A Bath charity is appealing for help to allow a vital service to continue.
Off the Record was set up to promote the emotional health and wellbeing of young people across Bath and north east Somerset.
But cuts in funding have meant the charity can no longer afford to run the counselling service for youngsters under the age of 18 that has been at the heart of its work.
Staff are looking for support from people in the city, through fundraising events.
New director Lynda Williams, who joined the charity from Newport Women's Aid, said: "Off the Record has been delivering a quality, professional, independent and free listening support and counselling service for young people for nearly 20 years.
"Our principal aim has been to provide a service that young people self-refer into at the point they identify their need. We work in partnership with young people towards improved emotional health and well-being and they tell us that we achieve that.
"Having to significantly reduce our counselling service and no longer offer counselling to young people under the age of 18 means a significant loss of access to independent counselling for local young people.
"This is a tremendous loss to young people who live in Bath and north east Somerset and we worry what will happen to them and how they will cope."
The counselling service has helped many youngsters to open up about their problems.
Among them has been Richard, who was having difficulties coming to terms with the break-up of his parents' marriage.
He said: "My counsellor has helped me to talk to my parents and helped me deal with stressful times. I also feel a lot more secure in myself."
Another client, Danielle, said: "In the last six weeks, I have been happy and felt I have had someone to turn to. I would definitely recommend OTR"
The charity, which is based in the Open House Centre in Manvers Street, has recently won part-funding from Comic Relief to run a domestic violence and abuse counselling service for young people.
To support the charity call 01225 312481, email office@ offtherecord-banes.co.uk, or go to www.offtherecord-banes.co. uk.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
