ELHAP ("Every Life Has A Purpose")

ELHAP (Every Life Has A Purpose) is a unique support service in Woodford Bridge for disabled children, young people and adults from across East London. Based in over 5 acres of woodland, with a vast adventure playground and nature reserve, ELHAP gives disabled children the chance to "just be kids." They can fly through the air on the zip wire, get muddy, cook over an open fire, build dens and go on bug hunts. ELHAP also works with adults, helping them develop skills, connect with the local community and explore their options for the future. The pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone, but particularly for families with children with disabilities. For many, public play spaces are now off-limits due to the risks of contracting Covid, many support services have shut down and others are offering vastly reduced places due to Covid restrictions. This has left families feeling isolated and abandoned at a time when they need support more than ever. Watch this 4-minute film to see how ELHAP is providing a life-line: https://youtu.be/C94GM471lVA Our key services: Weekend and Holiday Play Schemes: We run play schemes for children with disabilities and their siblings during school holidays and weekends. Within ELHAP’s safe boundaries, the children are encouraged to explore, take risks, get messy and take the lead in deciding how they use their time. Transition Project Facing the challenges of adult life can be daunting for anyone, but for a young person with disabilities the pressures and anxieties can be overwhelming. ELHAP’s Transition Project works with young people and adults to help them develop their skills, explore their options for the future and get connected to their local community. Orchard Project ELHAP’s Orchard Project enables adults with disabilities to learn and develop practical skills including performing arts (drama, dance, music), horticulture, woodwork and cookery.