Free and confidential counselling, walk-in info and sexual health clinic for young people.

Off The Record Twickenham (OTR) is a registered charity providing the only drop-in counselling, information and sexual health service for young people aged 11–24 who live, work or study in the Borough of Richmond Upon Thames.

 

Confidential service, where possible, to all young people.

This means that you can come and talk, and everything you say stays private between you and us. You can also ask us to talk to someone else for you, and we will help you decide who it would be helpful to tell.

For more details, see our Confidentiality Policy.

Young people supported each year
0 +
feel more positive about the future after councelling
0 %
say counselling has definitely helped
0 %
say they the understand themselves better after sessions
0 %

about us

Support for young peoples aged 11-24 in Richmond Upon Thames

Off The Record Twickenham (OTR) is a registered charity providing the only drop-in counselling, information and sexual health service for young people aged 11–24 who live, work or study in the Borough of Richmond Upon Thames. We provide help early when it is most needed. Our team help improve the emotional and mental well-being of over 1,000 young people a year at a time when they are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety

 

Our Vision

Every young person to have a welcoming space where they feel valued, supported and listened to.

A Welcoming Environment

OTR welcomes young people of all races, social or economic status, ethnicities, genders, abilities, religions, and sexual orientation. You will find a safe space free from discrimination, patronisation or harassment.

If you’re not sure where to go with any kind of problem, why not try us first?

Drop in information

Our walk-in service is FREE and confidential.


You can drop-in (on your own or with friends) at the following times:
– Tuesday 2.00pm to 8.00pm
– Wednesday 3.30pm to 8.00pm
– Thursday 3.30pm to 8.00pm
– Friday 2.30pm to 6.30pm
– Saturday 10.00am to 12.00pm

Usually someone can see you straight away, but if we are busy we may ask you to wait or come back later.  Or you can phone us on 020 8744 1644, or email us.

 

We can help by giving information and are happy to talk about anything that might be bothering you, including sexual health or relationship problems (but we can’t give contraceptive advice or the pill – you can come to Monday’s clinic from 3pm-5pm for this).

 

Come to talk if you are having a crisis about anything and don’t know where else to go

Call in to look through our leaflets

Bring a friend who you think might need some help

Drop in for condoms, pregnancy tests or chlamydia tests

How we can help

Help, support & services provided by OTR Twickenham

Off The Record provides the only free and confidential drop-in counselling, information and sexual health service for young people aged 11–24 living, working or studying in the Borough of Richmond.

 

Counselling

We offer pre-booked counselling sessions for a period of up to 12 weeks. Most are face to face but we also offer some online slots.

 

Drop in information

We can provide support, information and referral to parents and carers of young people who are going through difficult times.

 

Sexual health service

Sexual Health Clinic is open Mondays 3-5.30pm for drop-in for under 19 year olds. In case of closure phone 0333 300 2100 for more information.

 

Looking after yourself

By making simple changes to our lives, we can make a real difference to our mental health. Feeling good is worth investing in – and the best thing is that these simple tips won’t cost you much time or money.

 

Parent support

Our counsellor will provide up to an hour on the phone for you to discuss whatever challenges you’re experiencing, offer support and listen. This can be particularly helpful when the child/young person is unsure about or doesn’t want counselling.

 

Local organisation & projects

We are often contacted by local organisations who run projects supporting young people in the Borough. We cannot guarantee the level of support that is offered, so do contact the organisations themselves to find out if their projects might be helpful.

 

Thank you to those who support our work

Our generous funders

For urgent help

Crisis Helplines

Samaritans

Phone: 116 123

24/7, 365 days a year
www.samaritans.org

 

Childline (NSPCC)

Phone: 0800 1111

YoungMinds Crisis Messenger

Text YM to 85258

Free 24/7 support
youngminds.org.uk

 

Papyrus HOPELINEUK

Phone: 0800 068 4141

or text: 07860 039967
Suicide prevention
papyrus-org.uk

 

testimonials

Here’s what young people tell us about how counselling has helped them:

I felt I could talk about anything and I don't feel as though I'm offloading all my problems on to one person, which is what it would feel like talking to a friend. It also helped as I didn't feel like I was making anyone sad talking about self-harm, suicide and depression

Age 16

Off The Record helped me get confidence in my opinion. Helped me understand not only myself, but people around me better and see things from a different perspective

Age 14

I am better able to process my trauma and understand how it affects me today

Age 23

faqs

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the things people commonly want to know before visiting OTR.

 

We support young people aged 11–24 who live, work or study in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
Anything that’s bothering you. Young people come to us about anxiety, relationships, family, school and many other concerns. You don’t need to have everything worked out before you get in touch.
Yes. Counselling is free, and OTR offers up to 12 weekly one-to-one sessions. If you’re 18 or over and working, OTR may discuss whether you can make a contribution.
Your conversations are confidential. If OTR is seriously concerned about your safety or someone else’s, it may need to share information to help keep people safe. Your counsellor will explain this to you.
No. You can contact OTR yourself. A parent, teacher, GP or social worker can also make an initial referral, but OTR usually asks to hear from you too, so it knows counselling is your choice.
Yes. OTR has a free walk-in information service at 2 Church Street, Twickenham. You can come in to talk about something that’s worrying you or find out what support is available. Check the current opening times before visiting.

Special Events

Silent Auction – place your bids!

Check out our Silent Auction – bids due by midday on 9th October!

All funds raised will go towards our valuable counselling service supporting young people. View more details for all the available auction items.

News & Articles

The latest updates from OTR

Vacancy: Fundraiser at Off The Record Twickenham

We are seeking a full-time Fundraiser to join our small, friendly and…