Our Mission

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We're over the moon to announce that Red Balloons has been successful in securing funding via the National Lottery Community Fund to set up and run our Community Wellbeing Ambassadors Project across Tees Valley. This funding will allow us to recruit, train and support Volunteers to become Ambassadors in their communities – organising and running Walk and Talk Sessions and Run and Rant Sessions and supporting people with their mental and physical health. We will ensure that Volunteers receive relevant training and have 100% support and that the project offers them valuable personal development opportunities. The project will also build capacity in the organisation allowing us to support many more people to improve their mental and physical health while giving them someone who will listen and do their best to support.

We'd like to send a massive thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for believing in us, supporting us and giving us the opportunity to work towards realising our vision and mission. We'd also like to thank National Lottery players without whom this funding wouldn't be available.

For further information on Volunteering Opportunities, referrals, partnership working, support available – please contact Leigh via email – redballoons.volunteers@gmail.com

 #physical #mental #wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #YesYouCan #BeInspired #BeYourGreatest

 * IMPORTANT COVID 19 UPDATE *

As we are now following the government roadmap out of lockdown, we have some answers to frequently asked questions below

WE ARE OPEN! 

 🎈 FAQ's 🎈 

What services do you have available?

ONE TO ONE'S & Group Walks & Talks. These are available across all of the Tees Valley area.
MESSAGE SERVICE. 7am - 7pm every day.

What are the session guidelines?

ALL sessions MUST be pre booked. 2m distance required where possible. Masks are optional but encouraged on walks. All participants should carry their own hand sanitiser.

We are still facing restrictions, why are you still operating these sessions? 

We are very concerned about the indirect effects of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown, including isolation, loneliness and increased feelings of anxiety, depression and stress. The government have allowed us all to continue exercising but some may not have the support of other people to do this with them. We also know life could be very stressful with working from home, home schooling and very little escape. Our sessions could offer people a chance to have some vital time to themselves.

What happens if a session can't go ahead due to weather/ill health? 

We keep a close eye on all weather updates and do daily risk assessments around safety. Should a session not be able to go ahead (snow/ice/heavy rain/illness) we aim to give 1 hours notice and expect the same in return where possible.
If a session can not go ahead, an option to change to a video or telephone call session will be offered.

How do I book?

To book a place, you can message us or send us an email.
For those who don't use social media or the internet, there is a telephone number that can be requested, to offer a text message option.

What exactly do these sessions offer?

All sessions, whether one to one or group, offer a safe, non judgemental place to gain support. They can also offer relief from isolation. They are fully confidential. All volunteers offer a "lived experience" support, sometimes referred to as "Peer Support". We are not trained counsellors or therapists, but we have an invested interest in your overall wellbeing, and helping you improve that, especially throughout the pandemic. There is no pressure to talk or to participate beyond a level you are comfortable with. We ask that you respect our volunteers and any other members that may be present.

Who can attend these sessions?

We can work with anyone aged 12 years and above, for both Walk & Talk's and Run & Rant's.

What "lived experience" do you have? 

All our volunteers have some form of lived experience, from a variety of subjects, including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, bipolar, post natal depression, bereavement, eating disorders, abuse and suicide. 

Do you have to have a mental health condition to use your services? 

No. We are an inclusive community. All we ask is that you have an interest in your overall wellbeing. 

What do your services cost?

ALL our services are FREE! We also aim to provide all sessions in areas that are easily accessible. 

Should you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are all in this together. You are not alone! 

#COVID19 #Update #Lockdown #WeAreOpen #physical #mental #wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #YesYouCan #BeInspired #BeYourGreatest

🎈 A PRIVATE community chat group in order for you to chat safely and privately amongst yourselves. Maybe it is to share tips about how to manage your wellbeing during self isolation, what coping techniques find work for you, or simply to discuss the new series on Netflix. Click JOIN on our Wellbeing Support group ⬇️ and lets support each other  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/172318367370050/