75% of mental illness in adult life starts before 24, with 50% established by age 14

Children and young people with good mental health do better. They are happier in their families; they learn better and do better at school; they are able to enjoy friendships and new experiences. They are more likely to grow up to enjoy healthy and fulfilling lives and to make a positive contribution to society and to have good mental health as an adult.

Intervening early and positively makes a real difference at every stage of the life course. We know that giving children and their families the right type of support in their earliest years can help to avoid many of the costly and damaging social problems in society.

Good mental health is associated with positive life outcomes and is essential for children to develop their potential, work productively and creatively, build strong and positive relationships with others, and contribute to their community.

The Young People seen at Off The Record present with a range of issues and needs:

Age range 11-25 (56% are aged 13-17)

Parents/carers felt that that their children generally had to wait too long to access services via CAMHS. They also felt there were gaps in services for children suffering from ‘low-level’ mental health difficulties, including anxiety disorders, which are among the most prevalent mental ill health problems affecting adolescents. They also felt the need for more access to counselling services, support with attachment difficulties and transition. Off The Record helps to address these concerns.

I got to open up and feel comfortable talking about myself. It felt like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It helped me realise how things could be so much better; they really listened to me.

Helping young people manage crises by bolstering resilience, promoting wellbeing and access to a range of talking therapies can reduce anxiety.

The cost to the economy of all-age mental health problems is estimated at £105 billion a year – roughly the cost of the entire NHS.

When I’m asked how I feel about my time with Off the Record, I answer from my entire heart, that it saved my life. Several times. And it still does.

Off The Record is proud of the positive impact it has on the young people, in the service we provide to help our clients achieve better emotional health and wellbeing:

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