A purple-themed dinner is set to take place in Twickenham this March, raising vital funds for local children's mental health charity The Purple Elephant Project. 

The event, titled The Purple Party, will be held on 26 March at Delhi Social, an award-winning Indian restaurant on Richmond Road.  

All profits from the evening will go directly to The Purple Elephant Project, which supports children aged 4-17 experiencing emotional and mental health challenges across Southwest London. 

The dinner is a collaboration between Pickleball with Purpose, Padel Insights Network, Delhi Social and The Purple Elephant Project, bringing together sport, community and fundraising for a shared cause. 

Guests attending The Purple Party can expect a three-course meal, cocktails, music and a charity auction featuring exclusive prizes donated by sponsor partners.  

Tickets are priced at £50, including a welcome drink, with a black-tie dress code and a touch of purple encouraged.     

Delhi Social, which opened in late 2023 and was awarded two AA Rosettes within its first year, is one of only a small number of two-rosette Indian restaurants in Southwest London.  

The restaurant has a strong track record of supporting local causes and previously hosted a fundraising dinner for The Purple Elephant Project.  

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Avi, owner of Delhi Social, said supporting the charity was an easy decision:  

"Since opening, it has always been important to us to support a local charity that makes a real difference within our immediate community. 

Mental health is something that has affected my own family from a young age, and we know first-hand how vital early support can be. Seeing the team continue to work tirelessly, especially at a time when funding has been significantly reduced, made the decision to support them an easy one." 

Founded in 2019 by play therapist Jenny Haylock, The Purple Elephant Project is based in Twickenham and provides specialist creative therapies including Play Therapy, Art Therapy and Theraplay. 

The charity works both from its hub at Chase Bridge Primary School and through outreach in over 35 local schools, supporting hundreds of children and families each year. 

Speaking to Nub News, Nina Bradburn, Fundraising at The Purple Elephant Project, explained the growing demand for their services: "There's a huge disparity between the children that can get the support and the huge number of other children in school you are unable to get the support they need. It's really underfunded and under supported. 

"Early intervention is really important – looking after children when they're in the early years from 4 to 16 so that we can give them those skills to then be able to thrive and transform their lives." 

The charity offers long-term, one-to-one therapy programmes, typically lasting 24 weeks, ensuring children build trust with the same therapist throughout their journey.

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The Purple Party came about through connections between local therapists, sports groups and businesses, with Pickleball with Purpose and Padel Insights Network playing a key role in bringing partners together.  

The event has also been supported by other local businesses. Nick, owner of The Fun Factory in Teddington, has donated decorations for the evening free of charge, helping bring The Purple Party's signature theme to life. 

Jenny Haylock, Founder and CEO of The Purple Elephant Project, said: "I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported The Purple Party and helped make this special evening possible.

"A heartfelt thank you goes to Avi and his wonderful team at Delhi Social, as well as to Pickleball with Purpose and Padel Insights, whose enthusiasm and support is truly inspiring. 

"Every contribution helps us continue our vital work supporting children's mental health, and we are deeply thankful to be surrounded by such a compassionate community." 

Tickets for The Purple Party are on sale now, with funds raised helping to provide free and subsidised therapy for children and families who would otherwise struggle to access support. 

The Purple Elephant Project is also seeking long-term supporters, corporate partners and volunteers to help raise awareness and funding for its work.