AN ONLINE summer school to help young people with learning disabilities feel less isolated and more connected over the holidays is hoped to be launched – but the theatre company behind the project needs to raise money to fund it.

Blue Apple Theatre, a charity which aims to transform the lives of people with learning disabilities through drama, dance, singing and film, is looking to raise £5985 to fund twice a week drama, dance and singing classes for 15-18 year olds over the long summer break.

The fundraiser is part of the Aviva Community Fund, where members of staff from the large insurance firm can also pledge their support to their chosen charities close to their hearts.

Ken Parry, Blue Apple’s finance manager, said: “We hope with the generous support of the community and Aviva staff members we will be able to pilot a new online summer school.

“All of us have struggled with the impacts of Covid-19 on our lives, but for people with learning disabilities, who can feel isolated at the best of times, it has been especially hard.

“Here at Blue Apple, we have been able to adapt and move our regular groups into online sessions. This has ensured our members with learning disabilities can continue to safely access and enjoy all the personal benefits they get from arts activities.

“However, we are aware that there are a lot of other people with learning disabilities who have not had the benefit that participation in our activities has brought. It has been particularly tough for young people who are still in full-time education - they have missed the vital social interaction of friends and participating in group activities.”

People like Grant Powell from Basingstoke have been enjoying the benefits of Blue Apple’s online drama classes recently.

Grant, aged 33, has a learning disability, a phobia and anxiety issues and the lockdown has meant his normal routine has stopped which can lead to anxiety issues.

He lives at home with his parents in Basingstoke. His dad Ron said: “Grant's activities have changed as he cannot go to his local social club, family meals out have stopped too, and Grant says he misses meeting up with friends and going to the Mencap clubs with his care worker. He wishes it will all be back to normal soon.

“The online Blue Apple classes have been a great way to maintain social connection, and they are a fun creative activity, to look forward to each week. It is very important for Grant to maintain some sort of routine and normality during lockdown. It gives him great comfort that things are going normally in the right direction, and things will be back soon.

“Blue Apple has been very important in keeping the members joined together every week on Zoom, continuing their acts, and keeping up good morale.”

Grant added: “I like the Blue Apple classes, they are helping me to keep connected to my friends.”

A free trial class, run by Blue Apple’s artistic director Richard Conlon, will be aired via Zoom on Saturday, July 4 for all those who are interested in taking part in the online summer school.

Two taster sessions are being run from 10.30am to 12 noon for 15 to 18-year-olds, and 12.30pm – 2pm for adults.

Richard says: “This will be a chance to see some fresh faces, try something new and see if you might like to continue with something more regular over the summer. You don’t need to have any experience in performing to take part, just be prepared to try something new from the comfort of your own home.”

People can pledge their support for Blue Apple’s new summer school by visiting: https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/blue-apple-summer-online

To book on the taster session email admin@blueappletheatre.com.