About Purple Loft Project
Find out the Who, What and Why about Purple Loft Project!
Who are we?
Purple Loft Project is a little non-profit organisation based in Shetland. Formed in early 2022, we’re a small team of volunteers who understand how important being creative can be for our mental health and wellbeing, and we want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience those benefits. Purple Loft Project is volunteer-run, and everyone involved with the organisation feels passionately about breaking down barriers to being creative. If this sounds like your kind of people, please get involved.
What do we do?
We provide free creative materials to people in need across Shetland, with an emphasis on supporting young people experiencing mental health issues and those from low-income households. Saying this, we recognise that everyone can benefit from being creative and we don’t want to turn away someone who falls outside of our target groups. Anyone can self-refer for free materials and the process is very simple – we don’t want anyone jumping through hoops to prove that they are in need.
We deliver creativity packs filled with brand new supplies and currently have three categories available– art, music, and creative writing. Each pack contains a range of materials to help people access their creative side, take some time for themselves, and perhaps try something new with no strings attached. Simply use the materials as you wish!
In addition to the creativity packs, we have a library of second-hand materials donated to the project that anyone can access. Donations currently available include art and craft supplies, wool, scrapbooking resources, sewing materials, instruments , journals, and writing materials.
We’ve also had people offer workshops and tutoring opportunities so, where possible, we will aim to connect individuals to the creative community. We are not qualified mental health professionals so, where appropriate and with permission, we will signpost individuals to local mental health support agencies, groups, and online resources.
If you would like some free creative materials, please complete our simple referral form and if you have trouble completing this online, get in touch.
Why?
We believe that there is no limit to the good that can come from being creative. Those who could benefit the most often face the toughest obstacles, financially or mentally. We want to limit those obstacles. Being creative offers a sense of connection to the world around you, and to yourself. Art, music, and other creative pursuits can provide a vital tool when it comes to self-care and self-expression. Everyone deserves the chance to access their creative side with no pressure to be ‘good’ at it, or to create for anyone but themselves.
Purple Loft Project was founded in 2022 by Ashlea Tulloch. Ashlea struggled with her own mental health for a long time and, as a young adult, spent years stuck inside her house with agoraphobia, anxiety, and depression. Ashlea found solace in art and music and believes that being creative saved her life. She wanted to find a way to allow others who are struggling to have access to the same creative opportunities she did, and so Purple Loft Project was born. We’re called Purple Loft Project as Ashlea didn’t leave her attic room (painted purple) for years. She wanted to turn what was a very dark place into something positive and meaningful and allow her story to provide hope to others.