Balloons was first conceived by a small group of healthcare professionals who didn’t have anywhere to refer bereaved children for specialist support. Start-up funding was secured from the Big Lottery in February 2007.
Balloons services are open to pre and post bereaved children and young people in Exeter, Mid and East Devon. They have experienced the death, or will experience the imminent death, of someone significant in their lives. Volunteer Grief Support Workers (GSWs) support the children and young people through their grieving and healing process.
Balloons also provides an advice service for families, schools and other professionals around death and grief. This can involve telephone support, email support and in the case of local schools can also extend to support in person where possible.