Off The Record-BANES

Who we are

Off the Record is the only charity offering information, advice & counselling to troubled and vulnerable children and young people aged 11 – 25 in the Bath and North East Somerset area.

We provide a range of services including one on one listening support and counselling, as well as specific support for young parents, those who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence and abuse and those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or questioning (LGBTQ).

Our services help young people cope with a range of problems from exam stress, anxiety, depression, sexuality, relationships, and family breakdown to anger, abuse, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

All our services, crucially, are free, independent and confidential. All our services are designed to improved emotional support and resilience, to face the ups and downs that life might bring. We want young people to feel listened too, safe and supported. We want to improve confidence and self-esteem.

Giving young people the emotional support they need today not only has positive long term effects for that young person, but also impacts on the wider community. Emotionally healthy young people are less likely to be affected by adverse mental health in later life, they are more likely to engage in education, employment or training and less likely to engage in risky behaviours such as alcohol and drug abuse.

So if you want to make a difference for local children and young people, join our thriving and passionate organisation.

Our culture and values

Off the Record Bath and North East Somerset (OTR) improves the emotional health and wellbeing of young people. We want every young person in Bath and North East Somerset and beyond to be emotionally healthy, confident and empowered in themselves.

We provide a range of free, confidential and independent services for anyone aged 10-25 living, working or studying in BaNES, including counselling, listening support, youth participation, advocacy, support for care leavers and a LGBTQ+ focused youth group.

OUR VALUES

EQUALITY

In every way we believe the importance of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities.

YOUTH-CENTRED

We strive for young people to take the lead, and we respond to what young people tell us works.

PERSON-CENTERED

We believe that each of us can choose and define our own way forward with the right support.

COLLABORATIVE

Working together we can achieve more.

FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, INDEPENDENT

We believe young people should freely access our services, as well as having the right to confidentiality, and have confidence we’re independent.

INCLUSIVE & ACCESSIBLE

We strive to be truly inclusive and accessible.

PEOPLE

Committed to building the capacity of our staff and volunteers.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we value as an organisation. OTR is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability or any other status protected by law. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We believe that our differences make us stronger and drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to join our team.