Elephant in the Room Launches First UK Schools Programme Pilot
Elephant in the Room is proud to announce the launch of our first UK Schools Programme pilot, with 10 Ellies donated to schools in and around Devon.
This marks an important milestone for the movement as we continue to grow our work with schools, students and teachers, helping to open up age-appropriate conversations around mental health, wellbeing, kindness and connection.
Each Ellie is more than a sculpture.
When an Elephant in the Room sculpture is placed in a school, it becomes a visible reminder that it is okay to talk, ask for help and look out for one another. It helps create a shared symbol within the school community — something students and teachers can return to when starting conversations that may otherwise feel difficult.
Alongside each Ellie, schools receive resources and guidance to support conversations around mental health and wellbeing in a safe, creative and accessible way.
The response from schools has already been incredibly moving. Teachers and students have embraced Ellie as a way to make conversations feel more open, visible and supported.
This first UK pilot has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Nicole and the David Riddell Memorial CIO, the Kyne Foundation, Susan Andrews, Anne Groarke and Demelza Churchill, whose belief in the Schools Programme has helped bring the movement to Devon.
In 2025, Elephant in the Room donated 50 Ellies into schools across Ireland. There are now over 100 schools on the waiting list, and we are continuing to work with sponsors, donors and community partners to bring more Ellies to more school communities.
We know an Ellie is not the answer to every young person’s struggle. But she can be the beginning of a conversation. She can be a reminder that someone cares. She can help make it easier for a student to ask for help.
And sometimes, that first conversation can make all the difference.
Interested in supporting the Schools Programme or sponsoring an Ellie for a school?
Learn more at elephantintheroom.ie/schools-programme
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