Pull on a Purple Pair

Living with Disability is proud to support Purple Sock Day 2026 and help budding disabled entrepreneurs kick-start their businesses.

There is just one month to go before Parallel Lifestyle’s Purple Sock Day, an annual national act of mass participation on December 3 to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).

All you need to do is buy and wear a pair of special edition purple socks.

Backed by Victoria Jenkins (pictured above), founder of the award-winning adaptable clothing brand Unhidden, and singer songwriter James Bay, this year’s #PurpleSockDay campaign will again support the work of the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE).

“BASE is the national voice for providers of specialist employment support and share our passion to improve the employment rates of disabled people across the UK,” said Parallel Lifestyle founder Andrew Douglass.

“All we’re asking is for people to buy and wear a pair of soft, sustainable bamboo socks manufactured by BAM, tag us at #PurpleSockDay and help budding disabled entrepreneurs start their businesses.”

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.

The Purple Sock Day Fund enables BASE to offer small grants of between £500 and £2,000 to organisations or individuals who are building self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities with disabled and neurodivergent people.

“Sustainable style with social impact – what’s not to love about Purple Sock Day,” added Andrew.

“It’s a fun initiative with a serious message that you can support and inspire friends, family and work colleagues to pull on a pair of Parallel’s purple socks.”

Profits from Purple Sock Day are also used to re-invest into growing the campaign and Parallel Windsor, a national celebration of disability inclusion and wellbeing.

To find out more and to order your Purple Sock Day socks visit https://www.parallellifestyle.com/purple-sock-day, https://www.base-uk.org/home or https://bambooclothing.co.uk/shop/shades-purple-sock-day-charity-socks-purple/