Red Balloon: restoring
self-confidence & self-esteem
No-one has to put up with bullying. Bullying makes you feel miserable, sad, angry and worthless. Adults and young people who are bullied blame themselves, sometimes hurt themselves, are afraid to go to work or school or appear in public places. One of the worst things that happens to people who are bullied is that they think it is their fault. It is not! But feeling it is your fault often prevents you from telling anyone about what is going on. Sometimes people keep quiet about it for weeks and even months.
The first Red Balloon Learner Centre was set up in a private home in Cambridge in 1996. The vision is to provide an 'intensive care' programme of full-time education in a safe learning environment for children unable to go to school because they have been severely bullied.
Why was it called "Red Balloon"? The boy in the film "Le Ballon Rouge" was befriended and supported by a red balloon. Red Balloons offer a safe learning environment for students of secondary-age in Cambridge, Norwich and Northwest London at Harrow. Some of our students have written their stories for you to read. You may have had similar experiences. You may need some advice and support.