Living with Disability is backing a national campaign to wear a pair of purple socks to mark International Day of Disabled People on December 3.
Purple Sock Day aims to engage the nation in one, effortless, single act of united solidarity in support of disabled entrepreneurs – by buying and wearing a pair of special edition purple socks.
The sustainable bamboo socks are available from https://bambooclothing.co.uk/purple-sock-day/ and by buying, wearing and sharing at #PurpleSockDay you will help to raise positive awareness for disability inclusion.
Launched by the social enterprise Parallel Lifestyle https://www.parallellifestyle.com/purple-sock-day, profits from #PurpleSockDay will be donated to the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) to help fund support for disabled entrepreneurs and re-invested into growing Purple Sock Day and a national celebration of disability inclusion and wellbeing in 2025.
Victoria Jenkins (pictured above), founder of the award-winning adaptable clothing brand Unhidden, is spearheading the campaign and was one of the first to slip on the purple socks.
The 38-year-old disabled entrepreneur, recognised by Vogue in their 25 most influential Powerhouse Women and named second most influential disabled person in the UK by the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List, is encouraging everyone to raise awareness and money by ‘buying, wearing and sharing’ in support of national Purple Sock Day.
Disabled entrepreneurs currently account for an estimated 25% of the nation’s 5.5 million small businesses but represent only 8.6% of total small business turnover. Small Business Britain estimates suggest that creating equal opportunities could unlock an additional £230 billion for the UK economy.
“There are significant challenges faced by disabled entrepreneurs in the UK, identifying inaccessible support services, poor access to finance, and the “burden of proof of disability” are key issues that need addressing,” said Victoria, a co-chair of the influential Lilac Review, an independent review on tackling the inequality faced by disabled founders and aiming to level-up entrepreneurial opportunity across the UK.
“We want to be given equal access to opportunities, so we are free to be entrepreneurs and to grow our business to the best of our ambition and abilities.”
Victoria, who became disabled in her mid-20s after an undiagnosed ulcer burst, has a variety of gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal conditions and symptoms from surgeries and complications of her conditions, wants every sock wearing person to help budding entrepreneurs start their businesses by supporting Purple Sock Day.
“Sustainable style with social impact – what’s not to love,” said Victoria.
“It’s a fun initiative with a serious message that you, your family, friends and work colleagues can get behind by pulling on a pair of purple socks.”
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