The extension has enabled space to be used more effectively creating a new music room and science laboratory as well as a new meeting room, alternative office accommodation and modified counselling room. The Red Balloon Learner Centre provides a safe learning environment for severely bullied children aged 10-17 who are too frightened to attend mainstream school. It helps these children regain their confidence, get back on an academic track and in time return to education. Red Balloon is the only UK charity which specifically recovers severely bullied children through the provision of short-term educational and therapeutic programs.

HRH The Princess Royal is Patron of Wooden Spoon, and the Middlesex Region is privileged that she attended one of their project openings for the first time. Chairman of Middlesex Wooden Spoon, Mr Gordon Brown said;

"I'm thrilled that the extension to the Red Balloon Learner Centre is now completed, and honoured that our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, has been able to give up time from her busy schedule to formally open the project. This extension to the Red Balloon Learner Centre is the 14th project that we have completed in the last 10 years to assist disadvantaged children and young people in the Region, and the visit today pays tribute to the hard work and generous donation of time of all those who have been involved over the years."

Founder and Chief Executive of Red Balloon Learner Centre Group, Dr Carrie Herbert said;

"We are honoured that HRH The Princess Royal visited our Red Balloon in Northwest London to open the new extension, the money for which has been generously donated by Wooden Spoon. In visiting us, Her Royal Highness will raise awareness of the fact that there are many children in this country who are too frightened to go to school because they have been so badly bullied. Red Balloon recovers them and gives them back their future. We are pleased to welcome her to our centre."