Business Details
30 Years
experience
Free Counselling & Support for Young People in Twickenham
Established to address the emotional and mental health needs of young people, we have dedicated ourselves to providing accessible, confidential support for over three decades. Our team of qualified counsellors specialises in working with individuals aged 11 to 24, offering a safe space to explore personal challenges ranging from anxiety and depression to complex family dynamics. We prioritise early intervention, ensuring young people receive timely assistance when issues first arise. Our services are designed to be inclusive, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and circumstances without judgment. Through a combination of face-to-face and online sessions, we adapt to the evolving needs of our community.Our commitment to quality is reflected in rigorous training standards for staff and ongoing clinical supervision aligned with BACP requirements. We collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, and local organisations to create a comprehensive support network. Our impact is measurable through consistent feedback showing significant improvements in self-awareness, future outlook, and relationship quality among service users. As a charity, we rely on funding partnerships and community support to maintain free access to critical mental health resources. This approach ensures we remain a trusted, accessible pillar of support for young people navigating life's challenges.
Services
Counselling sessions
Sexual health clinic
Walk-in information
Online counselling
Family support
Coping strategies training
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 30 years of specialist youth counselling experience with BACP-accredited professionals
- Our services are free and accessible to all 11-24 year olds in Richmond Upon Thames
- We combine traditional therapy with creative approaches like art and play-based techniques
- Monthly clinical supervision ensures our counsellors maintain the highest professional standards
- Young people participate in our counsellor recruitment process to ensure relatability
What people say
Feel more positive about the future
Understand themselves better
Improved relationships
Safe non-judgmental space
Effective coping strategies
Services
Counselling sessions
Individual counselling provides confidential one-on-one support for emotional and mental health challenges. Our BACP-registered therapists use person-centred approaches tailored to each young person's needs. Sessions help improve self-understanding, develop coping strategies, and enhance relationship dynamics through consistent, non-judgmental dialogue.
Sexual health clinic
Walk-in sexual health consultations offer confidential advice, testing, and contraception access for young people. Our clinic provides STI screening, pregnancy testing, and sexual health education in a non-clinical, youth-friendly environment. Services are delivered by trained professionals with safeguarding protocols ensuring client safety and privacy.
Family support
Family-focused interventions help improve communication and resolve relationship difficulties. We facilitate constructive dialogue between young people and their families to address conflicts and build mutual understanding. Our approach recognises family dynamics' impact on mental wellbeing while maintaining the young person's confidentiality boundaries.
Online counselling
Remote counselling sessions provide accessible mental health support through secure digital platforms. This service maintains the same confidentiality standards as face-to-face sessions while offering flexibility for those unable to visit our physical locations. We use encrypted communication channels to ensure privacy.
Coping strategies training
Practical skills workshops teach techniques for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. We provide training in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and crisis management tailored to individual needs. These strategies empower young people to navigate challenges independently while maintaining mental wellbeing.
People
Deborah
Manager
With over 25 years at OTR, Deborah leads our team as Manager. She trained at Metanoia Institute and has extensive experience in youth counselling. She oversees strategic operations while supporting our 23 volunteers and paid staff to deliver optimal services.
Katherine
Assistant Manager
Katherine has worked at OTR since 2013, combining counselling with management responsibilities. A qualified counsellor since 2006, she specialises in youth mental health and contributes to our strategic direction while maintaining direct client contact.
Jess
Assistant Manager
Jess joined OTR as Assistant Manager in 2022 after qualifying in 2018. Her background includes school and university counselling settings. She works directly with young people while contributing to organisational leadership and counsellor recruitment processes.
Hilary
Administrator
Hilary manages front-line operations and communications. With prior experience at The Parent Practice, she ensures smooth administrative functioning while serving as first point of contact for client inquiries and service access.
Sophia
Financial Administrator
Sophia handles financial reporting and management since joining in 2018. She works closely with our board while gaining practical experience towards professional accountancy qualifications, ensuring financial transparency and compliance.
Questions
What age groups do you support?
We provide services for young people aged 11 to 24 who live, work, or study in Richmond Upon Thames borough.
Are services confidential?
Yes, all sessions are confidential with clear safeguarding protocols. We explain confidentiality boundaries during initial consultations.
How do I access counselling?
Contact us via phone, email, or text to arrange an initial assessment. We'll match you with a counsellor and schedule appointments at convenient locations.
What issues can you help with?
We support anxiety, depression, family conflicts, self-harm, trauma, and other mental health challenges through tailored therapeutic approaches.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes, we provide remote counselling through secure digital platforms while maintaining the same confidentiality standards as in-person sessions.
How long are counselling sessions?
Standard sessions last 50 minutes, with appointment frequency determined during initial assessment and regularly reviewed for effectiveness.
Reviews (2)
David Gilbert
Jan 08, 2020
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The staff are really nice, understanding and incredibly helpful, which was impressive when I found out that 1/3 of local young people go there at some point for help. They do confidential counseling and advice, and seem to provide a real pressure valve for young people when they don't feel able to go to their parents, teachers, or other adults in times of need. Every town could do with an Off The Record for kids.
Maria S.
Aug 27, 2017
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My son felt supported here. Unfortunately the waiting list for counselling is too long, although not their fault, mental health is underfunded.
