The Purple Elephant Project

We are a children’s mental health charity, supporting children and their families with therapeutic services across the London Boroughs of Richmond, Hounslow and beyond.

About us

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, mild 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 donatefundraise or volunteer.

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

- child in therapy

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, supporting children and families to engage with our professional staff and volunteers.

Helping us make a difference

Thank you to our generous supporters

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.

Play Therapy

A form of child psychotherapy which provides a way for children to express their thoughts and emotions through the medium of play rather than talking. For a child, the toys become their words and our Play Therapists work to help children explore their feelings and process their experiences through play.

Filial Therapy

A Play Therapy based intervention which includes the parent or carer in the sessions, enhancing interactions and relationships, providing an understanding of the child’s world and encouraging the child to express their feelings through the safety of play.

Theraplay®

Therapy focused on enhancing attachments, improving engagement, self-esteem and trust. Based on healthy patterns of interactions between adults and children focussing on the four essential qualities of: structure, engagement, nurture and challenge. The activities are fun, interactive and very playful.

News and information

Latest news, updates and events

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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

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3087+ hours of therapy provided

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1952+ hours of parent/carer support

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Testimonials

Client testimonials and experiences

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            Empowering children

            Our theory of change

            By empowering children early, we help prevent longer-term, more difficult and costly mental health illnesses from developing in adolescence and adulthood. This gives children the real chance to transform their lives and reach their full potential.
            Approach

            We offer creative therapies in a calm, consistent environment. We also work with families and schools to build a supportive network around the child.

            Short-term outcomes

            Children begin to feel safer, more settled and better able to express their feelings in a way that suits them. Families report early changes in behaviour, communication, and connection.

            Long-term outcomes

            With ongoing support, children develop emotional resilience, stronger attachments and healthier coping strategies. Families feel better equipped to support their child's emotional wellbeing over time.

            Impact

            Our therapies have proven effective in helping children feel safer, more understood and better able to express difficult emotions. Through regular reviews with families and therapists, we see real, sustainable changes in wellbeing, confidence and resilience.

            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.

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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.