Acorn Training logo turns purple for #PurpleLightUp day in support of International Day of Persons with Disabilities

(2^nd December 2020) The Acorn Training company logo is getting a makeover for one day only. The usually green logo, lending itself to match the nature-inspired company name of ‘Acorn’, will be changing to purple on Thursday 3^rd December.

This change is inspired by the #PurpleLightUp campaign, #PurpleLightUp is a global movement designed to celebrate and draw attention to the economic contribution of disabled people on the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Conceived by PurpleSpace Founder Kate Nash OBE, a member of the Disability Confident Business Leaders’ Group, #PurpleLightUp calls on employers, staff networks / resource groups and allies to drive this movement for change across their organisations.

Niki Freeman, Assistant Director of Employability & Justice, comments on the importance of this topic to Acorn Training, “We are proud to show a visible commitment to disability inclusion and will be joining the #PurpleLightUp webinar sessions on the 3^rd December to learn more about how we can drive this commitment further. It is embedded within our core values to promote equality and diversity, we are proud to work with individuals from ethic minority groups, ex-offenders, members of the LGBT+ community and individuals with disabilities.”

Acorn Training are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace and throughout all of their operations. For example, this year through the Opportunity and Change programme, Acorn was able to support an individual who suffered with multiple level disc degeneration throughout of her cervical spine causing both bladder and bowel incontinence. She uses a walking aid and has all the adaptations in her bungalow so she is able to maintain an independent lifestyle. Acorn Employee, Nicola Smith, successfully secured funding to obtain a laptop for the individual and following lots of 1:1 coaching sessions, she now she is able to use zoom, emails, read news online, pay bills online and recently joined Loud Speaker. The individual has also been supported and guided through training courses to increase her confidence.

Further to their support of disability inclusion, Acorn Training are also an official Disability Confident Employer, recognising the value and talents of disabled employees.

Notes to editors

The Opportunity and Change programme is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund. To learn more about the Opportunity and Change programme, click here.