Bath-based youth charity Off the Record has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to protect what it says is the only dedicated LGBTQ+ youth service in Bath and North East Somerset.
The charity needs to raise £10,000 by 30 November to secure the future of Space, which provides support for LGBTQ+ young people aged 13 to 21.
Off the Record has run Space since 2012, offering regular youth groups and one-to-one youth work where young people can meet others, make friends and receive support from experienced youth workers. The charity says increasing pressure across the voluntary sector and on local funders has resulted in a £10,000 funding gap, putting the service at risk.
Hilary Croft, the new chief executive officer of Off the Record BaNES, said, “I’m incredibly proud to be the new CEO of Off the Record BaNES. Since joining, I’ve been struck by the positive impact of OTR in the community and, particularly, by how much Space means to the LGBTQ+ young people who use it.
“Space is where young people can come together, be themselves, make friends, feel understood and get support when they need it. I’ve seen first-hand how much that sense of belonging matters. But right now, Space is at risk and we need your help.”
A safe and supportive place for young people
Space supports young people who may be exploring their identity for the first time, providing somewhere they can feel accepted and understood. Young people using the service have described Space as being “like my family”, while another told the charity that without it they did not really have anywhere else to go.
Hilary added, “Because of the immense pressure on our sector and on local funders, we’re facing a £10,000 funding gap, which we need to close by 30 November. Please help us Save Our Space. With your support today, we can protect the service, keep young people supported, and help Space continue to thrive.”
Save Our Space appeal
As well as making a donation, local families, businesses and community groups are being encouraged to support the Save Our Space campaign by organising their own fundraising activities or helping to spread the word about the appeal.
Off the Record says every contribution will help towards keeping the service running and continuing to provide young people with a safe place to meet and receive support.
The Save Our Space appeal runs until 30 November.
For more information about Space and Off the Record BaNES, visit offtherecord-banes.co.uk.
To make a donation, go to donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/save-our-space
