A pilot project helping young people in rural areas is being brought to the Somer Valley by local charity, Off the Record, to create a safe space where those identifying as LGBT+ can share information, make new friends and take part in fun activities.

‘Rural Outer Space’ is a new service being developed by the charity, who have been funded for a further three years by the Big Lottery, and part of this work is to develop provision in the rural areas of Bath and North East Somerset. It is also one of the new pieces of work that Off the Record is developing to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Off the Record provides a range of free, young person-led services that empower young people to improve their emotional well-being and confidence. Following this ethos, Rural Outer Space exists to provide a safe space for young people, age 13–21, who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans, or who are questioning their sexual or gender identity (LGBT+).

The aim is to create a safe space where young people can meet others, take part in creative activities, cooking, trips, film nights, gain LGBT+ specific information and take an active part in the planning and shaping of the service for the future.

Rural Outer Space will take place at an accessible Somer Valley location, which will be confirmed on contacting Off the Record. Sessions take place fortnightly on Monday evenings, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., launching on 20th May.

Rural Outer Space has been set up as a pilot in response to young people, parents, schools, the local authority, mental health professionals and national organisations to support LGBT+ young people in rural areas.

This service is an off-shoot of the central Bath LGBT+ youth group, Space, and an extension of the service which provides group and one-to-one support for young people, training for professionals in supporting LGBT+ young people and more. For details, visit: https://www.offtherecord-banes.co.uk/lgbt-space

If you would like to attend this session, please contact: 01225 312481 or email: [email protected]