Off the Record Seeks £100k for 30th Anniversary Initiatives

An organization dedicated to fostering the mental wellbeing of young individuals is intensifying its fundraising efforts as it commemorates its three-decade milestone. Off the Record (OTR) works to enhance emotional health and build self-confidence for individuals aged 11 to 25 throughout Bath & North East Somerset. The organization initiated a fundraising campaign in 2023 with the goal of supporting new initiatives and aims to achieve its £100k objective before the close of this year. It states that numerous challenges are affecting the mental health of young people and seeks to finance “vital” projects to ensure a “lasting impact” on their lives. OTR stands as the foremost mental health support charity for young people within the region, providing counselling and assistance services alongside its branches in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The charity reports a 40% rise in referrals over the past two years, attributing this surge to young people contending with the post-Covid 19 environment and managing financial and social pressures. Thirty years following the charity’s establishment, its leadership expresses a desire to solidify projects within the local community. Having already secured £73,000 through its ‘Young Futures’ appeal, OTR anticipates reaching its £100k goal via donations and fundraising activities conducted during the festive period. Phil Walters, CEO, stated, “Thanks to generous donations from local businesses, individuals and grant-making trusts, the Young Futures Appeal is doing well so far”. He added that the charity is already observing the “difference they are making in young people’s lives” through programs financed by the funds gathered to date. The charity has noted that young people of colour are statistically more prone to experiencing poor mental health and discrimination. Consequently, it intends to launch a new initiative named Connected Roots, specifically for young black people.