Off The Record (14–25): Free Free Community Mental Health Support for Children & Young People & for LGBTQ+ in Croydon

## What is Off The Record? Off The Record Croydon provides free, confidential mental health support for young people aged 14-25. Their core counselling service offers a safe space to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences with trained professionals using a humanistic approach that incorporates Person Centred, Cognitive Behavioural, Psychodynamic, and Existential methods. Sessions are available in-person at their Queens Road location, by telephone, or via Zoom. The service is fully accessible with a ground floor entry ramp and gender-neutral facilities. Beyond general counselling, Off The Record runs several specialist services including Young Carers support, the CHRIS service for those affected by youth violence or sudden death, and specialist support for young refugees and asylum seekers. ## Who Can Use Off The Record? The service is for young people aged 14-25 who live, work, or study in Croydon. The Young Carers service supports those aged 5-25 who care for family members. The CHRIS service is for young people aged 14-25 affected by youth violence or sudden death. Importantly, Off The Record is independent and does not share information with police or schools without your consent. Specialist support is also available for young refugees, asylum seekers, and forced migrants aged 11-25. ## How Do I Access Off The Record? To access counselling, complete a self-referral form online at talkofftherecord.org/croydon, contact **020 8251 0251**, or email croydon@talkofftherecord.org. A confidential support line operates Monday to Saturday, 3-6pm on **0800 980 7475** for immediate assistance. Free text-based online counselling and workshops are also available for young people in Croydon, Sutton, or Merton. You can self-refer without needing a parent or professional. ## What Should I Expect? Counselling sessions are typically weekly, lasting around 50 minutes, in a safe and confidential setting. The current wait time is approximately 2 weeks. Through the CHRIS service, the team makes contact within 48 hours of referral. Workshops and group sessions provide peer support alongside professional guidance. Everything discussed remains confidential unless there's a safeguarding concern.