The Purple Elephant Project

Because children should be heard

Welcome to The Purple Elephant Project

We are a childrenโ€™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.

Weโ€™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 childโ€™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 childโ€™s life, why not support us.

You can donate, fundraise or volunteer.

"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

welcome-to-the-herd-lindt
Welcome to the Herd Lindt!

Weโ€™re absolutely delighted to announce our new strategic community charity partnership with Lindt & Sprungli UK!.

richmond-ball-thank-you
A huge thank you to the Richmond May Ballย 

On 8th May, we had the joy of being part of the Richmond May Ball.

london-marathon-26_01
2 runners complete the London Marathon 2026 for PEP

Two runners have raised thousands of pounds for The Purple Elephant Project after taking on.

Our impact

Our impact in numbers

939+ Visits to our hub

We are fortunate to have a wonderful team of therapists who are dedicated to delivering our services to the community

3911+ therapy sessions delivered

Weโ€™re proud to have supported thousands of individuals through our wide range of therapy sessions

3087+ hours of therapy provided

Our dedicated team has committed thousands of hours to making a real difference in peopleโ€™s lives

1952+ hours of parent/carer support

We continue to empower parents and carers with valuable support and guidance every step of the way

Testimonials

Feedback from children & young people

Have any questions?

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 doesnโ€™t feel quite right, thatโ€™s enough. If youโ€™ve noticed changes in your childโ€™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 youโ€™re unsure whether weโ€™re the right fit, weโ€™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 (link to parent page)

It is common for children to feel unsure at first. Our therapists work at each childโ€™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 childโ€™s needs, explain the next steps and provide information about availability and funding options.

The Purple Elephant Project on Instagram

  • As Volunteersโ€™ Week comes to an end, we want to take a moment to thank every volunteer who helps make The Purple Elephant Project what it is ๐Ÿ’œ

From welcoming families at the Hub, to supporting our events, sharing professional skills, helping behind the scenes and everything in between, our volunteers play such an important part in what we do.

Thank you for being part of the Herd. We are so incredibly grateful ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ’œ

#VolunteersWeek #ThankYouVolunteers #ThePurpleElephantProject
  • ๐Ÿ’œ Meet Kate, one of our amazing volunteers.

Kate has supported The Purple Elephant Project in a variety of ways, from helping coordinate volunteers to sharing her recruitment expertise to help us grow our team.

Weโ€™re so grateful for the time, skills and enthusiasm she brings to PEP. Thank you for being part of the Herd, Kate! ๐Ÿ’œ

#VolunteersWeek #ThankYouVolunteers #ThePurpleElephantProject
  • Meet Georgia, one of our wonderful Centre Support Volunteers.

As a primary school teacher, Georgia has seen first-hand how many children can benefit from the support we provide. Wanting to give something back to her local community, she joined The Purple Elephant Project and now helps welcome and support families accessing our services.

Weโ€™re so grateful to have you as part of the Herd, Georgia ๐Ÿ’œ
  • This Volunteersโ€™ Week, weโ€™re celebrating the incredible people who give their time and skills to support The Purple Elephant Project๐Ÿ’œ

Whether theyโ€™re helping at events, supporting families, caring for our Hub or sharing their expertise, our volunteers make a real difference every single day.

To every volunteer, past and present, thank you. Your commitment helps make everything we do possible.

#VolunteersWeek #ThankYouVolunteers #ThePurpleElephantProject
  • Reminder! Tomorrow is the Richmond Volunteer Fair, registration is free (๐Ÿ”—just follow the link on our profile) and we would love to meet you! 
Feel free to DM us if have any questions ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ’œ
  • Volunteers like Kate are at the heart of everything we do ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ˜

From helping us grow our team to supporting children and families in Twickenham, every volunteer brings something incredibly valuable to us.

Interested in volunteering with us? Weโ€™d love to meet you at the Richmond Volunteer Fair this Wednesday ๐Ÿ’œ 
๐Ÿ”—Registration is free, just follow the link on our profile!
  • Everyone has their own reason for volunteering ๐Ÿ’œ

The Richmond Volunteer Fair is the perfect chance to meet local charities, hear real stories and explore ways you could support your local community too ๐Ÿ˜

Come and say hello this Wednesday (20th May), we would love to meet you.

๐Ÿ“ RHACC, Parkshot, Richmond
๐Ÿ•‘ 2pmโ€“6pm
๐ŸŽŸ Free to attend, link for registration is on our profile!
  • Looking for a way to support your local community? ๐Ÿ’œ

Weโ€™ll be at the Richmond Volunteer Fair alongside lots of brilliant local charities and community organisations.

