A message from our Director

OTR is open for face-to-face referrals

Since the coronavirus pandemic forced us all into lockdown in March, we’ve had to close our face-to-face listening support and counseling services in Bath, Midsomer Norton, and Keynsham. We normally see hundreds of young people every week that need a safe place to be heard and be themselves.

I’m delighted to share that we’ve successfully managed to deliver face-to-face appointments throughout August to young people that have been desperately needing that support since March. From today, we’re offering referrals for our face-to-face services. You’ll be able to refer yourself or someone else via our website here. We’ll continue to provide the option of phone or online support and will be mostly providing face-to-face support going forward.

What are we doing to keep you safe?

In order for us to open again, we’ve had to undertake a range of safety measures. As well as a detailed risk assessment, we’ve put in place a range of things to keep everyone safe when visiting OTR or using our services. We’ve made a video to explain how it will work, and also got lots of information on our website to help give you a sense of how it’s going to work.

This pandemic has affected young people in many ways. YoungMinds Coronavirus summer 2020 survey wanted to find out more about the impact on mental health, and found that;

“80% of respondents agreed that the Covid-19 pandemic had made their mental health worse.

41% said it had made their mental health “much worse”. This was often related to increased feelings of anxiety, isolation, a loss of coping mechanisms, or a loss of motivation.

87% of respondents agreed that they had felt lonely or isolated during the lockdown period, even though 71% had been able to stay in touch with friends.”

This research mirrors our own experience whilst working with young people on the phone or online in B&NES – young people have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. Many reported increased isolation and anxiety, as well as a significant sense of loss – whether it be taking part in school, sports or arts clubs – just not being able to connect with people.

We’ve also seen incredible resilience and strength in the many young people we’ve worked with these recent months. Finding new ways to connect with friends, and discovering talents they’d not known about. Our Youth Forum has been meeting more regularly than ever and took part in a recent B&NES webinar event with Councillor Dine Romero. They’ve also been working with the Local Authority to put together a webpage for young people, by young people to help signpost other young people and stay positive. Whilst our SPACE LGBT+ group has been working hard to keep connected online, supporting each other during the lockdown as well as celebrating Pride together!

We’re working hard to be there for young people when they need it, and offer them every opportunity to shape the way forward through and out of this pandemic. Seeing the incredible strength and resilience young people have displayed during this pandemic – we have to keep finding ways to listen and learn from and about young peoples experiences.