Off the Record
Free Mental Health Support for Young People
Providing free counselling and mental health support to young people across Croydon, Merton, and Sutton since 1994.
Off the Record (OTR) has been a cornerstone of youth mental health support for nearly three decades. They started out offering free counselling to 14–25-year-olds in Croydon and have grown into a dynamic local service. Today, they offer a wide range of free services tailored to the needs of young people, including in-person and online counselling, mental health support in schools, and specialist assistance for young refugees and young carers. Their counselling is rooted in a humanistic model, drawing on person-centred, cognitive behavioural, and psychodynamic approaches to support you in the way that works best for you.
Key features and benefits
Accessible and Free
They are committed to making their services fully accessible, offering completely free mental health support to young people aged 11–25.
Multi-Platform Support
Young people can choose how they connect with them, whether through face-to-face sessions or their Online Counselling Service via text, phone, or video.
Specialist Focus Areas
Beyond general counselling, they provide targeted support programs, including the CHRIS service for those affected by serious youth violence or sudden death, and dedicated programs for young carers and refugees.
Empowering Ethos
They believe young people have the right to make choices about their own lives; they work alongside you, supporting and challenging you to be the best version of yourself.
What they offer
1-to-1 Counselling (In-Person & Online)
Professional, confidential counselling sessions tailored to your needs. Their online service allows you to connect comfortably via text, phone, or video link.
Mental Health Support Teams (Schools)
They embed mental health professionals directly into local schools across the boroughs to provide early intervention and continuous support where young people spend most of their time.Building fast, mobile-friendly, and conversion-optimised websites that turn online visitors into real-world customers.
Support for Parents & Carers
Recognizing that youth mental health impacts the whole family, they also offer specific guidance and support services for parents and carers navigating these challenges.
How it works
Reach Out
Sign up online or call their support line for an initial chat to figure out the right next step together.
Choose Your Medium
Decide whether you feel most comfortable talking in person at one of their local centres or connecting via their secure online platform.
Work Together
Build trust with your counsellor who will listen privately, respect your values, and work collaboratively with you, not just tell you what to do.
Outcomes you can expect
- A safe, genuinely helpful, and supportive environment to talk and heal.
- Improved management of anxiety, stress, and complex trauma.
- The development of healthier coping mechanisms and emotional resilience.
- A stronger sense of self-worth and the potential to live a vibrant, fulfilling life.
Pricing and access
All of OTR’s core counselling and mental health services are provided completely free of charge to young people aged 11-25 in the boroughs of Croydon, Merton, and Sutton. They rely on donations and community support to keep these vital services accessible and open to all who need them.
FAQs
Who is this for?
Young people aged 11-25 looking for mental health support in Croydon, Merton, or Sutton.
Are the sessions confidential?
Yes. You can expect them to keep what you share private and confidential, following the strict ethical framework of the BACP.
What if I don't know where to start?
That’s okay. You can just call them for a chat, and they’ll help you figure out the right next step together.
How do I access the online service?
Their free online counselling lets you choose how you connect; by text, phone, or video. You can sign up directly through their website.