Press release:
A charity opening a new Centre for traumatised young people in Worthing has put out a plea for help to the West Sussex community. A local benefactor has secured a property in Windsor Road for Red Balloon, but they need refurbishing help to create the perfect learning and therapeutic environment for children who are too frightened to go to school.
Red Balloon is an educational and therapeutic charity for children, aged 11 to 18, who have excluded themselves from lessons. Carrie Herbert, the charity’s founder, explains: “Some children simply cannot go to school any more because they have been severely bullied, they are too anxious, or because they have suffered a trauma, such as bereavement, injury or medical condition. They stop going to school, even though they want to learn, want to make friends and prepare for their adulthood. But their futures are in jeopardy if they drop out of learning, and become socially isolated.”
The charity, which has four other Centres in the south east, as well as an online programme, has been looking for the perfect property in Worthing for some time. They have been searching for somewhere that is calming, well-ordered and as homely as possible. Because their students have had such negative experiences at school, the aim is to make the Centre feel as much like a home as possible. Their new property in Windsor Road is ideal, although in need of refurbishment. This is why they’re asking for help from kindhearted local tradespeople, companies and volunteers to really make the space welcoming.
Carrie Herbert continues: “Some fresh paint, carpet, tiling and lighting would transform this property. So we’re putting out a bit of a DIY SOS! We’d love to hear from companies who can help supply and even fit any of these things, free of charge. Even help with one room would make a real difference. We’re also looking for some furniture including tables and chairs, two large dining tables and sofas. If you’re a dab hand with a paintbrush, are an electrician, tiler, plumber or love to garden and you have a little time to spare to volunteer, then please show us your skills!”
The Centre will grow to support a maximum of 20 students. Red Balloon has 25 years experience and children who take part in its recovery programme of education, wellbeing and community re-engagement activities go on to achieve great things, as their exam results show. Last year, of children who took GCSE maths, for example, 86% received grades 4 to 9, and 86% achieved the same in English. 84% of children said that their mental health improved and over 90% of those ready to leave went on to further education, training or work. This is a considerable achievement considering many will have been missing from school for months, if not years, before joining Red Balloon.
The charity has a ‘wish list’ on their website at redballoonlearner.org/worthing-wishlist. Anyone interested in offering their time or able to help with fixtures, fittings or furniture can contact Nick Munday on 07710 013893 or nick.munday@talk21.com.
To find out more, or to make a donation, visit redballoonlearner.org/donate, selecting ‘Red Balloon Worthing’ from the drop down menu.
