Author Pauline Barclay has penned a short story, Tormentors to help highlight the services of Red Balloon Norwich, which helps bullied children to reconnect again with learning and social interaction. Here, she explains why
Pauline Barclay’s works of fiction normally offer pure escapism – with titles such as Serendipity, The Wendy House and The Birthday Card. However, the author of nine books and counting has turned her attentions to writing a short story about something very real: peer-on-peer abuse – and the proceeds will go to Red Balloon Norwich, a learner centre which supports the recovery of bullied children.
Pauline, who is originally from Yorkshire but has lived in both Suffolk and Norfolk, explains: ‘Bullies operate covertly with menace and threats to ensure the victims are too terrified to seek help. A few months ago, I met a young man who had been horrifically bullied when he was attending a mainstream school. It was through the help, support and dedication from Red Balloon Norwich that he slowly, very slowly began to try and re-build his life again. From this I decided to write a short story about how a young boy is brutally bullied and how it takes its toll on both the victim and his family. Whilst the story is fiction, the reality of what happens to young Dillan in the story can be very real. By writing this short story, I hope it will help raise further awareness of the devastating effects of peer-on-peer abuse, whilst trying to help an important charity whose primary aim is to support its beneficiaries to overcome such trauma.’
In Tormentors, Dillan Mortimer, a happy intelligent 13-year-old, suddenly finds his life is about to change when a new boy, Connor Brooks, joins their class.
Mark Anderson, Head of Centre at Red Balloon Norwich, describes Pauline’s project ‘Tormentors’ as: ‘an inspirational read and resource’ that ‘should be part of any school’s PSHE, RSHE, SMSC and English Language statutory curriculum.’
Mark adds: ‘Peer on peer abuse is a huge reason for emotional based school avoidance within a mainstream school setting and is often one of the primary reasons young people join Red Balloon Norwich when their needs can no longer be met. Tormentors creates a timely educational case study and powerful starting point for debate which undoubtably all schools and the general public can learn from both in a cross-curricular way and to encourage more self-awareness that will help stop bullying before it begins.’
Red Balloon Norwich is a Charity and Independent School for young people aged between 11 and 17 years with additional support needs who have struggled to attend a mainstream school. This is often due to emotional and psychological difficulties. A tailored curriculum provides a range of different learning combinations which include vocational learning alongside the academic and counselling support. On some occasions learning for students at Red Balloon Norwich is also blended with online delivery so they can access a timetable and nurturing environment where they feel confident.
If you would like to learn more about the work of Red Balloon Norwich please contact: mark.anderson@rbnorwich.org.uk or call 01603 622288. Proceeds from sales of Tormentor by Pauline Barclay will go to Red Balloon, Drayton Road, Norwich. Tormentors is available in Kindle and paperback from Amazon. Also, visit paulinebarclay.co.uk.
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I’m so impressed and touched by Ms Barclay’s efforts to help this school. It’s an excellent story and its message can’t be overemphasised.
Many thanks to Ms Barclay and the important work of Red Balloon.