Local children’s mental health charity seeks continuation of government funding
A local charity is waiting for specific details from the Government to learn who will receive the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) of £50million.
The Purple Elephant Project (PEP), a children's mental health charity based in Twickenham, is facing a critical funding crisis that threatens to disrupt the essential therapy services it provides to over 50 children and their families, who are raising adopted children with incredibly complex emotional needs.
Thus, it hopes to receive the ASGSF, which was facing an imminent end on Monday, 31 March.
However, in Parliament on Monday, Children's Minister Janet Daby MP confirmed the continuation of the fund for another year and said that The Department of Education "will be announcing further details to the house in the coming days."
In response to this, the MP for Twickenham and Teddington, Munira Wilson said at Parliament: "Now I welcome the announcement we've just heard from the minister which none of us were expecting because frankly many members on all sides of the chamber have spent the last few months asking question after question and being battered away time after time.
"And this vital fund is there to help those most vulnerable children who have experienced the deepest trauma.
"So, whilst today's announcement I am grateful for, has the minister considered what impact that has had on those families?
"The minister mentioned the impact on providers like the Purple Elephant Project in Twickenham in my constituency is desperately fundraising to continue providing support.
"So, whilst I'm grateful for the announcement today, can the minister confirm how long that £50 million will last for, whether ministers are considering expanding eligibility criteria. I think it's the least we can do for these most vulnerable children."
The PEP is a children's mental health charity for children aged four - 16 who are struggling with complex mental health issues using the creative arts.
These children are either adopted or living with special guardians and depend on the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund.
The colour purple is associated with creativity, ambition, calmness, and peace. Elephants are also known for the long journeys they embark on and their long memories, so combining the two ideas led to the name The Purple Elephant Project.
Jenny Haylock, CEO and founder of the charity said: "It's so important to work with the network around the child to really ensure better outcomes for the children.
"Watching a child go from being hypervigilant and they start to relax, and they can smile, joke, and become creative and become childlike again. That's just priceless. It's wonderful.
"By providing arts and play therapy, [children] can express how they're feeling, and they can process the things that they've gone through, through the metaphor of play or art.
"So, they don't have to have the words. They can show it through their play.
"One of the big things that we do here, though, is really look after the parents as well."
The organisation supports over 50 families who have adopted or looked-after children, and the essential therapy services they provide are funded by the ASGSF.
Nina Bradburn, Fundraising Consultant for The PEP said: "We are deeply grateful to everyone who has already donated to support vulnerable children at risk of losing vital therapy services.
"These children—adopted or living with special guardians—depend on the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund, which has been in limbo due to government delays.
"We are thrilled that Children's Minister Janet Daby MP has finally confirmed the continuation of this essential fund. However, while this is promising news, we still lack critical details about its rollout.
"Until official confirmation and processing of the huge backlog of applications take place, there remains a significant funding gap—leaving children and families in distress and uncertain about their therapy services.
"We are committed to minimising this disruption, ensuring that children continue receiving the support they so urgently need. That's why our appeal remains active. Every donation helps us bridge the gap and provide continuity of care during this uncertain time.
"Your support makes a real difference. Every penny raised will go directly toward keeping these crucial therapy sessions going. Please consider donating today to help us stand by these children and their families when they need it most."
You can donate to The Purple Elephant Project here.
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