Each year, we support over 20,000 young people who are able to access our mental health services for free, thanks in large part to our generous donors. They present to us with a range of symptoms, from anxiety and depression to self-harm and feelings of suicidality. We don’t believe they are ‘broken’ and need fixing; it is often their environments and a lack of support that create these challenges.
Through our services, we offer empowering and holistic support. This includes one-to-one and group work, outreach in educational settings and a range of community-based interventions.
These are really difficult times for many of us with a challenging societal and political climate, an increasingly complex and hostile context, including global conflict, and a cost of living crisis that intersects with devastating consequences for our young people.
Additionally, many face extra challenges during the winter months due to the shut down and reduction of services, pressures and stressors around family and the weight of darker and colder weather on wellbeing and mental health.
We know that in January each year, we receive 10 times as many referrals than any given month.
In winter, young people referred to OTR wait a staggering 96 days to see a counsellor.
Our services are funded and supported by generous donations from our community, but it is crucial that we reduce waiting times, and reach more young people.
A donation of £30 could pay for a critical counselling session, support our winter appeal and help us reach more young people.
"Since I started going to yoga at OTR, I found it relaxes me, mum even says she sees a difference in me after, I am always smiling, and that's not something that my mum would normally see!" Sam at yoga sessions, Sport Works
Our report presents the stories, stats and headlines from OTR over 2022-2023 from Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset! We hope you enjoy reading. And a huge thank you - your donations have helped make it happen.
"All young people deserve to receive timely mental health support that is relevant to their needs, gives them meaningful choices, and equips them with tools and skills that will last a lifetime. We want young people to find this support in their communities, schools, workplaces and within their care and peer networks.
Lots of young people benefit from our one-to-one therapy sessions in their school or community. However, not all young people are ready for, or in need of, this type of support. Therefore we offer a choice of activities that promote good mental health and encourage young people to learn to manage their wellbeing - such as groups focused on sports, arts, or nature connection. We know that isolation and loneliness is a big concern for young people, particularly post-pandemic. We have regular drop-in spaces where young people can socialise and form relationships. We also provide targeted support for marginalised young people - including young people of colour and LGBTQ+ young people.
Your donations allow us to continue to offer young people safe, positive spaces to find support. We draw such energy and hope from our creative and dedicated workforce, our committed set of partners, donors and funders, and the magnificent young people we work alongside."
"Thank you for your support of OTR and helping us to continue our vital work with young people!"
Bath Half 2024 places now open!
Join us at the Bath Half Marathons this year to support the mental health of young people in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
When are the runs taking place?
The Bath Half is taking place on Sunday 17th March 2024 How does it work?
You simply apply to run for OTR with our form below. We ask our runners to pledge to raise £200.00 to get a free charity bond place. Once you have filled out our entry form, we will get back to you as soon as possible. We would love to offer a place to all our supporters, but unfortunately, we have a limited number of spaces available. What do you get from us?
You will receive a charity bond place in your selected run, a running vest for the day and a goody bag! We will be in touch to support your training and fundraising efforts.
