The Purple Elephant Project

Because children should be heard

Welcome to The Purple Elephant Project

We are a children’s mental health charity, supporting over 100 children and their families every week with therapeutic services such as Play and Art therapy across the London boroughs of Richmond, Hounslow and beyond.

We’re here for children and their families facing various challenges such as trauma, anxiety, lack of confidence or sadness. Through specialist therapeutic services tailored to each child’s unique needs, we work to transform lives; enabling children to reach their full potential and a brighter future.

If you care as much as we do about changing a child’s life, why not support us.

You can donate, fundraise or volunteer.

A woman speaking in a video titled What makes PEP Unique with a YouTube play button overlay.

"I think using play to help with my emotions is the best thing in the world"

- child/young person

Our vision

That children feel heard and supported towards happier lives

Our mission

To support children to transform their lives through the provision of high-quality, accessible integrated therapy services

Our location

Located in Twickenham in south west London, supporting children and families to engage with our professional staff and volunteers.

How we help

Services we provide

The Purple Elephant Project offers a range of services, accessible from both our hub space based in Twickenham and through subsidised, outreach work in schools and the local community.
Helping us make a difference

Thank you to our generous supporters

News and information

Latest news, updates and events

Four students in dark uniforms and rucksacks stand on a tiled pavement; only their lower halves are visible, facing away from the camera.

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act: what it means for families and schools

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act became law on 29th April 2026.
Collage of cyclists in purple jerseys at an outdoor event, posing with medals, bikes, and banners. A central banner reads THANK YOU SO MUCH! in bold white letters on a purple background.

A historic day for The Purple Elephant Project! 

36 riders. 55 miles. Almost £50,000 raised for children and young people, and counting.
Collage of a corporate workshop with presentations, group discussions, and a long table covered with art supplies and colourful drawings. Purple Elephant Project and Lindt logos are visible.

Welcome to the Herd Lindt!

We’re absolutely delighted to announce our new strategic community charity partnership with Lindt & Sprungli.
Our impact

Our impact in numbers

Data from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025

92%

of children and young people showed measurable improvement following therapy, up from 81% the previous year

47.6%

of children improved by more than 50% on their outcome measures, more than three times the proportion achieved the previous year (15.7%)

32.4%

of parents said they understood their child's needs by the end of support, almost double the previous year's 16.9%

38.1%

of parents reported feeling well equipped to support their child, up from 22.5%

70.5%

of parents demonstrated measurable improvement in their understanding and confidence to support their child

92.4%

of children showed improvement, up from 80.9% the year before

Our output

Our output in numbers

Data from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025

287

children and young people supported

3,404

hours of therapy delivered, up 10.3% on the year before

2,027

hours of parent and carer support, up 3.8% on the year before

24.3%

of sessions were free or subsidised (921 sessions)

Testimonials

Feedback from children & young people

Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions about us as a charity or regarding the services we provide, please feel free to get in touch and we’ll do our best to answer your queries.

If something doesn’t feel quite right, that’s enough. If you’ve noticed changes in your child’s mood, behaviour, confidence or emotional wellbeing, it may be helpful to seek support. You do not need to wait for a crisis. Early intervention can make a huge difference.

We support children and young people experiencing anxiety, low mood, trauma, grief, emotional regulation difficulties, low confidence and relationship challenges. If you’re unsure whether we’re the right fit, we’re always happy to talk it through.

We believe children thrive when the adults around them feel supported and informed. Alongside therapeutic sessions, we offer parent consultations and guidance to strengthen the wider support network at home. You can find out more about how we support parents here.

It is common for children to feel unsure at first. Our therapists work at each child’s pace, building trust through creative, developmentally appropriate approaches. Establishing safety and a strong therapeutic relationship is always the priority.

You can complete our online referral form or contact us directly to arrange an initial conversation. We will discuss your child’s needs, explain the next steps and provide information about availability and funding options.

We offer a range of therapeutic services to support children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. Find out more about each service and who they may benefit here.We also have a few short videos that introduce our work and some of our Herd.
We support children and young people under 18. Please note, the age range can vary by service.
Our Hub is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Please note, these hours may occasionally change.
We want therapy to be accessible to every child, whatever their family’s financial circumstances. As costs and funding options vary, please contact our friendly team to discuss the options available to your family.
We do not currently accept payment through private health insurance. We hope to offer this option in the future as we continue to grow and make our support accessible to more families.
Our welcoming hub in Twickenham provides a dedicated space for children and families. We also deliver outreach in schools and other settings, helping children access support in a familiar environment.
Referrals can come from parents, carers, schools, GPs and other professionals, and from organisations working with children and families. We also accept self-referrals.

