Supporting Young People’s Mental Health Through Community Partnerships

Working Together for Young People’s Wellbeing

At Off the Record, 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 in Croydon, Merton and Sutton, helping them thrive in a relaxed and familiar environment.

Our Partnership with Pollards Hill Youth Club in Croydon

For over five years, we have partnered with Pollards Hill Youth Club in Croydon to offer sessions with a mental health practitioner for young people attending the club.

Through this partnership, our presence at the youth club has become well established, allowing us to build trust with young people who visit the space each week. Over time, this familiarity has made it easier for young people to open up about their mental health and wellbeing, leading to more meaningful conversations.

Engaging Young People Through Events

In addition to regular mental health support, we have organised and facilitated events at the youth club that bring mental health conversations into everyday activities. One example is our collaboration with local barbers, and the Trim n Grin events where young people receive free haircuts alongside conversations about mental health and wellbeing.

The Trim n Grin events provide:

• A safe space for open conversations about mental health.
• Signposting to relevant mental health support services.
• A boost in self-esteem and confidence, as highlighted by feedback from young people and staff.

Promoting Physical and Mental Wellbeing

We also encourage physical activity as a key part of mental wellbeing. Within the youth club, we’ve facilitated football, basketball, and boxing sessions, using these as opportunities to explain how exercise benefits mental health. These activities provide a fun, engaging way for young people to manage stress and build resilience.

Creating a Safe Space for Conversations

The informal setting of the youth club allows young people to discuss a wide range of topics, including:

• School and exam pressures
• Friendships and relationships
• Home life
• Future aspirations and career choices

For those who feel comfortable, we also provide stress management tools and practical advice that young people can use in their own time.

The Importance of Community Partnerships

Our work at Pollards Hill Youth Club is just one example of how we collaborate with local community groups to offer essential mental health and wellbeing support for young people.

We will continue to evolve and grow our services to ensure that all young people have access to the support needed to thrive.