Off The Record which won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service earlier this year is exploring the possibility of a permanent Petersfield presence to start some time in 2011. The southern half of East Hampshire is within the charity’s area of benefit (although OTR never turns anyone away within its client age range), but access has always been a problem for many young people.

Transport links to many rural settlements are poor and although Off the Record’s Leigh Park base normally has some late night openings to suit young people, it can still be difficult getting home.

The Board of Trustees is looking for willing volunteers to join a Focus Group early in 2012 to decide how to take a Petersfield presence forward including how it is resourced, complementary working with other groups, and recruitment of volunteers. 

If you are interested, please send your details to Tina Randall at Off The Record This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 023 9278 5999 following which we will send notice of a Focus Group meeting in the New Year. 

Meanwhile, Off The Record is looking to develop an outreach service in Petersfield ahead of any permanent presence.

Off the Record started in 1977 and is well known to many local people but for those unfamiliar with it, the following provides a summary: Off The Record provides free, confidential, non-judgemental counselling, support and information to children and young people aged 11-25 living in South East Hampshire and particularly to those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged, marginalised or suffering emotional distress.  Its services include crisis and informal support, short and long term 1:1 counselling, befriending, signposting to other services, outreach and group workshops.  Support is provided face-to-face, by phone and e-mail, and in small group sessions. 

Its aims are to improve the mental health and well being of children and young people and empower them with the skills and confidence to make healthy and safe, life-enhancing choices and avoid destructive lifestyles.  It currently receives around 7,000 contacts a year of which half go on to have counselling for as long as is required.

 Its volunteer counsellors and support workers are highly trained to an accredited standard, providing a professional, quality service.  More information is available at www.off-the-record.org.uk