We will continue to provide one-to-one advocacy to adults with a diagnosis of OCD who are struggling with an issue due to the nature of their OCD. They might be having problems with their employer or housing provider, where they’re studying or they might be struggling to access appropriate care & treatment. We’ll continue to provide advocacy via email, telephone and, where we have volunteers, face-to-face. Through this work we aim to, not only support people with their specific issue, but also to help them develop life skills such as increased confidence and improved coping strategies so that they can remain healthy & active citizens.

In addition to the face-to-face advocacy work, this funding will give us the chance to influence change on a more regional and national level. We aim to address the collective issues faced by people with OCD and to challenge the discrimination and stigma faced more widely by the OCD community. For example, by looking at local and regional trends we will be able to raise evidenced concerns with commissioners about ease of access, availability and quality of CBT services or highlight an example of good practice by a particular employer towards the needs of an employee with OCD. In this way we hope to ensure a long-term improvement in the quality of life for all people with OCD.