Off the Record
News and Media
Latest Off the Record updates
Become a Youth Ambassador
Are you aged 16–25 and passionate about mental health and wellbeing? Do you want to make a real difference in your community, gain valuable skills, and have your voice heard? We’re looking for young people to join our team as Youth Ambassadors, and we’d love to hear from you! Register to attend our next meeting on Wednesday 9th July.
Register to attend
Young Voices Leading the Way in Mental Health Reform
Earlier this month, we were honoured to attend a powerful and inspiring event hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Youth Affairs. The session brought together policymakers, mental health leaders, and, most importantly, young people themselves to discuss how mental health care for children and young people can be improved.
Read on
Refugee Week 2025
This Refugee Week (16th to 22nd June) we’re proud to stand in solidarity with young refugees, asylum seekers, and forced migrants. The theme this year, "Community as a Superpower," resonates deeply with the work we do every day, creating spaces of healing, connection, and hope for young people navigating some of life’s toughest challenges.
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Carers Week 2025
We believe every child and young person deserves the Brilliant, Beautiful, and Better mental health you need to thrive. During Carers Week (9th to 15th June), we’re shining a light on young carers - the often-unseen heroes aged 5 to 25 who juggle school, friendships, and their own wellbeing while supporting someone in their family.
Carers Week 2025
Celebrating Pride Month
June is widely recognised as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month - a time to celebrate identity and the vibrant history and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s also a time to reflect on the challenges many still face, especially young people navigating their mental health in a world that doesn’t always feel safe or accepting.
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Ready for Your Next Career Move?
If you're passionate about making a difference in young people's lives and looking for a role where purpose meets impact - we’ve got exciting news! We’re hiring for a number of roles across our dynamic charity. Whether you're a skilled mental health practitioner or a communications star, this could be your next step. Come join us in supporting Brilliant, Beautiful, and Better mental health for all young people.
Current vacancies here
New Series of Parent/Carer Webinars Launching June
Our next series of Parent/Carer Webinars to help with your child’s emotional wellbeing start on Wednesday 4th June at 7pm. Running for 6 Weeks, these free, 1 hour sessions are available for parents and carers of any children or young people living in Croydon, Sutton or Merton. A different topic is covered each week. Read about each session and register to attend via our Eventbrite page.
Register to attend here
Wellbeing Workshop for Young Adults
Are you aged 18 to 25 and living in the London Borough of Sutton or registered with a Sutton GP? Join us on 11th June from 12:30PM to 2:00PM for a free, online Wellbeing Workshop designed just for you. This is a joint workshop by Off the Record and Sutton Talking Therapies. Read more and register to attend here.
Register to attend here
New Dates Announced for Group Wellbeing Sessions
We’ll be hosting two new series of Group Sessions for Young People in Merton. Starting in June these group sessions are available to young people who are either already registered with us or referred specifically for this group. Find out more about the groups and get in touch.
Read on and sign up
South West London Mental Health Conference
We were proud to join over 150 mental health leaders, clinicians, community partners, and people with lived experience of mental health including young people at the annual South West London Mental Health Conference. The event focused on some of the biggest challenges in mental health today - from youth wellbeing and health inclusion to anti-racism and early intervention.
Read on
Mental Health Awareness Week
As we approach Mental Health Awareness Week (12 – 18 May 2025), it's important to recognise that life can sometimes be challenging, and managing everything on your own can feel overwhelming. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, and with the right support, you can find your own path to feeling better. In this article read our tips and find information on where to get help.
Read on
Ultimate Exam Survival Guide
Exams can be challenging, but with good preparation and a positive mindset, you can tackle them with confidence. Here’s a comprehensive exam survival guide to help you through your GCSEs and A Levels.
Guide to Exams
Our Schools Wellbeing Teams
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,
Read on
Help Shape the Future: Become a Youth Advisor
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”.
Read on
Partnering with Reaching Higher
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.
Read on
Helping Young Minds Heal
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.
Read on
Working Together for Young People’s Wellbeing
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.
Read on
Young Carers Action Day - Give Me A Break!
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.
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Off the Record Awarded New Contract to Support Young Carers
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.
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Trim 'n' Grin: More Than Just a Haircut
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.
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Celebrating 30 Years' Off the Record
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.
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Talking Therapies
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.
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World Mental Health Day
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.
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World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day is a crucial time to raise awareness and foster open conversations about mental health.
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Starting University?
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.
Read Tips to Ease Anxiety
Running for Off the Record
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
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Press Release: Celebrating Karen Stott's Legacy
Off the Record Youth Counselling has been celebrating Karen Stott as she retires from the charity she founded 30 years ago.
Read on
New: Croydon Community Lottery
Here's a fun and exciting way to raise money for our charity and other local causes in the borough.
Play now
Podcast: Centre for Mental Health
We talked to Thea from Centre for Mental Health about our work with young people affected by youth violence.
Listen
Chaps Chat: Men's Mental Health Podcast
OTR's Engagement Consultant, Lee Townsend, appeared on the Chaps Chat podcast to talk about supporting men's mental health.
Watch now
OTR's new Support Line hours
We've extended our free telephone support line opening times to include weekly opening hours.
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Why barber shops matter to the community
We were interviewed by BBC News about barbershops in the Black community and coronavirus.
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OTR at Wimbledon 2021!
Sean Seresinhe is representing OTR at this year's tournament and performing the coin toss for Men's Singles Final.
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London barbers trained in UK-first project
New project launched with London South Bank University (LSBU) and the Croydon BME Forum.
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Black Lives Matter
A statement from Off The Record on the killing of George Floyd and systemic racism.
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Creative Competition
The Winner of our creative competition announced! Click through to view all entries.
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Photos: An OTR celebration!
Last month we celebrated 25 years of OTR! Click through to view photos from the event.
View
OTR on Riverside Radio!
Listen to our interview on Riverside Radio with presenter Beth Ashmead Latham.
Listen