If you are concerned about a child or young person’s emotional wellbeing, you can complete our online form here.

If you would prefer to speak to someone first, you can enquire here or call us on 020 8744 1733.

Every child’s journey with us is different. Our team reviews each referral to understand the child’s circumstances and decide what support would help most.

If we are at capacity, the child may join our waiting list. We keep families updated and, where possible, offer support in the meantime, including parenting groups, practical tip sheets and holiday groups.

When a space becomes available, we contact the parent or carer to discuss next steps. We then arrange an initial assessment, match the child with a suitable therapist and develop a personalised support plan.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch through our enquiry form. We’ll do our best to answer your question or point you towards the right support.

The Purple Elephant Project on Instagram

  • What does progress in Play Therapy look like beyond the therapy room? 💜

Archana, one of our Play Therapists, explains how the changes children make through therapy can begin to show in their everyday lives.

It might be a child feeling more comfortable asking for help at school, recognising when they need a break, or finding it easier to express their feelings and communicate what they need at home.

These moments might seem small, but they can represent huge steps for a child.

It’s all about helping children feel more confident in everyday situations, understand what they need and feel able to communicate it. These are skills they can carry with them long after therapy ends.

⭐️ A special thank you to Lindt, Light & Star Media and CH Video for helping bring our work to life.
  • Today marks the start of Trustees’ Week, and we’re delighted to introduce the new Board of Trustees at The Purple Elephant Project! 🐘💜

Please join us in welcoming Alex Calcutt (Chair), Annabelle Meddings (Safeguarding Trustee), Dipika Aggarwal, Olusiji Sanya (Finance Trustee), Nicholas Ireland and Charlie Bruce.

Each brings valuable experience, knowledge and expertise to the charity, and we’re excited to have them on board as we continue to develop our services and support children and families across our community.

We also want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to our outgoing trustees. Their time, commitment and expertise have played an important part in shaping The Purple Elephant Project and bringing us to where we are today. So much of what we have achieved has been made possible by their dedication, and we are incredibly grateful.

Happy Trustees’ Week! 💜

#TrusteesWeek #ThePurpleElephantProject #ChildrensMentalHealth
  • Archana, one of our Play Therapists, explains how play gives children a way to communicate and explore feelings and experiences that they might not yet have the words to express.

In the Play Therapy room, children are free to take the lead. They can play, create, explore or choose to do very little at all. Through observing and understanding their play, therapists can begin to make sense of what might be happening in a child’s everyday life.

As therapy progresses, children can begin to bring a sense of order to experiences that may have felt messy or overwhelming. They develop confidence, feel more in control and begin to believe in their own ability to make sense of things.

This is what makes Play Therapy so powerful, and why it can be so beneficial for children and young people struggling with their mental health.

🔗Do you know a child who may benefit from Play Therapy? Visit our website today to learn more about what might be available.

⭐️A special thank you to Lindt, Light & Star Media and CH Video for helping bring our work to life.
  • Archana, one of our Play Therapists, explains what makes the approach at The Purple Elephant Project so special.

We don’t just work with the child. We work alongside their families, schools, teachers and other professionals to make sure the right support is in place around them.

By bringing everyone together, we can help children make progress that doesn’t just happen in the therapy room, but continues in their everyday lives 💜🐘

⭐️ A special thank you to Lindt, Light & Star Media and CH Video for helping bring our work to life.
  • A huge thank you to @kewvillagemarket for their generous donation of £1,650 to The Purple Elephant Project! 🐘💜

We were delighted to visit the market yesterday to receive the cheque, presented by Mayor Councillor Nancy Baldwin.

This funding will support a six-week Little Herds group, led by qualified Art and Play Therapists, helping children develop the skills and confidence to navigate everyday life, both at home and in the classroom.

Thank you to the Kew Village Market Charity Committee for choosing us as one of the charities to receive funding. Your support will make a real difference to the children and families we work with 💜

📅 If you haven’t visited Kew Village Market yet, make sure you check it out! It takes place on the first Sunday of every month.
  • Archana, one of our Play Therapists, shares more about the children and young people we work with, and why it’s so important to see each child as an individual, beyond the challenges or difficulties they may be experiencing.

For many children, our Play Therapy room offers a space where they feel heard, accepted and understood, with someone who is there to listen.

This is just one of the many reasons Play Therapy can make such a meaningful difference to children and young people🐘💜

⭐️ A special thank you to Lindt, Light & Star Media and CH Video for helping bring our work to life!
  • THAT’S A WRAP ON THE CABBAGE PATCH 10! 💜💜

Michael, Tim and James have done it! 🎉 A sunny morning for it, although absolutely freezing! 🥶

We handed out plenty of sweets to keep everyone going, and it was lovely to see our three runners cross the line this morning.

