics, said: "We are super proud of this song and hope that it changes people’s thinking and encourages everyone to ensure people with a learning disability are included and welcomed equally in local community settings.
"Get to know and extend a hand of friendship to people with learning disabilities.
"Don’t isolate them, don’t turn away from them, say ‘hello’, make them feel that they are a part of your community – equally, as you are."
The group marked the song’s release on Friday, June 14 with a specially choreographed dance routine in their colourful new dance kit, at an event at Cotlandswick Leisure Centre in London Colney.
The event also marked the unveiling of the Purple All Star’s new bus. It will be used to take the 19 members of the group to their performances at community events around the county.
Money to buy the bus came from a fundraising appeal, which was launched after the group’s previous vehicle was stolen in January last year.
(Image: Purple all Stars)
Ms Harding said: “The replacement bus is essential to the groups work and we can't thank those who donated to the fund for its purchase enough. We have been really moved by their generosity and kindness.
“Special thanks go to Howard Ray Transport in Leavesden Park for supporting us for the whole of last year. Their kindness meant we could continue to deliver our performances and deliver our messages.”
She added: “We have a new spring in our step as we go into the second part of 2024, and this is because of all the amazing support we have received from so many.”
The Purple All Stars was set up in 2011 by the Learning Disability Nursing Service within Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) to deliver health promotion messages to people with learning disability through song and dance. Members come from across the county.
The group, which is funded by HCC, also raises awareness to the public about mental and physical health as well as social isolation, inclusion and equality for people with learning disabilities.
Ms Harding added: “I think Hertfordshire County Council has a really good model - using a creative practitioner, the Purple strategy team and specialist nurses - to help take care of the health of people with learning disabilities.
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"I believe that model should be echoed across other counties. I feel Hertfordshire is innovative and leading the way with this”.
The Purple All Stars invites everyone to listen to 'See Me' on Spotify and join in their mission to create a more inclusive society.
The Youtube video link is: https://youtu.be/ZvMdSZsakqA.
For further information about support for individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and carers, please visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/learningdisability.
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