Come and have a chat, explore opportunities and find out more about volunteering with The Purple Elephant Project ๐Ÿ˜

๐Ÿ“ RHACC, Parkshot, Richmond
๐Ÿ—“ Wednesday 20th May 2026
๐Ÿ•‘ 2pmโ€“6pm
๐ŸŽŸ Free to attend

Register via the link in our bio. Feel free to DM us if you have any questions ๐Ÿ’œ
  • Huge shoutout to @ninabradburn,our incredible Fundraising Consultant, for everything she does for PEP ๐Ÿ’œ

From helping bring the Richmond May Ball to life, to supporting the London Marathon and so much more behind the scenes, Nina constantly goes above and beyond for our charity and the children we support.

Your energy, hard work, dedication and enthusiasm help us reach more and more children and families who really need us. We are so lucky to have you as part of our herd ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ’œ
  • Tonightโ€™s the night! โœจ

The Richmond May Ball is finally here and we are incredibly grateful to be one of the charities being supported this evening alongside @thepoppyfactory ๐Ÿ’œ

Opportunities like this help us continue providing vital mental health support to the children and families within our community who really need us.

*REMINDER!*
The silent auction is still open until 11:45pm tonight (8th May) and you do not need to be attending the ball to take part. Every bid helps raise vital funds for both charities.

The link to the auction is on our profile - good luck and happy bidding! โœจ
As Volunteersโ€™ Week comes to an end, we want to take a moment to thank every volunteer who helps make The Purple Elephant Project what it is ๐Ÿ’œ

From welcoming families at the Hub, to supporting our events, sharing professional skills, helping behind the scenes and everything in between, our volunteers play such an important part in what we do.

Thank you for being part of the Herd. We are so incredibly grateful ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ’œ

#VolunteersWeek #ThankYouVolunteers #ThePurpleElephantProject
As Volunteersโ€™ Week comes to an end, we want to take a moment to thank every volunteer who helps make The Purple Elephant Project what it is ๐Ÿ’œ From welcoming families at the Hub, to supporting our events, sharing professional skills, helping behind the scenes and everything in between, our volunteers play such an important part in what we do. Thank you for being part of the Herd. We are so incredibly grateful ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ’œ #VolunteersWeek #ThankYouVolunteers #ThePurpleElephantProject
11 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/10
๐Ÿ’œ Meet Kate, one of our amazing volunteers.

Kate has supported The Purple Elephant Project in a variety of ways, from helping coordinate volunteers to sharing her recruitment expertise to help us grow our team.

Weโ€™re so grateful for the time, skills and enthusiasm she brings to PEP. Thank you for being part of the Herd, Kate! ๐Ÿ’œ

#VolunteersWeek #ThankYouVolunteers #ThePurpleElephantProject
๐Ÿ’œ Meet Kate, one of our amazing volunteers. Kate has supported The Purple Elephant Project in a variety of ways, from helping coordinate volunteers to sharing her recruitment expertise to help us grow our team. Weโ€™re so grateful for the time, skills and enthusiasm she brings to PEP. Thank you for being part of the Herd, Kate! ๐Ÿ’œ #VolunteersWeek #ThankYouVolunteers #ThePurpleElephantProject
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/10
Meet Georgia, one of our wonderful Centre Support Volunteers.

As a primary school teacher, Georgia has seen first-hand how many children can benefit from the support we provide. Wanting to give something back to her local community, she joined The Purple Elephant Project and now helps welcome and support families accessing our services.

Weโ€™re so grateful to have you as part of the Herd, Georgia ๐Ÿ’œ
Meet Georgia, one of our wonderful Centre Support Volunteers. As a primary school teacher, Georgia has seen first-hand how many children can benefit from the support we provide. Wanting to give something back to her local community, she joined The Purple Elephant Project and now helps welcome and support families accessing our services. Weโ€™re so grateful to have you as part of the Herd, Georgia ๐Ÿ’œ
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/10
This Volunteersโ€™ Week, weโ€™re celebrating the incredible people who give their time and skills to support The Purple Elephant Project๐Ÿ’œ

Whether theyโ€™re helping at events, supporting families, caring for our Hub or sharing their expertise, our volunteers make a real difference every single day.

To every volunteer, past and present, thank you. Your commitment helps make everything we do possible.

#VolunteersWeek #ThankYouVolunteers #ThePurpleElephantProject
This Volunteersโ€™ Week, weโ€™re celebrating the incredible people who give their time and skills to support The Purple Elephant Project๐Ÿ’œ Whether theyโ€™re helping at events, supporting families, caring for our Hub or sharing their expertise, our volunteers make a real difference every single day. To every volunteer, past and present, thank you. Your commitment helps make everything we do possible. #VolunteersWeek #ThankYouVolunteers #ThePurpleElephantProject
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/10
Reminder! Tomorrow is the Richmond Volunteer Fair, registration is free (๐Ÿ”—just follow the link on our profile) and we would love to meet you! 
Feel free to DM us if have any questions ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ’œ
Reminder! Tomorrow is the Richmond Volunteer Fair, registration is free (๐Ÿ”—just follow the link on our profile) and we would love to meet you! Feel free to DM us if have any questions ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ’œ
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/10
Volunteers like Kate are at the heart of everything we do ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ˜

From helping us grow our team to supporting children and families in Twickenham, every volunteer brings something incredibly valuable to us.

