Off The Record (OTR), an organisation which improves the emotional health and wellbeing of young people in the Bath area, has launched a brand new service to provide a safe environment for children under the age of 13, who are trans, gender variant or questioning their gender identity.
“Space to Be was set up in response to requests from children and young people, parents, schools, the local authority, mental health professionals and national organisations to support children up the age of 13,” explained Harriet Rose, OTR’s LGBT+ Service Lead. “This service is an offshoot of our established LGBT+ youth support service, which supports young LGBT+ people who are aged 13-21, through one-to-one support sessions, weekly youth group SPACE, rural outreach and training for professionals on supporting LGBT+ young people in their settings.
“Space to Be focuses on creating a safe, fun and playful space where children can enjoy being themselves and make new friends. During a successful first session, we have enjoyed creative activities such as rock painting, colouring, lego, and badgemaking. Over the coming months, we plan to make mood jars, play games and have a summer picnic. Parents can attend alongside children, relax and chat with one another over refreshments.”
Space to Be takes place at a central Bath location, which will be confirmed on contacting OTR, with limited free parking spaces available. Sessions take place monthly Saturday mornings 10.30am-12.30pm, with sessions planned for 31 March, 27 April, 18 May, 15 June and 27 July.
If you would like to attend this session, please contact OTR on 01225 312481 or at email hidden; JavaScript is required