Our Staff
Deborah, Manager
I trained as a counsellor at the Metanoia Institute, counselled for a while at a GP surgery and then took a placement at Off The Record in 1996. I enjoyed the challenge of counselling young people, where there is a need to be real and down-to-earth. I was a volunteer counsellor here for seven years, including a counselling post at Grey Court School. I was also practising as a sculptor, working mainly in clay and I enjoyed these different pursuits.
In 2004 I became the manager of Off The Record, taking on many different roles as is typical within small charities, from fundraising to strategic planning to admin. I also continue to value my role as manager, supporting 23 volunteer staff and a small paid team to work at their optimum; this is as vital for a successful service as is meeting all our practical requirements.
Katherine, Assistant Manager (part-time)
I qualified in 2006, working as a counsellor in both a medical practice and at Off The Record. I enjoyed working with such a variety of age groups but particularly enjoyed my work with young people. This became my focus when after a break I returned to Off The Record in 2013. I feel really lucky to enjoy my work here as a counsellor and more recently in the Assistant Manager role. Off the Record provides an invaluable service, being a part of that is rewarding on so many levels.
Jess, Assistant Manager (part-time)
I decided quite early on that I wanted to become a counsellor, after experiencing challenges with my own emotional and mental wellbeing as a young person. I trained at Derby University, qualifying in 2018, and have experience working with clients in school, sixth form, university and charity settings. I joined OTR as Assistant Manager in 2022 and have really valued being able to work with the diverse group of local young people who come to see us, as well as our dedicated counsellors.
Hilary, Administrator
Following a career in the literature sector, I subsequently worked as Office Manager at The Parent Practice in south west London which offered parenting support to families. I now support OTR with front-line enquiries, communications, and office management, and anything else that comes my way.
Sophia, Financial Administrator (part-time)
I joined Off The Record in August 2018 to help the office team with their financial reporting and management. I work closely with the Chair and the Hon. Treasurer in reporting to the Board. The experience I am gaining at Off The Record is a great help towards completing my book-keeping and accountancy studies.
Zannah, Administrator (part-time)
Following careers in Human Resources and Management Consultancy, I retrained as an Interior Designer. I still run this business alongside my OTR administrative work supporting Hilary & Deborah – with front-line enquiries, communications and office admin (plus anything else that Hilary passes on)!
Our Counsellors
Off The Record has 30 years of experience in providing youth counselling and support to 11-24 year olds. We place a high emphasis on our counsellors’ personal suitability to work with young people – and include young people on our recruitment panels to ensure this.
Our staff are
The counsellor team have the skills and capacity to work very flexibly, offering individual and family support, skills development along with psychotherapeutic and imaginative approaches, including play and art.
