Off the Record – our featured local charity

Two of our Rotary club members paid a visit to this local charity, which we have supported in the past, so that we could receive an update on their activities and see how we might be able to help them. 

Off the Record Twickenham provides the only free and confidential drop-in counselling, information and sexual health services for young people aged 11 to 24 who live, work or study in the borough of Richmond. It has been able to improve the emotional and mental well-being of up to 1,500 young people a year at a time when they are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety.

Their vision is for every young person to have a welcoming space where they feel valued, supported and listened to. The young people they help are affected by a range of issues including family breakdown, depression, neglect, bullying at school or problems with school attendance. Many face multiple and complex issues, which could quickly become a crisis. 75% struggle with crippling anxiety, 22% have suicidal thoughts and 40% are self-harming.

But Off the Record recognises that young people are so receptive to help that significant change can happen in a very short space of time; this is why they emphasise that early intervention is vital and that is exactly what they aim for. They also offer a telephone support for parents and guardians, which can be particularly helpful in supporting young people reluctant to take the first step to accessing support. Off the Record tells us that more help with funding and raising awareness is always needed to keep their service going.

We learned that they now need for a laptop computer in the office. This would be useful not only for work with their youth group but also for the numerous times when they need an office laptop, such as for online training, board meetings when there are Zoom attendees, and for use of the counsellors in the office and so on.  Our club is providing £300 towards the anticipated £500 cost of this most needed item.