About us...

Back in 1974 Patsy Paice first ran Off Centre from London Fields, in a derelict house that was flooded throughout and had a stripped off roof.

Things have moved on since then when we moved to 25 Hackney Grove. In 1994 we acquired No 27 which meant we could expand and improve the service and facilities for young people.

"There was outright hostility from some people in the borough at first," explained Patsy. "But we had a good response from schools and from the young people themselves - who were mostly girls and determined to find better lives for themselves. They just needed the support."

Off Centre continues to provide this support. We have always provided counselling and have learned over the years that young people come to us with a range of issues -

• those related to growing up
• those particular to inner-city life in Hackney - poverty, deprivation, unemployment
• those surrounding leaving care - risk of sexual abuse, homelessness and self-harm

For 13-25 year olds in Hackney, homelessness and finding a safe, secure living space have always been huge problems.

At Off centre we strive to respond to young people's changing needs We continue to work to find new ways of helping those who come to us. We are committed to changing and growing as a service dedicated to the mental health and well-being of Hackney''s young people.