Here at Off The Record, we challenge mental health inequalities and stigma experienced by Black and Minority Ethnic people (BME) in Croydon.

The Croydon community is a growing, diverse population and we believe that mental health services should respond to the needs of local young BME people.

We are calling for:

• Mental health services and treatments that are appropriate and responsive to the needs of young BME people.

• The elimination of unfair treatment experienced by BME people within mental health services and primary healthcare settings.

• Communities to be engaged in the planning of mental health services

• A complete reduction of mental health stigma within BME communities

• Better and improved sharing of information and good practice

• Youth violence support delivered by our CHRIS service; a team of outreach counsellors and mental health practitioners that works with young people aged 14-25 in Croydon affected by violence.
• Weekly drop-in and information stall at Croydon College on Tuesdays and fornightly on Thursdays at Coulsdon College.
• Trim 'N' Grin engagement sessions offering free haircuts to young people during half-term and summer holidays.
• Parents support group at New Addington Baptist Church meeting fortnightly on Fridays which provides coping strategies, peer support and practical skills to parents.