Interested in volunteering with us? Weโ€™d love to meet you at the Richmond Volunteer Fair this Wednesday ๐Ÿ’œ 
๐Ÿ”—Registration is free, just follow the link on our profile!
Volunteers like Kate are at the heart of everything we do ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ˜ From helping us grow our team to supporting children and families in Twickenham, every volunteer brings something incredibly valuable to us. Interested in volunteering with us? Weโ€™d love to meet you at the Richmond Volunteer Fair this Wednesday ๐Ÿ’œ ๐Ÿ”—Registration is free, just follow the link on our profile!
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/10
Everyone has their own reason for volunteering ๐Ÿ’œ

The Richmond Volunteer Fair is the perfect chance to meet local charities, hear real stories and explore ways you could support your local community too ๐Ÿ˜

Come and say hello this Wednesday (20th May), we would love to meet you.

๐Ÿ“ RHACC, Parkshot, Richmond
๐Ÿ•‘ 2pmโ€“6pm
๐ŸŽŸ Free to attend, link for registration is on our profile!
Everyone has their own reason for volunteering ๐Ÿ’œ The Richmond Volunteer Fair is the perfect chance to meet local charities, hear real stories and explore ways you could support your local community too ๐Ÿ˜ Come and say hello this Wednesday (20th May), we would love to meet you. ๐Ÿ“ RHACC, Parkshot, Richmond ๐Ÿ•‘ 2pmโ€“6pm ๐ŸŽŸ Free to attend, link for registration is on our profile!
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/10
Looking for a way to support your local community? ๐Ÿ’œ

Weโ€™ll be at the Richmond Volunteer Fair alongside lots of brilliant local charities and community organisations.

Come and have a chat, explore opportunities and find out more about volunteering with The Purple Elephant Project ๐Ÿ˜

๐Ÿ“ RHACC, Parkshot, Richmond
๐Ÿ—“ Wednesday 20th May 2026
๐Ÿ•‘ 2pmโ€“6pm
๐ŸŽŸ Free to attend

Register via the link in our bio. Feel free to DM us if you have any questions ๐Ÿ’œ
Looking for a way to support your local community? ๐Ÿ’œ Weโ€™ll be at the Richmond Volunteer Fair alongside lots of brilliant local charities and community organisations. Come and have a chat, explore opportunities and find out more about volunteering with The Purple Elephant Project ๐Ÿ˜ ๐Ÿ“ RHACC, Parkshot, Richmond ๐Ÿ—“ Wednesday 20th May 2026 ๐Ÿ•‘ 2pmโ€“6pm ๐ŸŽŸ Free to attend Register via the link in our bio. Feel free to DM us if you have any questions ๐Ÿ’œ
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/10
Huge shoutout to @ninabradburn,our incredible Fundraising Consultant, for everything she does for PEP ๐Ÿ’œ

From helping bring the Richmond May Ball to life, to supporting the London Marathon and so much more behind the scenes, Nina constantly goes above and beyond for our charity and the children we support.

Your energy, hard work, dedication and enthusiasm help us reach more and more children and families who really need us. We are so lucky to have you as part of our herd ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ’œ
Huge shoutout to @ninabradburn,our incredible Fundraising Consultant, for everything she does for PEP ๐Ÿ’œ From helping bring the Richmond May Ball to life, to supporting the London Marathon and so much more behind the scenes, Nina constantly goes above and beyond for our charity and the children we support. Your energy, hard work, dedication and enthusiasm help us reach more and more children and families who really need us. We are so lucky to have you as part of our herd ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ’œ
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/10
Tonightโ€™s the night! โœจ

The Richmond May Ball is finally here and we are incredibly grateful to be one of the charities being supported this evening alongside @thepoppyfactory ๐Ÿ’œ

Opportunities like this help us continue providing vital mental health support to the children and families within our community who really need us.

*REMINDER!*
The silent auction is still open until 11:45pm tonight (8th May) and you do not need to be attending the ball to take part. Every bid helps raise vital funds for both charities.

The link to the auction is on our profile - good luck and happy bidding! โœจ
Tonightโ€™s the night! โœจ The Richmond May Ball is finally here and we are incredibly grateful to be one of the charities being supported this evening alongside @thepoppyfactory ๐Ÿ’œ Opportunities like this help us continue providing vital mental health support to the children and families within our community who really need us. *REMINDER!* The silent auction is still open until 11:45pm tonight (8th May) and you do not need to be attending the ball to take part. Every bid helps raise vital funds for both charities. The link to the auction is on our profile - good luck and happy bidding! โœจ
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
10/10

How to refer a child

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