Latest Off The Record updates
We recognise how important it is to provide mental health and emotional wellbeing support where young people already spend a large part of their lives: in school. That’s why our Schools Wellbeing Teams work directly within schools in Croydon and Merton to offer accessible, timely, and compassionate support to young people and their families,
Are you a young carer or young adult carer aged 16 to 25? Are you interested in learning more about politics? Do you want to have your voice heard? If your answer is yes, then you should consider applying to be a youth advisor for the upcoming inquiry into ‘Removing the barriers to higher education, employment and training for young adult carers”.
We believe that supporting young people’s mental health requires a community effort. That’s why we collaborate with other local charities and organisations to ensure that young people have access to resources, support, and safe spaces they need to thrive. One of our key partnerships is with Reaching Higher, a youth charity dedicated to serving young people encouraging them to be leaders of their own lives.
At Off the Record, we are seeing more and more young people tell us they’re struggling with the pressures of modern life—pressures that can feel overwhelming and, at times, impossible to manage alone. Our Chief Executive, Geoff Jones, recently shared more about this important topic in an article featured In Merton magazine.
We believe that mental health support should be accessible, informal, and embedded within the spaces where young people already feel comfortable. That’s why we work in partnership with local community groups and youth clubs to provide vital support for young people. For over 5 years, we've partnered with Pollards Hill Youth Club in Croydon to offer sessions with a mental health practitioner for young people.
12th March 2025 is Young Carers Action Day. A special day dedicated to recognising the incredible contributions of young carers. This year’s theme, “Give Me A Break”, highlights the importance of ensuring that young carers get the time and support they need to rest, recharge, and focus on their own wellbeing.
We are thrilled to have been awarded a new contract by Croydon Council to continue providing Young Carers’ and Young Adult Carers’ services for over 1,000 registered young carers in Croydon. We’ve been providing support for young carers for over 20+ years now.
Trim 'n' Grin offers a safe space and serves as an environment for open conversations about mental health and wellbeing. Sessions run during half-terms and summer holidays in Croydon and Merton. Recently, we held sessions in partnership with Barber Krish at Pollards Hill Youth Club and Phipps Bridge Youth Club.
As we celebrate 30 years since our founding, we take a moment to reflect on the journey, the impact, and the incredible people who have made this charity what it is today.
At times, life can be difficult, and managing everything on your own can feel overwhelming. Talking therapies offer a supportive and confidential space where you can explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained listener.
In today's fast-paced, often overwhelming world, it's important to remember that mental health support is out there—and it’s OK to ask for help.
World Suicide Prevention Day is a crucial time to raise awareness and foster open conversations about mental health.
University is an exciting time filled with new experiences, friendships, and opportunities. However, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious, especially if you’re moving away from home for the first time.
A group of our dedicated team will be running a half marathon in September to raise funds for our youth counselling services at Off the Record
Off the Record Youth Counselling has been celebrating Karen Stott as she retires from the charity she founded 30 years ago.
Here's a fun and exciting way to raise money for our charity and other local causes in the borough.
We talked to Thea from Centre for Mental Health about our work with young people affected by youth violence.
OTR's Engagement Consultant, Lee Townsend, appeared on the Chaps Chat podcast to talk about supporting men's mental health.
We've extended our free telephone support line opening times to include weekly opening hours.
We were interviewed by BBC News about barbershops in the Black community and coronavirus.
Sean Seresinhe is representing OTR at this year's tournament and performing the coin toss for Men's Singles Final.
New project launched with London South Bank University (LSBU) and the Croydon BME Forum.
A statement from Off The Record on the killing of George Floyd and systemic racism.
The Winner of our creative competition announced! Click through to view all entries.
Last month we celebrated 25 years of OTR! Click through to view photos from the event.
Listen to our interview on Riverside Radio with presenter Beth Ashmead Latham.
Our Outreach and Schools Worker Matthew interviewed at Wimbledon Women's Semi-Finals
From April 2019, our support for Merton young people has increased and we are expanding our small pilot service.