Triumph Over Phobia (TOP), which is based in Bath, runs self-help groups in the city and in Bristol and other parts of the country. The money will be used to further the general work of the charity in supporting existing groups, setting up new ones and training volunteers to act as group leaders.
TOP’s development officer, Trilby Breckman, said: “This is a most generous donation that will go a long way is helping the many people in our communities who suffer, often in painful silence, from disabilities that seriously affect their lives, sometimes to the point of making it impossible for them to leave the house or go to work.
“Many of those with phobias or OCD are reluctant to seek help because they are afraid of not being taken seriously. Those that do, then find there can be a long waiting list for therapy on the NHS.
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“Our self-help groups, which are recommended by the NHS, can provide immediate help. They are open to anyone aged 18 or above. You do not need to have seen a doctor or have a formal diagnosis to attend. They meet once a week and are run by trained volunteers, many of whom have overcome a phobia or OCD themselves.”
John Thornfield, St John’s community grants officer, said: “One of the primary reasons we elected to support Triumph Over Phobia with a grant towards their running costs was the recognition that there is currently very little support for those with OCD and phobias in comparison to other areas of mental health. Often it is the social stigma attached to such issues which prevents people from actively seeking help and we wanted to do our bit to help address this – both in terms of understanding and funding support.”
For more information about TOP or to join the group, call Trilby on: 01225 571740 or 07763 826618 (mobile) or visit the TOP website at: www.topuk.org