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Organised by Red Balloon Educational TrustWhile most students are now going back to school and enjoying life after lockdown, many will stay stuck at home. Plagued by bullying, disability or trauma, some children have spent much longer than a few months outside of normal school...
Closed 31/10/2020
How did you find lockdown? Did you struggle being cooped up in the house and unable to go to work, or see your family or friends? When Ethan joined Red Balloon, he hadn't stepped foot outside his home for over three years.
Before joining Red Balloon I was always at home, because I just couldn't go to school. I have autism and anxiety, and I got stressed out and picked on. I became isolated in the house and didn't go out at all. I was lonely and afraid. I couldn't figure out how the world worked or understand the people in it.
By age 8, Ethan had already made two suicide attempts. And he's not the only one. Sadly, many students have struggled with similar situations before finding Red Balloon.
While lockdown may be easing, and children are returning to their mainstream schools and normal routines, Red Balloon students will need additional help for some time to come.
It took Ethan a while to trust the staff at Red Balloon but eventually he started to believe that he could leave the house, make friends and prepare for the next stage in his journey towards adulthood. This has become really important as Ethan's mum, Elaine, has been diagnosed with a terminal condition. Ethan wants to make memories with her and he knows he has to leave the house to do that.
Elaine credits Red Balloon with saving the family. She is so proud of Ethan's progress:
It was a massive milestone when Ethan went into Red Balloon's community hub for his mock Maths GCSE exam. It wasn't easy for him, and he did feel sick, but he sat his exam, so that's a massive, massive step forward. The fact that he knows he's got a future is invaluable. We absolutely cannot put a word to it or a figure on it, we just can't...Ethan has learnt that people are kind; that there are people out there who are not out to get you, and there are those who just want to support you because they can.
The past few months have shown us, more than ever, the importance and efficacy of Red Balloon's recovery programme. Without our support, Ethan couldn't imagine taking GCSEs or seeing a future for himself. Now hes gearing up to go to college, and is staying on at Red Balloon to complete three additional GCSEs.
We understand times are tough but, if you are able, please will you help change the lives of families like Ethan and Elaine's by making a donation today? You will help give extra support and care to bullied and traumatised children when they need it most. Your gift, no matter how small, makes a big difference to their lives. Thank you.
P.S. To read more about Ethan's story, and other children like him, visit our website.
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