A huge thank you to all three for being part of the Herd and helping spread the word about what we do. We’re so proud to have you running for us! 💜🐘

#CabbagePatch10 #ThePurpleElephantProject #TeamPEP
  • 💜 MEET OUR CABBAGE PATCH 2026 RUNNERS! 🏃‍♂️🐘

Tomorrow, Michael, Tim and James will be taking on the Cabbage Patch 10 to support The Purple Elephant Project.

We’re so grateful to have all three of them running for the Herd and helping us make a difference! 💜

Good luck tomorrow, Michael, Tim and James! We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way! 🏃‍♂️🎉

#CabbagePatch10 #ThePurpleElephantProject #TeamPEP #ChildrensMentalHealth
  • £1,105 raised by Imogen! 🎉💜

A huge thank you to Imogen for raising an incredible £1,105, including Gift Aid, through Swim the Night at Hampton Pool.

We’re so grateful to have you in our Herd, Imogen. Thank you for going the extra mile (or should we say…extra lengths!) for The Purple Elephant Project 🏊‍♀️🐘💜
  • 💜 Thank you, Ali Newman! 💜

Since joining PEP as Chair in 2024, Ali has made an incredible contribution to the charity. Her financial expertise, insight and leadership have been invaluable during such an important period of growth and change, helping PEP navigate challenges, strengthen its foundations and continue moving forward.

We’re hugely grateful for the time, energy and expertise Ali has brought to PEP, and for the difference she has made during her time as Chair. Thank you, Ali, for everything you’ve given to the charity and for being such an important part of our journey.

Jenny, our Founder and CEO, adds:

“I’d like to thank Ali for everything she has given to PEP during her time as Chair, and for being part of our journey through such an important period of growth and change.

I’m now looking forward to working with Alex as he takes over the role. We have so much we want to achieve over the next few years, but it’s equally important that, as we grow, we stay true to our values and mission and hold onto what makes PEP so special. I’m excited to have Alex alongside us for that next chapter.”

Ali, thank you for everything you’ve contributed to PEP. We wish you all the very best for the future! 💜🐘

👀Keep an eye out over the coming weeks, particularly during Trustees’ Week, as we introduce new additions to our Board and celebrate the wonderful people who help make our work possible.
What does progress in Play Therapy look like beyond the therapy room? 💜Archana, one of our Play Therapists, explains how the changes children make through therapy can begin to show in their everyday lives.It might be a child feeling more comfortable asking for help at school, recognising when they need a break, or finding it easier to express their feelings and communicate what they need at home.These moments might seem small, but they can represent huge steps for a child.It’s all about helping children feel more confident in everyday situations, understand what they need and feel able to communicate it. These are skills they can carry with them long after therapy ends.⭐️ A special thank you to Lindt, Light & Star Media and CH Video for helping bring our work to life.
2 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/10
Today marks the start of Trustees’ Week, and we’re delighted to introduce the new Board of Trustees at The Purple Elephant Project! 🐘💜

Please join us in welcoming Alex Calcutt (Chair), Annabelle Meddings (Safeguarding Trustee), Dipika Aggarwal, Olusiji Sanya (Finance Trustee), Nicholas Ireland and Charlie Bruce.

Each brings valuable experience, knowledge and expertise to the charity, and we’re excited to have them on board as we continue to develop our services and support children and families across our community.

We also want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to our outgoing trustees. Their time, commitment and expertise have played an important part in shaping The Purple Elephant Project and bringing us to where we are today. So much of what we have achieved has been made possible by their dedication, and we are incredibly grateful.

