Previous News

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We're just into April but do you have plans for May? Not sure? Fancy a Marathon? Yes

Come and join us for the Red Balloons Marathon in May 

Walk or Run a minimum of 26.2 miles
Do it throughout the Month or all in one go
Entry + Medal £15
Entry + Tshirt & Medal £25
Raise some money for us in the process*

If you'd like more information or to enter please message us directly for details for entry payment *Let us know if you'd like the sponsorship link when you enter

Go Go Go

#yesyoucan #physical #mental #wellbeing #mentalhealthmatters #beyourbestself #beinspired #alwaysheretohelp #marathoninmay

Well, here it is!  We couldn't wait any longer! Our amazing news!! 

A HUGE Thank You to Mark Plumb , and House Masters for supporting us, and the fantastic Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind, and helping raise funds, but most importantly, mental health awareness!!

Get your dancing shoes on, and help us celebrate Red Balloons 3rd Birthday in style!!!

Click on the link below to put it in your diary!

#HouseMasters #12hourStream #Fundraising #HappyBirthdayRedBalloons #physical #mental #wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #YesYouCan #BeInspired

  WE HAVE A NEW CHALLENGE

Wondering what to do now #RedJanuary is coming to an end? Wanting to find something to motivate you through February? 

Not wanting something too strenuous or time consuming?  Well, we have the answer!

Join Red Balloons "Fitness February" Walk Challenge!

The concept is simple. Set yourself a goal for the month of February. Whether it be 5 miles or 500 miles. Get your walking shoes on, and GO!

ALL participants who sign up will get a certificate of participation to display proudly! If you hit your distance goal, you get an extra special distance personalised certificate!

Walking is an overlooked and under utilised form of exercise, that can be done as part of your every day life!

Watch out of the sign up link being added below very soon...

#FitnessFebruary #WalkChallenge #HowFarCanYouGo #InThisTogether #WalkThisWay #physical #mental #wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #YesYouCan #BeInspired #BeYourBestSelf 

 Following on from the Government's new Tier 4 announcement, we have some answers to frequently asked questions below. We are very relieved to say however, that WE ARE OPEN!
🎈 FAQ's  🎈
What services do you have available?
GROUP Run & Rant. Mondays, 6pm. Tees Barrage. GROUP Walk & Talk. Wednesdays, 1030am. Tees Barrage ONE TO ONE'S Walks and Runs. 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. Groups can operate for up to 15 people. 2m distance required where possible. Masks are optional but encouraged on walks. All participants should carry their own hand sanitiser.
Why can you still operate when my run club/gym/exercise group can't?
We are a voluntary, charitable organisation that offers support to those in need. We work predominately with those who suffer long term physical and/or mental health conditions. Our services offer a vital form of support that helps improve and maintain overall wellbeing. As all our sessions are already held outside, we have not had to cancel or close but adapt what we offer.
It is winter. 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 call session will be offered.
How do I book?
To book a place, you can message us or send us an email. For group sessions you can also click "GOING" on our Facebook event.  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.  Our new group sessions are for ages 18 and over. Should there be a demand, we could look at introducing a Youth Group, but this is not operating yet.
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 #Tier4 #WeAreOpen #physical #mental #wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #YesYouCan #BeInspired #BeYourGreatest 

 🎄#ShoutOutSaturday 🎄
As a small, unfunded organisation, we rely heavily on the amazing generousity of our community to grow and develop.
With this in mind, we want to ask our members, and the wider public, a small favour. Ditch the Christmas cards, and donate the small cost to Red Balloons!
Cheeky arent we?
All donations will go towards to the recruitment and training for our volunteers, to be able to expand our services and reach more people who could benefit from what we offer!
If you would like to donate, please pop us a message for the link 🎈
#ChristmasCardAppeal #Donate #physical #mental #wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #YesYouCan #BeInspired 

 #SelfCareSunday
After last nights announcement, I am sure many of us are feeling many emotions. I know personally, I am in a state of worry and confusion.
Myself, and my team, are working behind the scenes to formulate a temporary action plan, going forward from Thursday 5th November, following guidance of a second national Lockdown.
As soon as we have more information I will be the first to let you know, but one thing I can absolutely promise, WE ARE HERE TO HELP. In as many ways as we possibly can.
Our traffic light system is back. Comment or message us your colour, and if needed, we will be in touch.(or you can message us directly - https://m.me/redballoons2017)
Take care of yourself, and each other, but never forget, we are in this together. Together we are stronger!
Claire xx
#coronavirus #lockdown #WeAreOpen #TrafficLight #HowAreYou #physical #mental #wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #YesYouCan #BeYourBestSelf
You can find out more information about what we're doing on our Wellbeing Hub page 

 We thought it would be appropriate to share what actions we take to ensure our sessions are all ran safely during the Corona Virus pandemic.
We are dedicated to continuing our work as we believe it is necessary and needed more than ever. We want all our members to feel safe and protected, while getting whatever support is needed.
As all our sessions are held outside or online, currently masks are NOT compulsory. However, if you would feel safer wearing one, please feel free.
We follow all government guidelines, and these are checked regularly. Any updates are shared to our team, and then to our members. You are what is important and why we do what we do.
We understand everyone has their own personal thoughts and opinions on the pandemic. However, we expect respect and courtesy for each other, and the rules that are in place.
If you have any thoughts or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We have One to One slots still available, but these are limited. Don't miss out!
#coronavirus #covid19UK #OurPromise #KeepingEveryoneSafe #physical #mental #wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #YesYouCan #BeInspired