Off the Record – Bath and North East Somerset are set to launch a new telephone support line next week.

New studies have shown that 50% of those with lifelong mental health illness would have experienced symptoms by the age of fourteen.

So far in 2017, Off the Record have delivered 3,229 sessions of listening support and counselling to people aged ten to 25, across Bath and North East Somerset.

Following feedback from young people, the charity understands that transport to their hubs can be a challenge, as well as overcoming barriers to have the confidence to visit an

emotional wellbeing charity.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “We have listened to young people, and with support from Midsomer Norton Town Council, The Ralph and Irma Sperring Charity, The Bridging Charitable Trust, Quartet Community Foundation, St John’s Foundation and fundraising by local people, we are pleased to launch a pilot of a new telephone support line.

“We will be officially launching the phone line on Thursday, 19th October at 4.30 p.m. at Midsomer Norton Town Hall, The Island, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HQ.

“This is such an important development for young people. We would like to invite the community to join us. We will also have counsellors available to discuss our new workshop for parents of teenagers.”