Businesses and organisations across Hull and East Yorkshire are being encouraged to show their support for accessibility and inclusion by taking part in Purple Tuesday.

Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) is calling on its network of more than 2,000 partners to join the global initiative on Tuesday 4th November, and help make the region even more welcoming for all.
Purple Tuesday is the international movement aimed at improving the customer experience for disabled people everywhere.
To mark the occasion, civic buildings across Hull city centre including Hull City Hall and Hull Minster, as well Bridlington Spa in the East Riding, will be lit up purple from 4pm, symbolising the region’s commitment to accessibility.
Other businesses with lighting capabilities are invited to join in and turn their buildings purple in solidarity.
Working in partnership with Access and Inclusion UK and AccessAble, VHEY aims to use Purple Tuesday as a platform to raise awareness, inspire action and celebrate businesses already making a difference.
Chris Blacksell, Chair of tourism partnership VHEY, said: “Accessibility and inclusion are not one-day commitments – they are fundamental to how we should all be thinking about our visitors, customers and communities every day of the year.
“Purple Tuesday is an opportunity to stop and reflect on how we can make our businesses more welcoming and inclusive, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes sound business sense too.
“The ‘purple pound’ – the spending power of disabled people and their families – is worth over £14.5 billion in England alone.
“Hull and East Yorkshire are known for their warmth and hospitality, and this initiative helps us ensure that everyone can fully experience what our region has to offer.”
VHEY is encouraging businesses of all sizes to get creative and get involved.
Suggestions include hosting purple-themed bake sales in aid of local charities, creating purple products, promoting accessible features online and using the hashtags #PurpleTuesday and #Welcome to share activity on social media.
VHEY will also provide links to resources and downloadable assets from the Purple Tuesday website to help organisations take part easily and effectively.
Councillor Nick Coultish, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Our region is home to hundreds of businesses that already go above and beyond to make people feel welcome.
“Purple Tuesday is a great opportunity to highlight that fantastic work and to encourage others to take simple steps that can make a huge difference.
“From accessible entrances and clear signage to sensory-friendly spaces and staff training, small actions can transform someone’s experience.
“We want to see our towns and villages shining purple and showing that Hull and East Yorkshire truly are for everyone.”
Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for tourism at Hull City Council, added: “Tourism and hospitality are all about people, and ensuring everyone feels included is vital to the continued success of our region’s visitor economy.
“By embracing Purple Tuesday, we’re sending a clear message that accessibility matters and that we’re committed to improving experiences for residents and visitors alike.
“I’d encourage every business, from cafés and retailers to hotels and attractions, to get involved and celebrate what makes this area such a welcoming place.”
The call to support Purple Tuesday has been backed by people affected by disability.
Richard Smelczerczyk is autistic with a severe learning disability. He has epilepsy and requires one-to-one support at all times.

Richard said: “Accessibility is not always about physical adaptations.
“Adjusting the noise and light settings can be all that is required for some disabled visitors, to help them feel welcome.”
Enid Adams, who is severely visually impaired and requires a guide dog, said: “Accessibility is important so I can take part in recreational events that others take for granted.”
To find out more about Purple Tuesday, visit https://purpletuesday.co. For information and support to become a more accessible business, visit www.visithullandeastyorkshire.co.uk/supporting/accessibility