At Off the Record, 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 children and young people in Croydon, Merton and Sutton have access to the resources, support, and safe spaces they need to thrive. By working together, we can create holistic approaches to wellbeing that address both mental and physical health.

Partnering with Reaching Higher

One of our key partnerships is with Reaching Higher, a youth charity dedicated to serving young people and encouraging them to be leaders of their own lives. Through this collaboration, our counsellors regularly support Reaching Higher’s sessions, offering young people a safe space to talk about their mental health and wellbeing. These sessions help young people feel heard, understood, and supported in a way that is accessible and informal.

Supporting the Youth Caff

Recently, we worked alongside Reaching Higher at their Youth Caff, an initiative where young people—under the supervision of South Norwood Kitchen, prepare delicious and nutritious meals to help young people feel their best.

But staying healthy isn’t just about what we eat; it’s also about taking care of our minds. That’s where our support comes in, ensuring that young people not only learn about healthy eating but also have the opportunity to talk about their mental health in a relaxed setting.

The Importance of Local Collaboration

These partnerships are part of our wider mission to embed mental health support into the everyday lives of young people. By working closely with community groups, we help ensure that mental health care is accessible, familiar, and stigma-free. Whether it’s through counselling sessions, informal drop-ins, or working alongside organisations like Reaching Higher, we remain committed to providing young people with the tools, resources, and spaces they need to build resilience and confidence.

At Off the Record, we know that together, we can make a bigger impact. We will continue to work with local organisations to create opportunities for young people to talk, grow, and lead healthier lives—both mentally and physically.