Report and photos: Tess Reddington

Purple Umbrella is a new and exciting voluntary organisation for people with disabilities, their families and support staff, who are looking for more meaningful daytime activities and personalised quality care and support.

We are set up particularly to support people with higher level needs who may struggle in larger groups but will thrive in small groups designed to suit their needs.

Our Communication Group, where we learn key word signing and how to programme electronic speech aids, meets monthly and welcomes enquiries; to date, members have had learning disability, but the group would benefit anyone with a disability that impacts their ability to communicate.

Our Fitness and Activities group meets every week at Abbey Lane Playing Fields or at the Older People's Club in Burscough for a monthly "Masked Ball", and is proving a great boost for our members who have struggled with lock down and for whom the exercise fun and friendship lifts their spirits.