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Off the record has made a big difference in me.... I'm a young carer and am getting more confidence because of them! :)

Knowing there are people I can talk to has made me happy

“I'm going to my dream college, I'm doing my dream courses, my family life is finally decent and I got really good GCSE grades. I have so much to be happy about but I still create problems for myself and I’m hoping Off The Record can help me understand why”

"Off the record for I am off radar
not of my accord but for my manner

Child that I am, care worn,
glee of youth suspended
I stumble along with a frown
my hopes, my dreams upended

Off record off radar
not my accord just the manner

Stunted with care
my innocence laid bare
my shoulders slumped
as I drift down the dumps

I am off record just beyond radar
with helpless accord that is my manner

Yet I must strive to meet
five outcomes that matter
against odds beyond my means
barely weaned off the teat

For I am off record far from the radar
with neither consent nor accord this lot, my manner

Oh I do try to show
a brave face and fight back the tears
even when the days are long and slow
as I become adept at hiding my fears

For I am off the record beyond range of the radar
not by accord, just the manner

I have grown world wise
way beyond my age
ripened by the prize
that now I am sage

Because am off record just beyond the radar
with neither accord nor means to alter the manner."

©butit 181012

"The keys to closed doors are in our mind.

If we have patience and continue to try, the opening of the doors are easy. Because if one door closes, another one would become open.

The closed doors will teach humans new experiences and would help to resolve problems in life. Therefore, do not be afraid and believe in your success. The key to the opening of the door is your creative mind and insisting for success in life.
Until there is life, there will be hope. Do not worry about closed doors. Life in its narrowest path could also be its openness. So open your mind and break the closed doors..."

"I felt like I could speak to my counsellor about almost anything, with her warmth, calm, patience, understanding and support. I found the reviewing very interesting and reflective. I'd definitely recommend my counsellor to anyone."

"The Whole Truth.
Nobody knows this
or its effects on life,
but the whole truth has stopped so much strife...
Counselling, one great way for us teens
to get help and help others
they connect to you...
Like headphones to an iPod
or an Xbox to its controller either way...
They chill you out.
Like a mum to her baby
or a tiger to its cub
they tame your mind and get you to think
think about your problems.
They probe you,
not in a weird way..
no a constructive way,
they allow you to think...Clearly
Like a doctor to his patient,
they fix you up.
slowly, sometimes painfully..
But thats what helps you.
The pain becomes non-existant,
gone.
Seven weeks I've had so far
and you know what?
I wouldnt regret it for the world."

"I am more happy and open person I believe in myself. Coming to Off The Record has helped me to learn to trust other people."

"At the end of my counselling I have felt more confident about the direction I want to go in life."

"Since coming to counselling, I now view life positively and with a smile..."

"My sessions at Off The Record have done nothing but provide welcome changes in my life."

"Off The Record is so cool I would recommend it to anyone with problems"

"I want to give a message to young people who come to this country for shelter or to save their future. When I came to this country, after five months I went to the UK Border Agency (Home office). They refused our visa and I was so nervous because, if they sent me back to my country, I wouldn’t be able to go to school and then my dreams wouldn’t be able to come true. I wouldn’t be able to be a doctor and save people’s lives.

My Uncle did appealto the court but they refused the appeal as well. Then I went to my school and I talked to my teacher about what was happening. She told me about Compass. When they came to my school to see me, the counsellor talked about how to keep strong.

I am giving you this message to keep yourself strong and to fight for your rights. I want to tell you I passed though this situation. If I didn’t keep myself strong, I wouldn’t be in this country anymore. Think about what you need to do, keep positive and hopeful and keep strong."

"The counsellor was really in tune with me as an individual and the pace at which I processed issues/things etc. I felt safe and confident talking with them and the whole experience helped to create huge psychological shifts. Thank you."

"I feel my life has completely opened up-I've probably never been happier. The service that Off The Record provide is far better than the NHS & I feel safer here in terms of confidentiality. This is a wonderful service that you offered me & I'll never forget it."

"At Off The Record I have been given a chance to talk about things that are immensely painful and difficult for me, and that has helped me as a whole person. I can now appreciate that I can have a place in the world and I feel more able to live a life, my life."

"YinYang Effect
Dark to light. Dawn to dusk. Heaven to hell. Yin to Yang.
Change in life is so close yet so far.
It could be life threatening or life changing, yet the memories live on...
Scarring or legend.
Each decision a milestone,
Each mistake a shot to the foot.
Every day brings new challenges for which we must adapt to defeat. Adaption and evolution. The changes of life. Unpredictable as the elements. Like a dream...
Bliss one second, hell the next.
From life to death... The YinYang effect. The Ruler of life."

"Counselling gave me more confidence to sort out my issues."

"Counselling gave me a sense of direction and purpose, and given me the confidence to steer my life in the direction I want it to go."

At Off The Record, we want young people to have a voice and tell us what they think. To tell us what's on your mind, you can anonymously send us your thoughts, feelings and creative ideas:

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