Happy Trustees’ Week! 💜

#TrusteesWeek #ThePurpleElephantProject #ChildrensMentalHealth
Today marks the start of Trustees’ Week, and we’re delighted to introduce the new Board of Trustees at The Purple Elephant Project! 🐘💜Please join us in welcoming Alex Calcutt (Chair), Annabelle Meddings (Safeguarding Trustee), Dipika Aggarwal, Olusiji Sanya (Finance Trustee), Nicholas Ireland and Charlie Bruce.Each brings valuable experience, knowledge and expertise to the charity, and we’re excited to have them on board as we continue to develop our services and support children and families across our community.We also want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to our outgoing trustees. Their time, commitment and expertise have played an important part in shaping The Purple Elephant Project and bringing us to where we are today. So much of what we have achieved has been made possible by their dedication, and we are incredibly grateful.Happy Trustees’ Week! 💜#TrusteesWeek #ThePurpleElephantProject #ChildrensMentalHealth
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/10
Archana, one of our Play Therapists, explains how play gives children a way to communicate and explore feelings and experiences that they might not yet have the words to express.In the Play Therapy room, children are free to take the lead. They can play, create, explore or choose to do very little at all. Through observing and understanding their play, therapists can begin to make sense of what might be happening in a child’s everyday life.As therapy progresses, children can begin to bring a sense of order to experiences that may have felt messy or overwhelming. They develop confidence, feel more in control and begin to believe in their own ability to make sense of things.This is what makes Play Therapy so powerful, and why it can be so beneficial for children and young people struggling with their mental health.🔗Do you know a child who may benefit from Play Therapy? Visit our website today to learn more about what might be available.⭐️A special thank you to Lindt, Light & Star Media and CH Video for helping bring our work to life.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/10
Archana, one of our Play Therapists, explains what makes the approach at The Purple Elephant Project so special.We don’t just work with the child. We work alongside their families, schools, teachers and other professionals to make sure the right support is in place around them.By bringing everyone together, we can help children make progress that doesn’t just happen in the therapy room, but continues in their everyday lives 💜🐘⭐️ A special thank you to Lindt, Light & Star Media and CH Video for helping bring our work to life.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/10
A huge thank you to @kewvillagemarket for their generous donation of £1,650 to The Purple Elephant Project! 🐘💜

We were delighted to visit the market yesterday to receive the cheque, presented by Mayor Councillor Nancy Baldwin.

This funding will support a six-week Little Herds group, led by qualified Art and Play Therapists, helping children develop the skills and confidence to navigate everyday life, both at home and in the classroom.

Thank you to the Kew Village Market Charity Committee for choosing us as one of the charities to receive funding. Your support will make a real difference to the children and families we work with 💜

📅 If you haven’t visited Kew Village Market yet, make sure you check it out! It takes place on the first Sunday of every month.
A huge thank you to @kewvillagemarket for their generous donation of £1,650 to The Purple Elephant Project! 🐘💜We were delighted to visit the market yesterday to receive the cheque, presented by Mayor Councillor Nancy Baldwin.This funding will support a six-week Little Herds group, led by qualified Art and Play Therapists, helping children develop the skills and confidence to navigate everyday life, both at home and in the classroom.Thank you to the Kew Village Market Charity Committee for choosing us as one of the charities to receive funding. Your support will make a real difference to the children and families we work with 💜📅 If you haven’t visited Kew Village Market yet, make sure you check it out! It takes place on the first Sunday of every month.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/10
Archana, one of our Play Therapists, shares more about the children and young people we work with, and why it’s so important to see each child as an individual, beyond the challenges or difficulties they may be experiencing.For many children, our Play Therapy room offers a space where they feel heard, accepted and understood, with someone who is there to listen.This is just one of the many reasons Play Therapy can make such a meaningful difference to children and young people🐘💜⭐️ A special thank you to Lindt, Light & Star Media and CH Video for helping bring our work to life!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/10
THAT’S A WRAP ON THE CABBAGE PATCH 10! 💜💜

Michael, Tim and James have done it! 🎉 A sunny morning for it, although absolutely freezing! 🥶

We handed out plenty of sweets to keep everyone going, and it was lovely to see our three runners cross the line this morning.

A huge thank you to all three for being part of the Herd and helping spread the word about what we do. We’re so proud to have you running for us! 💜🐘

#CabbagePatch10 #ThePurpleElephantProject #TeamPEP
THAT’S A WRAP ON THE CABBAGE PATCH 10! 💜💜Michael, Tim and James have done it! 🎉 A sunny morning for it, although absolutely freezing! 🥶We handed out plenty of sweets to keep everyone going, and it was lovely to see our three runners cross the line this morning.A huge thank you to all three for being part of the Herd and helping spread the word about what we do. We’re so proud to have you running for us! 💜🐘#CabbagePatch10 #ThePurpleElephantProject #TeamPEP
3 weeks ago
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7/10
💜 MEET OUR CABBAGE PATCH 2026 RUNNERS! 🏃‍♂️🐘

Tomorrow, Michael, Tim and James will be taking on the Cabbage Patch 10 to support The Purple Elephant Project.

We’re so grateful to have all three of them running for the Herd and helping us make a difference! 💜

Good luck tomorrow, Michael, Tim and James! We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way! 🏃‍♂️🎉

#CabbagePatch10 #ThePurpleElephantProject #TeamPEP #ChildrensMentalHealth
💜 MEET OUR CABBAGE PATCH 2026 RUNNERS! 🏃‍♂️🐘

Tomorrow, Michael, Tim and James will be taking on the Cabbage Patch 10 to support The Purple Elephant Project.

