Our impact
"Blue Apple is a theatre company that allows people like me to prove to other people out there that we can be something more than just people who are having to deal with their disability. It helps me to realise that I am not alone. We work together and we can do anything." - Sam, Blue Apple actor
This sentiment captures our dual mission: Blue Apple transforms lives through the power of performing arts while simultaneously challenging societal perceptions about what people with learning disabilities can achieve.
Evidence-based impact
Independent research by the University of Winchester (2023) confirms what our participants experience firsthand: engaging in performing arts through Blue Apple creates profound positive changes in wellbeing, social connection, and personal development.
Community | Communication | Confidence
How Blue Apple changes lives
Building essential life skills
Our participants don't just learn to perform—they develop crucial life skills that extend far beyond our sessions. Through acting, dancing, singing, and filmmaking, participants gain:
Communication skills that help them express themselves more clearly
Teamwork abilities developed through collaborative performances
Emotional regulation as they learn to recognise and manage their feelings
Creative problem-solving skills they apply to daily challenges
Independence that grows with each new accomplishment
These skills help participants navigate daily life with greater confidence and self-reliance.
Creating genuine community
Blue Apple provides what many of our participants have never had: a place where they truly belong. Through shared creative experiences, participants build lasting friendships and find their voice. Our weekly sessions create inclusive spaces where everyone's contribution is valued, where talents are celebrated, and where meaningful relationships flourish.
The result? Participants report feeling less lonely, more connected, and genuinely excited about their weekly sessions and performances. During the challenging months of 2020, one family member shared: "The joy, enthusiasm and energy you have all given through these challenging months has been exceptional and so very much appreciated. They have been a lifeline this year."
Building confidence through achievement and recognition
There's nothing quite like the transformation we witness when someone discovers their creative talents and shares them with the world. Our performers gain confidence by:
Demonstrating their abilities to diverse audiences
Receiving genuine recognition for their artistic contributions
Learning new skills they can apply in everyday life
Taking on leadership roles within their creative teams
Proving their capabilities beyond societal expectations
This confidence, earned through real achievement and public recognition, radiates into all areas of their lives. As performer James Benfield explains: "Blue Apple is a team builder. It builds both you as a person and as a character as well."
Showcasing talents and changing minds
Through public performances across the UK and Europe, our actors don't just entertain audiences—they fundamentally challenge assumptions about learning disabilities. Every performance becomes an opportunity to demonstrate capabilities that society often overlooks or underestimates.
The impact is measurable: 82% of audience members who saw our 2023 production of Animal Farm said the show challenged their thinking about learning disabilities. Comments from audiences reveal genuine shifts in perspective:
"Wow! Never, ever, underestimate a person with disabilities. Everyone is unique and capable of amazing things in their own way."
"I didn't know what to expect and thought it was an amazing endeavour."
"Everyone brought something unique. Great to see the confidence of all the actors!"
Even audiences who attend unknowingly leave transformed: "We booked the tickets unaware of the production but to support our local theatre. We would definitely support again."
This perception-changing work extends far beyond individual performances. As award-winning writer Heidi Thomas reflects: "If only Blue Apple had existed when my brother had been alive. His life would have been so different. We cannot underestimate the importance of this organisation and its work."
Addressing a critical need
People with learning disabilities face significant barriers to social participation. Research by Mencap shows that people with learning disabilities have fewer opportunities for leisure activities and socialising, often leading to fewer friendships and greater isolation. Supporting this, research by national charity Hft reveals that a third of people with learning disabilities don't feel part of their local community.
The impact of this isolation on mental and physical health is well-documented, yet accessible, inclusive activities remain scarce.
Blue Apple directly addresses this gap by creating welcoming spaces where people with learning disabilities can pursue their creative passions alongside peers who understand their experiences. Crucially, we also provide platforms for public performance - opportunities to demonstrate talents and capabilities to wider society, challenging misconceptions and stereotypes in the process.
Research-confirmed benefits
The University of Winchester study identified multiple wellbeing impacts among Blue Apple participants:
Personal development: Learning new skills, gaining confidence, improved independence, enhanced creativity
Social connection: Building reciprocal relationships, reducing isolation, feeling valued and supported
Emotional wellbeing: Developing a sense of purpose, recognising and regulating emotions, increased happiness
Physical activity: Staying active through movement, dance, and performance preparation
Blue Apple stakeholders consistently report that we offer a unique set of experiences and opportunities specifically designed for people with intellectual disabilities - opportunities that are genuinely inclusive, highly valuable, and sadly rare in our communities.
Source: Measures of Wellbeing Report
Ready to see our impact in action? Learn more about our programmes, meet our performers, or discover how you can support our work.