Red Balloon - Norwich

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Norfolk teenager tells of bullying nightmare and how Red Balloon Norwich helped him get his life back

By Kate Scotter, Norwich Evening News 24

Last updated: 17/09/2010 04:15:00

A Norwich teenager has spoken about his experience of bullies as the charity which helped him overcome his traumatic time at school aims to raise £10,000.

Red Balloon charity is hosting a Monte Carlo VIP ball tonight to support children who have been severely bullied in school.

The charity recovers and educates young people who have been severely bullied in mainstream school. Its Learner Centre on Earlham Road, Norwich, provides an 'intensive care' full-time education and successfully supports children back into education or employment.

One of the youngsters who has been able to turn his life around is 15-year-old Samuel Ridge-Ward.

The Thorpe Hamlet teenager said: “During my time at high school I received quite a harsh treatment, I was bullied by the other students, moderately at first but it got worse, worse and worse until the point were my entire life evolved around the avoiding anyone my age.

“We explored the Red Balloon as a possibility, and I was accepted to have a look around. By this point in my life I had received so many mental scars I could literally not leave the house - my legs were shaking at the very thought of it.

“When I went to look around the Red Balloon Centre, as the door opened, I can swear that a bright light and warm essence engulfed me, I was met with a friendly face and a nice “hello”.

“Looking back at my past life in high school, I feel truly and infinitely grateful for the help and support I have received from the Red Balloon centre.”

Samuel has even been able to take on GCSEs a year ahead of his age group, through the help and support of the centre.

Red Balloon has helped more than 100 Norfolk children back into education or the workplace. It costs Red Balloon in Norwich, which has a 95pc success rate, £3,980 to fund a student per term.

The charity, which has learner centres throughout the UK, is supported by a range of charitable trusts, foundations, companies and by donations, sponsorship and in-kind support from individuals and companies.

In a bid to help raise £10,000, the charity will be hosting the ball at the Holiday Inn Norwich North, near the airport.

Norwich chair of trustees Dan Kelly said: “We really want to grab people's attention as our charity is relatively unknown. I've already been overwhelmed by the generosity of businesses and individuals which shows that community spirit is alive and kicking!”

Tickets for the event, sponsored by NPS Group, cost £50 and are available from the Holiday Inn. Contact Helen Baxter on 01603 201126.

For more information about the Monte Carlo Gala Dinner in aid of Red Balloon Norwich, visit www.redballoonnorwich.co.uk