OTR isn't just a charity providing mental health services, it's a mental health movement mobilised to support, promote and defend the mental health, rights and social position of young people! How we do this is just as important as what we do, because our approach is grounded in a set of beliefs and assumptions about mental health we think it’s important to be transparent about.

OTR’s beliefs, collectively developed across the organisation, underpin our work as a mental health social movement. At all times, OTR strives to give a choice and a voice to young people:

• We believe that our offer should be inclusive of all cultures and identities. OTR’s work not only recognises but actively celebrates diversity.

• We believe that young people have unique strengths, interests and circumstances. OTR will continue to develop creative and diverse services to give young people choice.

• We believe that the world around us impacts our wellbeing. We all have mental health. OTR places our wellbeing in a social, political and environmental context.

• We believe in placing young people at the heart of our work. OTR’s work is guided by young people’s voices; empowering and mobilising young people to make change, both individually and collectively.

• We believe in innovating and evolving to improve our offer for young people. Throughout our long history we have adapted to an ever-changing world and we will continue to do so to ensure our work remains relevant for young people

• We believe that relationships are what make the difference. OTR’s approach centres around relationships between individuals, peers and communities.

• We believe in the power of partnerships. OTR emphasises peer relationships and organisational collaboration to improve young people’s mental health.