Melissa completed her PhD at the University of Leeds in 2023. She is passionate about inclusive research with adults with learning disabilities, including participatory, co-produced and arts-based approaches. Melissa is the main contact for the Purple Research Group. 

reserach@purplepatcharts.org 
m.kirby@leeds.ac.uk

Ella's favourite thing about doing research is looking at different topics - we've done lots!  Ella says, "I was nervous to get involved and now I'm getting up and having a go. It's made me independent! I have helped other people who have learning disabilities like me to understand about Purple Patch Arts and why I go it". 

Tracey's favourite thing about doing research is that each meeting is different! 

Tracey says, "I never knew what research was and now I do! I put my voice across - if I don't then research won't be answered. I am a better person and help others understand what research is about!

John's favourite thing about doing research is that he can put his view across to different people! John says, "We can make a difference if we talk about it. I didn't expect that I could talk to people at the university - other groups are listening! If I can help someone have a better day once in a while it's a good thing" 

Sam sadly passed away in 2023, but she played a very important role in the research projects and in creating the comic book. Her favourite thing about research was meeting, talking about it and supporting people. Sam felt research was important "to help other people and say what you want to do to help".

Janine supported Sam throughout the research and became a very important member of our team. Janine says: "I was interested in how the process worked to do research and what it would involve.  I look at things in a different way now. You get more out of things, when you've done research about them".

Liam says: “I want to share what I know about Purple Patch Arts to a load of different people. If there’s a student who’s planning to ever do some research, ask and do it with disabled people because you’ll learn so much more"

Leanne says, "I like being a researcher because it's to help Purple Patch Arts and people know about it, and might wanna join in!"

Charlie is a valued member of the Purple Research Group. He was supported throughout the research by Jo.

Jo supported Charlie throughout the research and became an important member of our team.