Updates from Red Balloon Aylesbury
What began with a simple idea has grown into something powerful: the opening of a brand-new Red Balloon Centre in Aylesbury! Through the efforts of committed individuals, supportive partners, and one very determined project lead, the Centre is now ready to welcome students this autumn.
Here’s how the journey unfolded!
2022/3: The Idea Takes Shape
October 2022
Jane Cole, a local Buckinghamshire resident, reached out to Red Balloon with the idea of launching a Centre in Aylesbury. From that very first conversation, a vision began to form. Jane was passionate from the very beginning about the need for a provision like Red Balloon.
May 2023
Jane raised £4,000 to support the project as part of an indoor climbing wall fundraiser held by the Clare Foundation, kicking off Red Balloon Aylesbury’s first-ever fundraiser.
Autumn 2023:
After visiting several different sites, Jane and Red Balloon Founder Carrie Herbert chose Audley House as the ideal location for the new Red Balloon. William Harding’s Charity also provisionally agreed to support the new Red Balloon Centre. Jane was also named Project Coordinator for Red Balloon Aylesbury.
Funding and Formalities
Late 2023
In November 2023, William Harding’s Charity formally approved full funding for the project, and things were ready to get going! Letters of support were gathered, pre-planning was submitted and all the final documents were prepared. By December 2023, the full planning application was officially submitted.
This action-packed year was only the first step in the creation of Red Balloon Aylesbury- there was still so much to be done!
2024: Turning Plans Into Reality
In 2024, the house purchase was completed, and Audley House officially became the future home of Red Balloon Aylesbury! Preparations for renovation were underway!
Renovations began in July of 2024- and there was A LOT of work to do! From a new roof to disables access slopes, there has been much improvement on the building. Here’s a brief snapshot of all the hard work that’s gone into Audley House:
- Bathrooms and shower rooms were demolished, with the walls removed and existing structure support. New walls and framework for new rooms built and plastered, some doorways widened, some heightened, all doorframes were adapted for standardised fire doors as needed.
- Insulation was added throughout, to bring building up to the required EPC rating.
- Partition walls were built to create two new WC facilities upstairs. Space for disabled access toilet and shower were built and plastered downstairs.
- Downstairs ‘snug’ window replaced with wooden glazed doors and windows, in accordance with Heritage requirements. This new area will serve as wheelchair access and main entrance to students, as well as housing small office.
- Extensive electrical work was carried out within the main house and outbuildings.
- Decorating began.
- The science Lab was connected with outside services for gas and drainage, brickwork plastered, ceiling soundproofed and plastered.
2025: Taking Shape and Coming to Life
In early spring 2025, Jane Cole was appointed Headteacher, and Red Balloon Aylesbury welcomed the first members of the admin and business team. By late spring, student-facing staff were confirmed! The full team was able to meet at the Centre for the first time — sharing dinner, meeting in person, and laying the groundwork for a connected, supportive staff culture!
In summer, supporters and local residents were invited to visit the new site and see the transformation first-hand.
By July 2025, twelve student spaces were confirmed for the Centre’s opening in September, with more to be welcomed over the course of the year.
The Future: September 2025 and Beyond
In September, staff will return for induction, Centre set-up, and training. Red Balloon Aylesbury will gradually be welcoming students from mid-September as they begin their transition to Red Balloon with care and intention. By the end of September, we look forward to celebrating the official launch of Red Balloon Aylesbury with a special event to honour the supporters, staff, and young people who mde it all possible.
The Centre is building, but it’s also one of the hearts of Red Balloon. It’s a lifeline, a place of safety and hope for those who need it most. Thanks to the generosity of William Harding’s Charity, amazing community support and a team that believed from day one, Red Balloon Aylesbury is ready to make a difference.