Off Centre is a counselling, art therapy, advice and information service for young people aged 16-25 in City & Hackney. The services we offer are designed to help young people take greater control over their lives. We offer a range of support, from 1-2-1 counselling and art therapy to advice and key-working. We also run an art therapy group and an LGBTQI+ youth group. Our services are free and confidential.
Off Centre has been supporting young people in City & Hackney for over 45 years and we have lots of experience of providing emotional and practical support across a range of different issues. We have links to services and organisations both locally and nationally, so if we can’t help directly we will be able to put you in touch with someone that can.
We are now open to new referrals.
Self Referral Form Click Here
Professionals Referral Form Click Here
Please email completed form to [email protected]
How it works
Everyone has times in their lives when they might benefit from some extra help or support. Here at Off Centre, we understand that it isn’t always easy to ask for help and we will do our best to make the process as straightforward as possible. Once you have completed a referral form we can offer you an assessment. This is an opportunity for us to understand what is happening in your life and the support you might need and for you to ask us any questions you might have. Together we will think about what might help and either agree to offer some support at Off Centre or make an onward referral. After the initial assessment, if we agree that Off Centre is the right service for you we will put you on our waiting list for regular support. One of our therapists will then be in touch when a space becomes available. The types of support we offer include:
Counselling
Counselling provides a non-judgemental space where you can talk 1-2-1 about things that may be causing you difficulty or that you want to make sense of, either now or from the past.
Art therapy
Art therapy is similar to counselling but includes the optional use of art materials. We understand that sometimes talking face to face with someone can be difficult and using art can help you get in touch with thoughts, experiences and feelings that may be difficult to express in words.
Individual counselling and art therapy sessions last 50 minutes and take place at Off Centre at the same time each week.
Advice, Information and Key-working
You might want more practical support such as advice on social activities, housing or employment opportunities. We can make an appointment with our information and advice key-worker to help you work towards your goals.
Therapeutic Drop-In
If you aren’t sure if therapy is for you or need to speak with someone while you wait for a regular slot, we have a therapeutic drop-in from 4-8pm every Thursday. You don’t need an appointment and can speak with our on-duty therapist about anything that’s on your mind.
Project Indigo
Our Project Indigo LGBTQI+ youth group offers a safe, supportive space in which to meet other LGBTQI+ young people. It is open to anyone aged 16-25 who identifies as LGBTQI+ or is questioning their sexuality or gender identity. If you would like to join the group, come along any Thursday 5.30-7.30pm or email us at [email protected]
Growing Minds
Our Growing Minds project supports children and young people aged 11 to 25 of African, Caribbean and Mixed Heritage (ACH). More information can be found here.
Get in touch
Any 16-25 year old living in City & Hackney (and with a City & Hackney GP) can access our free and confidential services.
We offer sessions from 10am-5pm Monday to Friday, with a late night Monday and Thursday, and will always do our best to find a time that’s right for you. We also have drop-ins at the following times:
- Advice & Information Drop-in: Monday 3-5pm (please arrive by 4.30pm) Please call to book
- Therapeutic Drop-in: Thursday 4-8pm (please arrive by 7.30pm) Please call to book
- Project Indigo: Thursday 5.30-7.30pm
If you have any questions or concerns, please do get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you and supporting you to reach your potential.
If you are a professional or family member and would like to refer a 16-25 year old young person to Off Centre, please complete a referral form with the young person’s consent and send to us at: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 8986 4016
Email: [email protected]
Address: Unit 7: The Textile Building, 29a – 31a Chatham Place, London E9 6FJ
Support this service
If you would like to support the important work of Off Centre at Family Action, there are ways for you to get involved.
For more information about volunteering, please visit this page.
Individual fundraising donations for Project Indigo can be made using Project Indigo’s JustGiving page.
If you would like to put on an event or sign up to a challenge to raise funds for Off Centre, more information can be found to get your company involved here or take part in an event here.
And you can keep track of all your fundraising by creating a Justgiving page here.
Do let us know what you have planned – we always love to promote our fundraisers on social media and get involved in any positive PR around your support. We can also support with information, materials and fundraising tins/buckets.
Please get in touch if you have any questions about donating using: [email protected]
If you have any questions about donating, please email [email protected]
