A THEATRE company for people with learning disabilities in Hampshire is setting up activities online in a bid to help its members feel less isolated following the current suspension of its services.

Blue Apple Theatre, which aims to transform the lives of people with learning disabilities through drama, dance, singing and film, will provide a range of online drama, dance and singing work to its members across Hampshire.

It also recognises many people with learning disabilities do not have access to advanced streaming technology so will also provide activities in a simper form, as well as checking in on members through texts and phone calls.

Home-based activities may include warm-up dance routines; scripts to learn; singing exercises; with special social media groups to share performances and weekly drama quizzes.

Simon Morris, general manager at Blue Apple Theatre, explained: “As this situation with coronavirus continually evolves, we decided at the start of this week to cancel all our group activities to help our members stay safe.

“We know that disruption to routines is challenging for all people but especially for those with learning disabilities and we’re keen to continue offering some class activities using technology and ‘social distancing’ through this unprecedented period.

“This will involve keeping routines going as much as we can for our members, by providing activity content at a time they would normally be attending class. We will keep going in the best way we can to ensure our Blue Apple members feel supported and connected at this unsettling time.”

Blue Apple also plans to work closely with local learning disability organisations and its partners to try to ensure a coordinated approach to supporting vulnerable members.

Members can visit blueappletheatre.com/home-based-activities for all the latest activities which will be uploaded throughout the coming weeks with new materials.

For more information, please email admin@blueappletheatre.com or call us on 01962 827352.