Keep up to date with what is happening at Off The Record.
OTR wants to hear from boys and young men in BaNES about their experiences seeking mental health support. Help us improve our services to them by sharing the survey below.
Launched in January 2025 as part of OTR’s five-year plan, the Engage project aims to increase service uptake among 10–25-year-old males by 2027, supported by the Brownsword Charitable Foundation.
Phase one, led by Development Manager James Brown, includes a survey co-designed with young people identifying as male from OTR youth groups. It covers experiences seeking support, interests, and optional personal details.
We’re also collaborating with schools, colleges, and mental health organisations to raise awareness. This issue is nationally recognized by the Centre for Social Justice’s Lost Boys report and Sir Gareth Southgate’s recent Richard Dimbleby lecture.
If you know a boy or young man struggling with mental health, please encourage them to take the survey and seek support through their school or directly from OTR.
Mayden Therapy Room unveiled
We were so happy to have Mayden in our Bath Office last week for the unveiling of our dedicated plaque on one of our counselling rooms on Friday 1st October.
Results Day
If you don’t get your predicted grades, talk to your tutor or other staff at school on the day. They will have plenty of experience of students in your situation and will be able to advise you. This may mean appealing your grades, resitting your exam, choosing a different sixth form or A level, or something else.
Jayme’s Journey As LGBT+ Student Placement Worker
Hello! I’m Jayme and I’m a student placement LGBT+ youth worker at Off the Record. I am currently studying my degree in Sociology at the University of Bath, and as I’ve always been interested in working with young people, I started volunteering for OTR in January 2019.
Marking the passing of George Floyd: Reflecting at Off The Record
As the world marks the one-year anniversary of the death of George Floyd, Off the Record recognises the role we play in supporting our Black young people in our local area and to play a role in calling out and challenging racism and discrimination, educating ourselves and building a more equitable offer of support in the B&NES area.
Good for gaming
How local university students used video games and board games to raise over £2,000 for charity. Off The Record B&NES’s first gaming-themed fundraising campaign raised over £2,200 thanks to students from University of Bath and Bath Spa University
The importance of Pronouns
At Off the Record, pronouns are everywhere! You will see them on our Zoom calls, in the signature of staff emails, and when we tell you our names, we will also tell you our pronouns. But why do we do this and what are pronouns exactly? Kitted-out in rainbow attire and a deerstalker hat, I went to investigate pronouns and interview some of Off the Record’s young people and staff. A
Trans healthcare ruling
Over the last few weeks, you may have seen the news, following the High Court ruling that young people under 16 using the Tavistock and Portman’s gender identity clinics will very likely need to obtain a court order prior to accessing puberty blockers. This is an amendment to the existing service and takes effect from the 1st December.
Black lives matter in B&NES: A webinar for young people
Recently two of our fantastic young people from Off the Record made an inspiring contribution to the Black Lives Matter In B&NES webinar. Our MYP Indra Black spoke at the event alongside other young people from organisations across B&NES.
Young peoples health report
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.
A message from our Director
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.
A big thank you to Bella
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Senior in care council: Insight from our young person to social care professionals in B&NES
Following a fantastic response to Jasmin’s previous training sessions, she was invited to speak at this meeting to give insight into the important factors to consider in foster care placements and ways to make the first 48 hours a smooth transition, and as comfortable for young people as possible.
Equality, Inclusion & Diversity.
OTR believes in equality, inclusion and the value of diversity. In every way we believe the importance of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities. And we absolutely believe Black Lives Matter.
Start your journey
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.