We’re so grateful to have all three of them running for the Herd and helping us make a difference! 💜

Good luck tomorrow, Michael, Tim and James! We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way! 🏃‍♂️🎉

#CabbagePatch10 #ThePurpleElephantProject #TeamPEP #ChildrensMentalHealth
💜 MEET OUR CABBAGE PATCH 2026 RUNNERS! 🏃‍♂️🐘

Tomorrow, Michael, Tim and James will be taking on the Cabbage Patch 10 to support The Purple Elephant Project.

We’re so grateful to have all three of them running for the Herd and helping us make a difference! 💜

Good luck tomorrow, Michael, Tim and James! We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way! 🏃‍♂️🎉

#CabbagePatch10 #ThePurpleElephantProject #TeamPEP #ChildrensMentalHealth
💜 MEET OUR CABBAGE PATCH 2026 RUNNERS! 🏃‍♂️🐘Tomorrow, Michael, Tim and James will be taking on the Cabbage Patch 10 to support The Purple Elephant Project.We’re so grateful to have all three of them running for the Herd and helping us make a difference! 💜Good luck tomorrow, Michael, Tim and James! We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way! 🏃‍♂️🎉#CabbagePatch10 #ThePurpleElephantProject #TeamPEP #ChildrensMentalHealth
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/10
£1,105 raised by Imogen! 🎉💜

A huge thank you to Imogen for raising an incredible £1,105, including Gift Aid, through Swim the Night at Hampton Pool.

We’re so grateful to have you in our Herd, Imogen. Thank you for going the extra mile (or should we say…extra lengths!) for The Purple Elephant Project 🏊‍♀️🐘💜
£1,105 raised by Imogen! 🎉💜A huge thank you to Imogen for raising an incredible £1,105, including Gift Aid, through Swim the Night at Hampton Pool.We’re so grateful to have you in our Herd, Imogen. Thank you for going the extra mile (or should we say…extra lengths!) for The Purple Elephant Project 🏊‍♀️🐘💜
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/10
💜 Thank you, Ali Newman! 💜

Since joining PEP as Chair in 2024, Ali has made an incredible contribution to the charity. Her financial expertise, insight and leadership have been invaluable during such an important period of growth and change, helping PEP navigate challenges, strengthen its foundations and continue moving forward.

We’re hugely grateful for the time, energy and expertise Ali has brought to PEP, and for the difference she has made during her time as Chair. Thank you, Ali, for everything you’ve given to the charity and for being such an important part of our journey.

Jenny, our Founder and CEO, adds:

“I’d like to thank Ali for everything she has given to PEP during her time as Chair, and for being part of our journey through such an important period of growth and change.

I’m now looking forward to working with Alex as he takes over the role. We have so much we want to achieve over the next few years, but it’s equally important that, as we grow, we stay true to our values and mission and hold onto what makes PEP so special. I’m excited to have Alex alongside us for that next chapter.”

Ali, thank you for everything you’ve contributed to PEP. We wish you all the very best for the future! 💜🐘

👀Keep an eye out over the coming weeks, particularly during Trustees’ Week, as we introduce new additions to our Board and celebrate the wonderful people who help make our work possible.
💜 Thank you, Ali Newman! 💜Since joining PEP as Chair in 2024, Ali has made an incredible contribution to the charity. Her financial expertise, insight and leadership have been invaluable during such an important period of growth and change, helping PEP navigate challenges, strengthen its foundations and continue moving forward.We’re hugely grateful for the time, energy and expertise Ali has brought to PEP, and for the difference she has made during her time as Chair. Thank you, Ali, for everything you’ve given to the charity and for being such an important part of our journey.Jenny, our Founder and CEO, adds:“I’d like to thank Ali for everything she has given to PEP during her time as Chair, and for being part of our journey through such an important period of growth and change.I’m now looking forward to working with Alex as he takes over the role. We have so much we want to achieve over the next few years, but it’s equally important that, as we grow, we stay true to our values and mission and hold onto what makes PEP so special. I’m excited to have Alex alongside us for that next chapter.”Ali, thank you for everything you’ve contributed to PEP. We wish you all the very best for the future! 💜🐘👀Keep an eye out over the coming weeks, particularly during Trustees’ Week, as we introduce new additions to our Board and celebrate the wonderful people who help make our work possible.
1 month ago
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How to refer a child

Referrals can be made via a child’s guardian or a professional. Complete our online referral form to start the referral process.