Stephen

I'll be there! Elsewhere it was suggested social events might be arranged for the Sunday (9th July). Are there any? I'm working out when to depart for England! Thanks Stephen

I'm disappointed not to be able to come this year but I'm abroad visiting family - otherwise I'd be up there like a shot and running round with the microphone in the Q&A sessions (my favourite job)! I won't have forgotten OCD as I'll actually be attending the Brisbane (Australia) OCD Support Group on the same day! We're 10 hours ahead here though and I'll be there 4am-6am UK time so not quite coinciding with the conference but I'll try to mention it! I hope all goes very well. Stephen

Hi Foos I think hollie may be referring to the new National Service set up by Prof Salkovskis in the South West. I'm afraid I don't know any details though, and as it's new there may be no feedback available yet! I'm sure others have more info though. Regards Stephen

Hi All The details of the camping weekend are on this post http://www.ocdforums.org/index.php?showtopic=54705&p=470672 which is over on the members only section of the forum as the weekends are for OCD-UK members. If you're not yet a member it's not too late to join up (there is an option of a "temporary membership" for just £4 - in which case let me know by private message or post below). If you're a member of OCD-UK already but can't access that section of the forum let a Moderator know and they should be able to arrange access. In answer to the above questions you would need to be 18 or over to attend on your own although if you are under 18 you can come if accompanied by someone 18 or over. If you want to camp you would need to bring your own tent and sleeping bag but there are Bed & Breakfast's close by if you'd rather not camp. I hope this helps, and hope to see you over on the other section of the forum where you can find out more. Stephen

Sadly I'll have to miss this year as I'll be away.

Hi All I've now posted the details of the next camping weekend on 13th-15th September in Edale, Derbyshire. Please see full details on this link http://www.ocdforums.org/index.php?showtopic=54705&p=470672 and post further comments there. Thank you and I hope to see some new campers there Stephen

Hi All I've now posted the details of the next camping weekend on 13th-15th September in Edale, Derbyshire. Please see full details on this link http://www.ocdforums.org/index.php?showtopic=54705&p=470672 and post further comments there. Thank you and I hope to see some new campers there Stephen

I've been contacted by two separate BBC local Radio stations about features on OCD this week (in fact as it happens today) - BBC Radio Cumbria and BBC Radio Solent. Then I saw Legend's slot on Cambridgeshire. I wondered what was going on and it seems the OCD Boot Camp programme is the reason. What a great flurry of activity!

Hi OS Your post is very clear on what you're asking - don't keep apologising! I think it should get more coverage but like you say it has to be done very professionally and sensitively. It takes a brave person to talk about their experience in this area and one or two have done it, but more need to come forward I reckon. It would be good to hear what others think. Stephen

Hi lofg Yes humour is a great bonus when we have OCD. I actually encourage it in the support groups I run. However the joke didn't seem quite appropriate for the context so hope you'll understand my reaction. Thanks ThreeClicks

I agree with Orange Socks about the surreal nature of the above two comments. I'm not out to ban any private legal and safe activity by consenting partners, regardless of any personal views I may have, but sex is certainly not the focus of the camping weekend!. I would also like to emphasise that my aim is that everyone who comes is safe and feels comfortable. Any unwanted attention will be dealt with. (I suspect the post was intended to be a little provocative so I won't comment further) As to the other post about a B&B for OCD sufferers I welcome the interest but like Orange Socks I think the focus should be on getting better from OCD not accommodating it. However a B&B where people can talk to others about OCD in a supportive environment, while a little unexpected, might be good. Let's draw a line under both these and get back to this weekend's camping, please. Please post further on the other thread if you're interested in coming. Thank you Stephen

Hi oetegenn The details are on the members only area, in this thread: http://www.ocdforums.org/index.php?showtopic=54705 . I didn't want to put more details here for privacy reasons. Maybe you could come for part of it, if it's close to you? Stephen

Thank you Orange Socks :) Please let me know by tomorrow if at all possible though (all info over on the other thread linked above)

Hi njb Yes talking about OCD will be very acceptable. I run OCD Support Groups so am well used to this. The camping weekends are different in that they allow more time for social chat about other things but we usually find we end up talking about OCD for part of the time at least. You would be very welcome. Please post anything further about the weekend over on the other forum post so other campers can reply if they would like. All the best and I hope you can come (please let me know by Friday morning if at all possible) Stephen

Dear All As in previous years I'm organising two camping weekends for members of OCD-UK, and the next one is coming up this weekend! The weekend is open to OCD-UK members. If you're affected by OCD and would like to meet others in the same position in a safe and supportive environment and have some fun too, you can come and join us with a tent or caravan, or stay nearby in a B&B, or come for the day. For full details see this thread in the members only section http://www.ocdforums.org/index.php?showtopic=54705 People who haven't been before are especially welcome. Stephen

Hello Faith Thank you so much for your honest account of your experiences. I will pass this on to the person concerned. Thank you Stephen

Hi crazypants Don't worry, people sometimes take a while to reply. Just saying hello really and a welcome to the forums. I don't know much about medication so can't help with that, but I am sure others can reply about that. Well done for talking about it for the first time and good luck in learning more and getting better. All the best Stephen

Hello all I wonder if anyone could advise of their experiences using the services of Leigh House, Winchester, Hampshire which is a specialist inpatient service for young people. I know someone whose granddaughter is having an assessment there and they would like to know anything about their approach and their record in treating OCD. Thank you Stephen

I LOVE the hedgehog mascot idea!! I agree with Ashley though that the first design does not look hedgehogy enough (to be fair we can only see a small part of him / her). Spike would be a clever and inspired name but I'm wondering if he / she should bear the name of a negative side of OCD. Two things to think about: 1) who or what about OCD should the hedgehog represent? 2) how does the hedgehog fit in with the characters of Jolly and Grump, so well portrayed in the children's guide published some time ago? Should the hedgehog replace these, fit in alongside them, or be placed in an entirely separate position? I'm not sure about either, but I do know that hedgehog will be a popular mascot to our cuddly charity!

Dear All As in previous years I'm organising a couple of camping weekends, open to OCD-UK members. This weekend we'll be camping in Scotland, and any member is welcome, either for the weekend or for the day - Scottish members are particularly welcome therefore but it's not too difficult to get there from elsewhere in the UK too. You don't have to camp as there are some nice B&Bs nearby! Full details are in the members only section of this forum, and it's not too late to book. See this thread http://www.ocdforums.org/index.php?showtopic=49278 Hope you can come Stephen

You go girl (and boy) Well done to you both!!

I know a good number of people with OCD who also have Asperger Syndrome. While I don't know if there is a scientific connection the prevalence seems interesting.

Yes - I get a tune stuck too. It's probably an OCD obsession / compulsion in my case although thankfully one of the least painful ones I've had (but pretty annoying). Basically I'll get a tune in my head and whenever I am doing something rhythmicaly - usually walking - I sort of sound the tune (not singing, humming or whistling - more air coming out of my mouth almost soundlessly) and feel the need to complete the section of music. Whenever I notice myself doing it (it usually starts subconsciously) I now often try to stop it mid-phrase as a sort of exposure, and thankfully the urge to complete the section is not too strong, but it does tend to start again once my attention drops. Most annoying!

Hi All I've offered to post on this forum on behalf of a lady I know who has severe OCD and would love to be able to talk from time to time with someone in similar circumstances. I don't think she has online regular access so this would best be by phone. She is a Mum of two young (I think) children and has had debilitating OCD for some time and struggling a lot, and she is now trying to get more support and help. If anyone in similar circumstances could offer to chat on the phone and provide some moral support I could put you in touch. Thank you Stephen