We are The Flying Seagull Project, a UK-based charity on a mission to spread laughter and joy to children in crisis, and we have just reached a monumental milestone – bringing hope, healing, and happiness to over 500,000 children across 24 countries on four continents.

Since 2008, we have been transforming the lives of children facing some of the world’s toughest circumstances, from refugee camps and hospitals to institutions and schools. Through a combination of creative workshops, clowning, music, games, and magic, our team of clowns, musicians, and entertainers replace fear and trauma with light, laughter, and a sense of belonging.

Our reach spans the UK and extends across the globe bringing smiles to children in refugee camps, institutions, hospitals, hospices, domestic violence shelters, disability support groups and specialist schools. With every show and workshop, we ensure that no child, regardless of their background, misses out on the life-changing power of play.

"Reaching half a million children is an incredible milestone, but it’s only the beginning," said Ash Perrin, Founder of the Flying Seagull Project. "Play isn’t just a luxury for the few– but it’s a sacred right and for many children, it’s a lifeline. Laughter and play allow children to feel safe, heal from trauma, and believe in themselves, their value and and hope for a better future. These moments of joy are essential to their well-being, and they help children build resilience, confidence, and a sense of their worth.

Our mission is to continue spreading full power play and genuine moments of joy to children everywhere, because we believe that every child deserves to experience the transformative magic of laughter and play, no matter where they are, what bodies they’re in or what they’ve been through."

Right now, our teams are on the ground across Europe, bringing play and laughter to refugee camps, institutions, schools, and UK refugee hotels. In Colombia, we’ve launched a new project reaching Venezuelan migrant children - part of the 3.5 million who have sought refuge there - as well as local communities affected by economic hardship and ongoing violence. Meanwhile, a team is preparing to travel to Jordan, where they will bring joy and relief to children impacted by the refugee crisis, ensuring that play reaches those who need it most.

As part of our ongoing mission to reach even more children, we are launching the Platinum Pledge campaign. This month-long initiative aims to raise both funds and awareness in order to kickstart their next chapter to reach 1 million children globally. The campaign serves as a reminder that laughter and play are not optional – they are essential rights for every child.

You can find out more by visiting www.theflyingseagullproject.com or following on Instagram at @flyingseagulluk.