SUPPORTERS'

newsletter

Spring 2024

We hope this edition finds you well! We have had an exciting month at Balloons, with Radio 1 DJ Mollie King, coming to visit us as part of her Comic Relief cycle challenge which has led to us appearing on BBC Morning Live, Radio Devon and Radio 5. Read on for the full story.

This edition also includes some of our work this term supporting bereaved children and young people in our area, events we have been at and some ways to get involved from jumping out of a

plane to doing some online shopping!

Grab a cuppa and enjoy!

Nicky

Nicola Clarke - Balloons CEO

Keep updated by checking our social media channels and website:

Supporting children and young people

So far this year we have supported 41 children and young people through our one-to-one sessions delivered in schools across Exeter, East and Mid Devon. This lovely quote from a parent gives an insight into the difference our support can make.

“Balloons has greatly impacted my child’s confidence, ability to process the grief and made her look at what she can do when she gets angry and sad about the situation and others. She really has grown, the staff at school have also commented on this. I can't thank Balloons enough for giving her this opportunity to express her feelings in a safe space with what she describes as a wonderful lady”

In our sessions we have been enjoying using some lovely arts and crafts materials, donated by The Works in Sidmouth. We have been really grateful for their continued support, and the amazing amount they have collected for Balloons!

Comic Relief Time!

The last month has been very exciting at Balloons. Beginning with a visit from the Radio 1 DJ Mollie King! Mollie came along to our office to meet Abby, a young person that had received one-to-one grief support from one of our volunteers.

Abby gave a very moving and eloquent interview about her grief journey and how Balloons helped her. Mollie also spoke to our staff team about how Balloons works and how critical funds from places like Comic Relief are, as we were fortunate to have received a grant from them this last year. Mollie then went on to complete an epic 311 mile (500km) bike ride from London to Hull, raising money for Comic Relief!

We also spoke to Radio Devon and Radio 5 live about our charity. It was great to be able to speak about what we do and how important it is to help children and young people in their grief journeys.

Feeling inspired? Click here to make a donation towards our vital work today

Fundraising round-up

A huge thank you to our new Charity of the Year partners, donors and individuals raising money for us. This month it has been great to start working with Coaching Focus and Cathedral Appointments, as well as doing a collection at Exeter Chiefs.

We have had some fantastic recent donations from organisations including The Kings School, The Concrete Society, Broadclyst Weekly Bingo, Shaldon Leisure Rowers, Moose International and Simple Media and Advertising.

A big ‘Good luck!’ to all those taking on challenges to raise money for Balloons: Pheobe and Amy who are doing a 30km coastal walk and Bex from Practice Plus doing Three Peaks this June. If you are planning anything, or would like to do a fundraising event, please let us know!

New volunteer recruits

We are delighted that 8 new trainees have joined our Spring training course to become a volunteer Grief Support Worker. The more volunteers we have, the more children and young people we can support. Our new volunteers who trained at the end of last year have all finished their first case and really enjoyed the experience!

We had a great day at the Exeter Volunteer Fayre (held in the cathedral) meeting potential new volunteers and chatting about our service. If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering with us, please email admin@balloonscharity.co.uk for an information pack – our next course starts on the 10th September.

Coming together with others

We run activity days over the year to bring together children, young people and families who have been supported by Balloons to do fun, positive activities together. This month we were extremely fortunate to be invited along to Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, for a fascinating print-making workshop (photo right)

Shop online and raise funds at the same time with Easy Fundraising

Easy Fundraising is exactly what is says on the tin. If you shop online, all you have to do is log on to easyfundraising.co.uk and search for the company you want to use. There are 8000 companies who are registered with Easy Fundraising and probably ones that you use regularly e.g. Trainline, Booking.com, M&S and all the supermarkets, so it does not involve extra shopping! When you buy anything from them, they donate to us and there is no extra charge to you. It is very easy to use, either by logging on, or using the App,

or you can set a reminder on your computer in case you log on to a store direct. All you need to

register is your name and email address and choose Balloons (Devon) as your charity to support.

Contact us today