The Anglesey Group Mothers' Union
Have you heard of "The Red Balloon"Learning Centre in Cambridge? Many
of us in the Mothers'Union Group had heard of it, and knew it was a School
in Cambridge which caters for bullied children, but many of us were unaware of
exactly what sort of school it is and how it is run. At our Meeting on Thursday
20th September, we were fortunate to have Dr. Carrie Herbert as our speaker who
was the founder of The Red Balloon in Cambridge 11 years ago. We had the most
fascinating and interesting afternoon, and are deeply indebted to Dr Herbert
for her informative, riveting, moving and amusing talk. She originally founded
the school for children who were being bullied in schools and were unable to
cope with mainstream education. She described how her house was adapted to be
the premises of the school. They operated here for 9 years, and now the School
is housed in New Square in Cambridge.
The education received there is "short-term"with the aim of the children returning to mainstream education as soon as they are strong enough. The aims of the School are to restore self-confidence, help students regain control of their learning, help them to return as soon as possible to mainstream education or to find worthwhile employment, and to encourage and expect consideration and respect at all times.
We learned of the success stories she has seen at her School, how tirelessly she has worked and will continue to do so for the next 14 years she says! Dr Herbert is a very motivated and enthusiastic lady to whom a lot of young people in Cambridge have much to be grateful for I am sure.
At the end of the afternoon we not only learned a lot about the work of The Red Balloon, but we felt inspired and uplifted, and felt that it was a privilege to have learned so much about this project from Dr Herbert. This was a MU Meeting not to be missed, and if at any time in the future you would like to come, please do! Everyone is very welcome at all times.
The Diocesan President of the MU - Mrs. Joan Cameron - is speaking at our next Meeting on 18th October and on 15th November Ros Wright will be telling us about "Christmas Customs". The year ends with a Bring and Share Lunch at Bottisham Vicarage. We have a lot to look forward to!