Dear Editor, I’m delighted to send you news of our 30th anniversary appeal, Young Futures, which closes on December 31st. It’s our official 30th birthday this Thursday 14th November and there is no better way to celebrate than to share positive news of the impact our work is having on young people across Bath and North East Somerset.
This month, Off the Record Bath & North East Somerset (OTR) celebrates 30 years of supporting young people in Bath and the surrounding area. One of our largest local charities for young people, supporting secondary schools, community centres, LGBTQ+ young people and those in care and care experienced, amongst the most vulnerable in our society. In 2024, given the increase in poor mental health for young people and the inequities that exist across Bath and North East Somerset, Off the Record are appealing for support donations to their Young Futures Appeal – an anniversary appeal where they seek to empower the young people that most need OTR’s support.
OTR launched the Young Futures Appeal in November 2023 to fundraise for new projects to support under-represented groups of young people in BANES. So far, they have raised £70,898 towards the £100k target, through the generosity of local businesses, volunteers and donors who are making a real difference.
The great news is that the appeal has already supported OTR to launch a counselling and listening service for young people in Twerton in February 2024, which is such an exciting, collaborative initiative. The project is delivered in partnership with Youth Connect South West and has already engaged over 30 young people.
“Just wanted to say thank you for how much you helped me, the advice you gave me helped me gain the confidence to go into the adult world and I use it to help out other people too. I am very happy now, and compared to a year ago I never would have thought I would have made it to where I am now. You changed my mindset entirely and how to view life and I can’t express how big of an impact it had on me, especially long term.” Young person supported by Off the Record BANES.
In January 2025, with funds from the Appeal, OTR are aiming to launch another project to support boys and young men in BANES, using new ways of working to better understand what they need from OTR. This project is so important, given the high levels of suicide and lack of engagement with mental health support by boys and young men.
Lastly, the Appeal is enabling OTR to support another essential local organisation, Youth Connect South West, in setting up a brilliant new project called Connected Roots, for young Black people and young people of colour, and the appeal is enabling OTR to further increase support and opportunities.
Thanks to generous donations from local businesses, individuals and grant-making trusts, the Young Futures Appeal is doing well so far. We are delighted to have launched pilot projects in all three of our priority areas and we can already see the difference we are starting to make to young people’s lives. But we now need to develop and sustain these vital projects for the long term. We are asking for more support to help us reach our £100,000 target by the end of this year so we can continue making a lasting impact on the lives of the young people most in need of our support. Please consider giving or fundraising for the Young Futures Appeal this Christmas.
Phil Walters, CEO, Off the Record
To give to the Appeal use this link: www.offtherecord-banes.co.uk/appeal